Insights into the biology of cord blood stem/progenitor cells

OBJECTIVES: To review information on cord blood banking and transplantation with respect to the author's studies, and in context of this field of investigation. RESULTS: Cord blood transplantation has been successfully used to treat a number of malignant and non-malignant disorders. However, this technique is still associated with limited numbers of cells for transplantation, and with delayed engraftment of neutrophils and platelets. The field of cord blood transplantation will benefit from enhanced and mechanistically based information on haematopoietic stem cell function and potential means to enhance its effectiveness are reviewed. This includes notions concerning possibility of retrieving more cells from the placenta and cord blood, to expand haematopoietic stem cells ex vivo and to increase efficiency of homing and engraftment of these cells. Also discussed are cryopreservation and long-term storage of cord blood haematopoietic and progenitor cells, and new laboratory findings and animal studies for non-haematopoietic uses of cord blood.