In 2021, research scientists of the Cleveland Cord Blood Center’s Research & Development Laboratory conducted proof-of-concept research in the development of umbilical cord-derived stem cell treatments to address unmet medical needs. Research projects explored treatments for patients with Parkinson’s disease, graft versus host disease, diabetic retinopathy and those with wound healing issues, with the potential to broaden their applications in the future.
In a major development, Scientific Reports published CCBC’s research into the expansion and manufacture of iTregulatory cells while maintaining the stability and unique properties that render them potent in cell therapy for the suppression of inflammatory conditions in autoimmune disorders. This project, with implications for inflammatory-related diseases such as graft versus host disease, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, is currently in preclinical development. Lead researcher Jonathan Kenyon, Ph.D., Research Associate, is further exploring various conditions that may optimize the manufacture of iTreg cells during expansion.
Carey and Sinha Named Lead Researchers
The Research & Development Laboratory welcomed two new research associates, Heather Carey, Ph.D., and Satyabrata Sinha, Ph.D., to continue advancing the team’s wound healing research and Parkinson’s disease research respectively.
Carey’s Wound Healing research is investigating how the topical application of umbilical cord blood monocytes and platelet rich plasma on a biomolecular scaffold enhances wound debridement, infection resolution, and new blood vessel formation – all processes required for healthy wound healing. By the end of 2021, Carey’s research moved into its next phase, and she is currently testing this therapy in a diabetic wound healing model in mice for proof of concept and safety.
Satyabrata Sinha is leading CCBC’s exploration of an innovative therapeutic approach using a dual stem cell therapy consisting of mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells derived from a single cord blood graft to treat the debilitating neurodegenerative Parkinson’s disease.
“While we take individual responsibility for moving our research projects forward, using a team approach to collaborate, share ideas, critique experiments and review results is supporting the development of lifesaving therapies derived from cord blood,” Kenyon said.