Advantages and challenges of using allogeneic vs. autologous sources for neuronal cell replacement in Parkinson’s disease: Insights from non-human primate studies

Abstract

Intracerebral grafting of dopamine-producing cells is proposed as a strategy to replace the typical neurons lost to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and improve PD motor symptoms. Non-human primate studies have provided clues on the relationship between the host’s immune response and grafting success. Herein, we discuss how the host’s immune system differentially affects the graft depending on the origin of the cells and reflect on the advantages and limitations of the immune paradigms utilized to assess graft-related outcomes. We also consider new strategies to minimize or circumvent the host’s immunological response and related preclinical research needed to identify the most promising new approaches to be translated into the clinic.