Stem Cells in MS

To get closer to our vision of a world free of MS, we believe that all potential types of cell therapies must be explored. Although cell-based therapy has generated a great deal of interest and holds promise, the field is still developing and continued research will determine its effectiveness and safety in treating MS.

Learn more about aHSCT, a type of stem cell therapy, for treating relapsing MS.

• HSCs (haematopoietic stem cells) – adult stem cells that are found in bone marrow and blood. HSCs are capable of producing all of the cells that make up the blood and the immune system.
• MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) – adult stem cells found in several places in the body, including the bone marrow, skin and fat tissue. They produce cells which help other stem cells function properly.
• NSCs (neural stem cells) – specialized stem cells responsible for repairing nerve-insulating myelin in the brain. These can be derived from other types of stem cells such as mesenchymal cells.
• hESCs (human embryonic stem cells) – stem cells derived from donated embryos. They can naturally produce every type of cell in the body. One concern about their potential therapeutic use is that they have been found to cause tumors.
• iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells) – engineered from adult cells to produce many types of cells. One concern about their potential therapeutic use is that they have been found to cause tumors.

• National MS Society research in stem cells - National MS Society funded stem cell research
• Stem cell therapy and repairing myelin damage in MS
• Treatments available for people with MS
• FDA's advice to consumers about stem cells
• Learn more about stem cells from the International Society for Stem Cell Research
• Stem cell clinics and questions to ask