NexCell

What Are Stem Cells?

What Makes Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Different 

Migration

MSCs have a special ability to move to specific tissues, going where the body needs them most. This means that stem cells can be injected into the bloodstream to then move on their own to the affected area.

Repair

In the case of tissue damage, MSCs have the ability to release growth factors and specialize into a number of tissue cell types that allow for the tissue to be regenerated.

Immunomodulation

When foreign cells are introduced in the body, the concern is that they will often generate an immune response. Because MSCs express very few antigens on their surfaces that can generate an immune response (like MHCI or MHCII), they do not elicit a reaction from the patient’s immune system T-cells, making them safe to use.

Reduction of Inflammation

MSCs reduce the signal cells that promote inflammation (like TNF-alpha and TNF-gamma). While this is another function that helps them to avoid the immune response, it is also essential to stem cells’ utility in chronic and autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation.

Where Stem Cells Come From 

While stem cells are found throughout the body, the stem cells used in medicine today may be derived from four different sources: umbilical cord tissue, embryonic tissue, bone marrow, and adipose tissue. However, some sources have their drawbacks. Embryonic stem cells raise ethical concerns, while bone marrow and adipose tissue stem cells can only be retrieved through surgical procedures.

Considering this, NexCell uses exclusively umbilical cord stem cells. Umbilical cord tissue retrieval, which takes place immediately after the umbilical cord is cut upon delivery, is non-invasive and ethically sound. In addition to containing mesenchymal stem cells, umbilical cord tissue is a source of growth factors that also play an important role in regenerative medicine.