Clinical applications of pluripotent stem cells and their derivatives: current status and future perspectives

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can differentiate into specific cell types and thus hold great promise in regenerative medicine to treat certain diseases. Hence, several studies have been performed harnessing their salutary properties in regenerative medicine. Despite several challenges associated with the clinical applications of PSCs, worldwide efforts are harnessing their potential in the regeneration of damaged tissues. Several clinical trials have been performed using PSCs or their derivatives. However, the delay in publishing the data obtained in the trials has led to a lack of awareness about their outcomes, resulting in apprehension about cellular therapies. Here, the authors review the published papers containing data from recent clinical trials done with PSCs. PSC-derived extracellular vesicles hold great potential in regenerative therapy. Since published papers containing the data obtained in clinical trials on PSC-derived extracellular vesicles are not available yet, the authors have reviewed some of the pre-clinical work done with them. Plain language summary Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can make all types of cells in the body. Likewise, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are laboratory-generated counterparts of ESCs, possess similar properties. ESCs and iPSCs have immense application in regenerative medicine, as they can be the only cure for certain diseases and conditions that are incurable with currently available treatments; however, several challenges remain. Notably, many clinical trials using these cells or their products are going on globally. However, due to the extensive time frame required to complete the clinical trials and publish the data obtained, the outcomes of these trials do not reach the general population. This delay in information flow to the public domain creates apprehension about cellular therapy. Here, the authors have reviewed recent publications documenting the results obtained in the clinical trials done with ESCs and iPSCs (together referred to as pluripotent stem cells). The vesicles (called extracellular vesicles) secreted by pluripotent stem cells also have great regenerative potential. Since published papers containing the results obtained in clinical trials done with these vesicles are not available yet, the authors have reviewed some pre-clinical work done on them.