Placenta
Stem Cells

The placenta, usually discarded after birth, is actually one of the richest sources of stem cells in the human body. Placenta banking allows families to store these valuable cells at birth, preserving them for potential future use in regenerative medicine and advanced cell therapies.

Placental stem cells are young, biologically active cells that are being widely studied for their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. With over 60 clinical trials currently underway worldwide, researchers are exploring their potential role in treating immune disorders, inflammatory conditions, and tissue damage. [1][2]

By storing placental tissue at birth, families may secure access to a powerful source of stem cells that could play an important role in future medical treatments.

Placental stem cells are primarily mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) — multipotent cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into multiple tissue types. These cells can develop into structures such as bone, cartilage, muscle and connective tissue. [1][4]

Because they originate from perinatal tissue, placental stem cells are:

• Biologically young and highly active
• Rich in regenerative signalling molecules
• Easier to expand in laboratory conditions
• Less likely to trigger immune rejection

These unique characteristics make placental stem cells an exciting area of research in regenerative medicine and advanced therapies. [2]

Placenta banking preserves a valuable biological resource that may support future medical innovations.

Mesenchymal stromal cells derived from the placenta are widely studied because of their ability to influence tissue repair and immune responses.

These cells primarily work through paracrine signalling, releasing factors that communicate with surrounding cells and stimulate regeneration. [2][4]

Research suggests these signalling pathways may support:

• Immunomodulation
• Formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
• Reduction of inflammation
• Prevention of cell death
• Support for tissue regeneration and repair [2][4]
• These properties have made MSCs a major focus of regenerative medicine research.

Placental stem cells are currently being investigated in more than 60 clinical trials worldwide.

Areas of research include:

• Immune-related diseases
• Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)
• Lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Cardiovascular and vascular diseases
• Tissue repair and regenerative medicine

In some studies, placental MSCs have been explored for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, which may help reduce complications following stem cell transplantation. [3]

While many applications are still under investigation, the growing number of trials highlights the rapidly expanding interest in placental stem cell therapies.

Research has also explored their role in promoting angiogenesis and tissue regeneration, particularly in patients with critical limb ischemia. [3]

The field of regenerative medicine is evolving rapidly, with stem cell therapies becoming an important focus of biomedical research.

Placental stem cells are particularly promising because they combine several key advantages:

• High regenerative potential
• Strong immunomodulatory properties
• Ethical and non-invasive collection
• Large numbers of cells available for research

As scientific understanding continues to grow, placenta banking may provide families with access to a powerful biological resource that could support future medical innovations.

1. Malek A., Bersinger N.A.
   Human placental stem cells: biomedical possibilities and clinical significance.
   Journal of Stem Cells. 2011;6(2):75-92.
2. Pethe P., Kale V.
   Placenta: A gold mine for translational research and regenerative medicine.
   Reproductive Biology. 2021.
3. Shirbaghaee Z. et al.
   Report on a phase I clinical trial evaluating therapy with human mesenchymal stem cells from the placenta in patients with critical limb ischemia.
   Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 2023;14(1):174.
4. Deng X. et al.
   Different biological properties of mesenchymal stem cells obtained from different components of the human placenta.
   Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports. 2024;39:101739.
5. Semenova E. et al.
   Isolation and characteristics of mesenchymal stromal cells from different parts of placenta.
   Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 2017.
6. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from perinatal tissues for the treatment of patients with life-threatening ARDS caused by SARS-CoV-2.
   Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 2021;12:91.