autologous hematopoietic stem cells (Northwestern University)

**Autologous hematopoietic stem cells** is an investigational, patient-specific cell therapy evaluated by Northwestern University for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Peripheral-blood hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are collected from the patient and intravenously reinfused after nonmyeloablative immunoablative conditioning with cyclophosphamide, rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin, and rituximab. The intended therapeutic effect is immune-system reconstitution: depletion of pathogenic immune-cell populations followed by regeneration of a less autoreactive immune repertoire, rather than direct binding to aquaporin-4. The Northwestern Phase 1/2 study NCT00787722 evaluated this approach in Devic's disease and was completed. ([clinicaltrials.gov](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00787722))

Other names

autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantationautologous HSCTautologous nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation