Potential mechanisms and applications of autologous olfactory ensheathing cells in optic nerve injury repair

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.2095-9141.2025.06.006

Abstract

Abstract:

Optic nerve injury is a common and severe neurological disorder that can lead to severe visual dysfunction or even blindness. As the optic nerve belongs to the central nervous system, it has traditionally been considered to possess limited regenerative capacity, making the repair process highly challenging. In recent years, with advancements in regenerative medicine and cell therapy, autologous olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) have garnered increasing research attention for neural injury repair due to their abilities to support axonal regeneration, secrete multiple neurotrophic factors, and modulate the injury microenvironment. This review will focus on the mechanisms of action and recent research progress of OECs in experimental studies, particularly in animal models of optic nerve injury, aiming to provide theoretical support and references for basic research and the development of cell-based therapeutic strategies for optic nerve injury repair.

Key words: Olfactory ensheathing cells, Optic nerve diseases, Nerve repair

Pengfei Wu, Xinyu Guan, Uralbek Natzierk·, McMatyimin Aliye·, Kerdehan Nujalik·, Yichen Chen, Akram Paziliya·, Zekun Ma. Potential mechanisms and applications of autologous olfactory ensheathing cells in optic nerve injury repair[J]. Chinese Journal of Neurotraumatic Surgery(Electronic Edition), 2025, 11(06): 371-375.

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