The development of encapsulated cell technologies as therapies for neurological and sensory diseases
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Date
2012-02
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Cell encapsulation therapies involve the implantation of cells that secrete a therapeutic factor to provide clin-
ical benefits. The transplanted cells are protected from immunorejection via encapsulation in a semiperme-
able membrane. This treatment strategy was originally investigated as a method for protecting pancreatic
islets from immunorejection, thus allowing them to secrete insulin as a chronic treatment for diabetes.
Since then a significant body of work has been conducted in developing cell encapsulation therapies to treat a
variety of different diseases. Many of these conditions involve neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's and
Parkinson's disease, as cell encapsulation therapies have proven to be particularly suitable for delivering thera-
peutics to the central nervous system. This is mainly because they offer chronic delivery of a therapeutic and
can be implanted proximal to the affected tissue, bypassing the blood brain barrier, which is impermeable to
many agents. Whilst these therapies are not yet widely available in the clinic, promising results have been
obtained in several advanced clinical trials and further developmental work is currently underway. This review
specifically examines the development of encapsulated cell therapies as treatments for neurological and sensory
diseases and evaluates the challenges that are yet to be overcome before they can be made available for clinical
use.
Description
Keywords
Encapsulation, Neurotrophin, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Hearing Loss, Retinal Degeneration
Citation
Zanin, M. P., Pettingill, L. N., Harvey, A. R., Emerich, D. F., Thanos, C. G., & Shepherd, R. K. (2012). The development of encapsulated cell technologies as therapies for neurological and sensory diseases. Journal of Controlled Release, 160, 3–13.