Adipose stem cell homing and routes of delivery

Abstract Adipose stem cells (ASCs) are multipotent mesenchymal stem cells that are involved in regenerative tissue repair. Upon injury, a gradient of signals promotes migration and homing of ASCs at the site of injury. Toward applying ASCs for regenerative therapies, several homing strategies are investigated including magnetically guiding ASCs to target tissues upon labeling with magnetic nanoparticles. Alternatively, targeted delivery of ASCs at the site of injury is also assessed. While the intravenous delivery has been tested in both preclinical and clinical studies, efficacy of localized delivery via intraarterial, intraparenchymal, and intramyocardial injections is currently tested for cell-based regenerative therapies.