Current Advances and Challenges in Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Therapy for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

This review summarizes an overview of stem cell therapy for the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), with a focus on recent advances and ongoing challenges.

Extensive research has aimed to identify ideal cell types and sources for effective and widely feasible cell-based regenerative therapy, highlighting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as the most promising candidates for treating limb ischemia. Mechanistically, secreted factors released from MSCs, including exosomes, significantly contribute to their proangiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, mitochondrial transfer plays a crucial role in promoting tissue repair. New approaches including cell engineering, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, and single-cell omics offer new avenues for enhancing the efficacy of MSC-based cell therapies.

Despite accumulating research indicating its beneficial effects, significant challenges remain before the widespread adoption of stem cell-based therapies for CLTI. Continued research is essential to translate the therapeutic potential of stem cells into routine clinical practice.