CORD-BLOOD STEM AND PROGENITOR-CELL THERAPY FOR IMMUNODEFICIENCY AND OTHER DISORDERS

Cord blood, a rich source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, has been used for transplantation in both a sibling and an unrelated s etting. More than 100 transplants have been done for a variety of nonm alignant diseases, including genetic immunodeficiencies and malignant disorders. The clinical results are encouraging and have demonstrated engraftment and low levels of graft-versus-host disease. Cord blood tr ansplantation has been helped by the establishment of cord blood banks . Although there is much still to be learned regarding the biology, im munology, and transplantation of cord blood, the future of this form o f transplantation is extremely promising.