“Helper cells” improve survival rate of transplanted stem
cells, mouse study finds
Like volunteers handing out cups of energy drinks to
marathon runners, specially engineered “helper cells” transplanted along with
stem cells can dole out growth factors to increase the stem cells’ endurance,
at least briefly, Johns Hopkins researchers report. Their study, published in
the September issue of Experimental Neurology, is believed to be the first to
test the helper-cell tactic, which they hope will someday help to overcome a
major barrier to successful stem cell transplants.