Another
advantage of retrodifferentiation is that it can generate
cells of the specific arm of the immune system, such as B
and T lymphocytes that can help to fight viral infections
and cancer. Moreover, research to date has shown that
retrodifferentiation is also a method by which diseases
such as cancer, autoimmunity and AIDS might be better
understood and possibly treated.
TriStem has retrodifferentiated 'leukaemic' B cells to an
unmutated stem cell stage, in particular in B cell chronic
lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL). Thus, the technology has
the potential to erase or rectify acquired genetic
mutations, the hallmark of a return to a non-malignant
stage. Moreover, not only does the technology produce stem
cells, but also the microenvironment that maintains and
proliferates the stem cells, such as various stromal cell
types. These mesenchymal cells are able to produce a
variety of growth factors that can be utilised in
expanding current populations of stem cells, whether
retrodifferentiated or not. |
