Storage and use of cord blood

ABSTRACT

Cord blood (CB) has been used as an important source for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and has been stored in public CB banks (CBBs) worldwide since the mid-1990s. Recently, the application of cell-based therapy using CB has expanded its clinical utility for various refractory diseases and immunologic diseases through the manufacture of mesenchymal stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells and the isolation of mononuclear cells from CB. In this review, I briefly summarize the biologic characteristics and banking process of CB, as well as the current status of public and private CBBs. I also review the current status of stem cell transplantation and cell-based therapy using CBs. Finally, I suggest strategies of banking CBs in anticipation of future medical advances.