cord blood unit

Cord blood unit refers to a discrete collection of blood obtained from the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. This blood is rich in **hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells**, as well as mesenchymal stem cells, making it a valuable source for stem cell transplantation and regenerative therapies. The primary mechanism involves stem cell engraftment, where transplanted cells from the cord blood unit restore hematopoiesis and immune function in recipients, especially after chemotherapy or in cases of blood, immune, or metabolic disorders. Cord blood units are stored in public or private cord blood banks and are used both for **autologous** (self) and **allogeneic** (donor to recipient) transplants. Clinical indications include **leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and inherited metabolic and immunologic diseases**. Cord blood units show unique immunological characteristics, such as tolerating more human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches than bone marrow, and reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease. They are increasingly used in research and early trials for regenerative medicine targeting neurodegenerative conditions, cerebral palsy, diabetes complications, and congenital heart disease[1][2][4][5][6][7][9][10].

Brand names

HEMACORDCLEVECORDDUCORDALLOCORD

Other names

cord bloodumbilical cord bloodumbilical cord blood unitUCB unit