National heart, lung, and blood institute resources and programs for cell-based therapies

For more than three decades the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has supported research and sponsored programs in basic cell biology and stem cell research. Many NHLBI-funded investigators contributed to the characterization of the hematopoietic stem cell, which has served as a prototype for other stem cell systems. This research has led to successful clinical applications of bone marrow stem cell harvests, umbilical cord blood units, and peripheral blood cell apheresis products for the treatment of genetic and malignant blood diseases, and the evaluation of new hematopoietic cell-based therapies by an NHLBI/NCI-sponsored transplant network.1 This experience provided the framework for the institute’s current programs and resources for exploring potential application of novel cell-based therapies to a wide array of heart, lung, and blood diseases. This includes more recent clinical testing to determine whether bone marrow cells are useful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases2 and a program beginning in the fall of 2007 for collaborative studies on lung stem cell biology and cell-based therapy.3 This article outlines the programs in stem cell research and cell-based therapies that have led to these new opportunities as well as current research opportunities, available resources, and training programs. Future directions for regenerative medicine at NHLBI will include these strategies and integrate “advances in regenerative biology to develop clinically feasible applications” (Goal 2.1a).4 ### NHLBI Cell-based Therapy Group To promote a coordinated approach to stem cell research leading to cell-based therapies, NHLBI established its own cell-based therapy group in August 2001. The NHLBI group, composed of program officers from the Heart, Lung, and Blood Divisions, convened a 2-day meeting of 24 experts in May 2002 to define state-of-the-science, identify opportunities and roadblocks, and assist in formulating a strategic NHLBI plan for new cell-based therapies. The working group’s top recommendation advocated continued, strong basic research …