umbilical cord blood (Duke University)

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) infusion is a cell therapy modality involving the intravenous administration of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, as well as various immune cell subsets (including regulatory T cells and monocytes) derived from the umbilical cord and placenta. Historically used as an alternative to bone marrow for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with hematologic malignancies and bone marrow failure, UCB is increasingly investigated for its regenerative and immunomodulatory potential. In neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and ischemic stroke, UCB is hypothesized to promote neural repair through paracrine signaling and anti-inflammatory effects. In autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, it is studied for its ability to re-establish immune tolerance. The therapy can be administered in autologous (patient's own) or allogeneic (donor) settings, often without the need for full HLA matching or intensive conditioning in non-oncological applications.

Other names

cord blood infusionUCBcord blood transfusionautologous umbilical cord bloodallogeneic umbilical cord bloodumbilical cord blood cells