Therapeutic efficacy of genetically engineered neural stem cells in cerebral ischemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Existing preclinical literature suggests that genetically modified NSCs have the potential to improve therapeutic efficacy of NSCs. However, our systematic review revealed the field lacks uniformity in outcomes measured, an optimised protocol for cell therapy and absence of large animal model studies, all of which pose significant barriers to clinical translation and must be addressed for the field to progress. While we were unable to identify a clear candidate gene, our review highlights the potential for genetically modified NSCs as a future adjunct neuroprotective therapy for stroke and warrants further research in this area.