Cellular Stem Cell Therapy for Treating Traumatic Brain Injury: Strategies for Enhancement of Therapeutic Efficacy

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) influences a considerable population globally. TBI notably impacts both fatalities and disabilities worldwide. The mortality related to TBI is a significant concern in public health, affecting persons across various age groups and demographic profiles. More research and preventative interventions are required to alleviate TBIs' effects and optimize patient outcomes. Stem cell (SC) treatment exhibits promise as a viable strategy for addressing TBI due to its capacity to possibly restore or regenerate the compromised cells within the central nervous system. Additionally, it can influence the inflammatory response and increase neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Increasing evidence has shown that SC transplantation has the potential to enhance functional recovery and decrease the extent of lesions in animal models of TBI. Nevertheless, several hurdles and ambiguities persist in determining the most effective source, dosage, administration method, timing, and mechanism of action for SC treatment for TBI. Further investigation is required to prove the safety and effectiveness of SC treatment for TBI in human subjects. This review brings insight into the strategies for utilizing SCs as cellular therapy for TBI, mainly based on preclinical investigations and TBI-induced animal models. In addition, this study also addresses many elements related to cell transfusion in the context of TBI, including considerations of cell amount, method, and timing. Integrating biomaterials and genetically altering SCs as potential strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy are also presented. We also describe the potential of SCs in treating TBI and evaluate the effectiveness of cellular therapy and its corresponding outcomes.