Neurotrophic factor–secreting mesenchymal stem cell (MSC-NTF cell)

Neurotrophic factor–secreting mesenchymal stem cells are engineered or induced mesenchymal stem cells that secrete elevated levels of multiple neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)[1][2]. These cells are developed using specific culture conditions to enhance their secretion profile. The resulting product—often referred to as "MSC–NTF cells" or by the proprietary name "NurOwn®"—has been investigated in clinical trials for its potential to treat various neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS and progressive forms of MS[2][3][4]. The therapeutic rationale is based on the ability of these secreted factors to support neuron survival, promote regeneration, modulate immune responses within the central nervous system, and potentially slow disease progression. Clinical studies have shown that administration of these cells can lead to increased levels of beneficial trophic factors at sites of injury or degeneration with some evidence for slowing functional decline in ALS patients. However, this is a cellular therapy approach rather than a traditional molecular target such as a receptor or enzyme. Because "Neurotrophic factor secretion by mesenchymal stem cells" describes a biological process performed by engineered cellular products—not an individual molecule/receptor/target—the entry is considered incorrect for standard molecular target databases. It does not refer to a discrete protein/gene but rather an engineered function across several molecules produced by modified human cells.[1][2][3]

Other names

MSC-NTF cellNeurotrophic factor–secreting MSCNurOwn® (commercial/clinical name)Mesenchymal stem cell secreting neurotrophic factors