Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells in ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating incurable neurodegenerative disease that targets motor neurons (MNs) in the primary motor cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord leading to muscle atrophy, paralysis and death due to respiratory failure within 2-5 years. Currently, there is no cure for ALS. The development of a therapy that can support or restore MN function and attenuate toxicity in the spinal cord provides the most comprehensive approach for treating ALS. Mesenchymal stem cells might be suitable for cell therapy in ALS because of their immunomodulatory and protective properties. In this review the authors discuss the major challenges to the translation of in vitro and animal studies of MSCs therapy in the clinical setting.