Hematopoietic Stem Cells Characteristics: From Isolation to Transplantation

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have self-renewal as well as pluripotency properties and are responsible for producing all types of blood cells. These cells are generated during embryonic development and transit through various anatomical niches (bone marrow microenvironment). Today, they are easily enriched from some sources, including peripheral blood, bone marrow, and umbilical cord blood (UCB). HSCs have been used for many years to treat a variety of cancers and blood disorders such as various types of leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic, myeloproliferative syndromes, etc. Although almost 50 years have passed since the discovery of stem cells and numerous investigations on cell therapy and regenerative medicine have been made, further studies need to be conducted in this regard. This manuscript review the history, location, evolution, isolation, and therapeutic approaches of HSCs.