CD133⁺ cells isolated from various sources and their role in future clinical perspectives

Abstract

Background. CD133 is a member of a novel family of cell surface glycoproteins. Initially, the expression of CD133 antigen was seen only in the hematopoietic derived CD34⁺ stem cells. At present, CD133 expression is demonstrated in undifferentiated epithelium, different types of tumors and myogenic cells. CD133⁺ neurosphere cells isolated from brain are able to differentiate into both neurons and glial cells. These data suggested that CD133 could be a specific marker for various stem and progenitor cell populations.

Objectives. The main goal would be to describe the role for CD133 as a marker of stem cells able to engraft and differentiate, to form functional non-hematopoietic adult lineages and contribute to disease amelioration via tissue regeneration.

Results/conclusion. In conclusion, since the rise of CD133 antigen as a suitable stem cell marker, the possible use of CD133⁺ stem cells in therapeutic applications has opened a new promising field in the treatment of degenerating diseases. The human circulating cells expressing the CD133 antigen behave as a stem cell population capable of commitment to hematopoietic, endothelial and myogenic lineages. CD133 cell therapy may represent a promising treatment for many diseases.

Keywords::

• CD133⁺
• DMD
• prominin-1
• stem cells

Acknowledgments

This paper has been sponsored by the Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies (AMM), Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM), Associazione La Nostra Famiglia Fondo DMD Gli Amici di Emanuele, Associazione Amici del Centro Dino Ferrari, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and the European Union Framework Programme 223098.

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