Intra-Arterial Transplantation of Human Glial Progenitor Cells Promotes Neurogenesis and Functional Recovery After Experimental TraumaticBrain Injury

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury presents a significant challenge, characterized by complex pathologies including neuroinflammation and axonal degeneration with limited treatment options. One of the promising areas of traumatic brain injury treatment is cell therapy. However, a critical aspect of this therapy is the method of stem/progenitor cell administration. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of glial progenitor cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells after intra-arterial administration in an experimental model of traumatic brain injury of male Wistar rats. METHODS: Neurological status was assessed using the limb-placing, cylinder, and beam walking tests. Lesion volume was quantified by magnetic resonance imaging. Markers of inflammation and neurogenesis were analyzed using immunofluorescence staining and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cell migration was tracked via magnetic resonance imaging and histology. RESULTS: Intra-arterial administration provided targeted delivery of cells into the cerebral vasculature. The cells successfully crossed the blood-brain barrier, migrated into the brain parenchyma, and were detectable for up to 48 hours. Transplantation led to significant improvement in sensorimotor function, reduced neuroinflammation in the injured area, and promoted neurogenesis. DISCUSSION: The observed therapeutic effects are likely mediated by the factors secreted by glial progenitor cells, which possess anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties (paracrine signaling effect) and/or by their transient interactions with the target cells (juxtacrine signaling effect). CONCLUSION: Glial progenitor cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells and delivered via the intra-arterial route show promise for the treatment of traumatic brain injury by reducing inflammation and enhancing neurogenesis.