A significant body of evidence suggests that culture expanded mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are short-lived, paracrine signalers that briefly calm inflammation following in vivo administration before disappearing. However, emerging preclinical and early clinical evidence suggests that MSCs may also induce longer-term immunological changes through mechanisms such as trained immunity and epigenetic imprinting of hematopoietic or precursor stem cells in the bone marrow.

This Collection welcomes original research or review articles describing novel findings and insights on immune re-programming mediated by MSCs and evidence of long-term effects in vivo.

All submissions in this Collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.

The discovery of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) has empowered the production of large quantities of desired human cell types. With methodological advancements, PSCs can be differentiated into multiple cell types of the brain and spinal cord, including dopaminergic, GABAergic, serotonergic, cholinergic, and glutamatergic neurons, as well as astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes, paving the way for several novel findings for neurological disorders. Apart from 2D models, over the past few years, PSC-derived brain organoids have also provided an unprecedented opportunity to decode the aetiology of many neurological disorders at the cellular and molecular levels. Further, PSC-derived cells have been extensively tested for their efficacy in treating various neurological disorders by replacing damaged or dysfunctional cells, thereby creating opportunities for PSC-based cell therapies. Based on preclinical data, several pluripotent stem cell-based therapies are currently under clinical trials. These PSC-derived cells and models have also facilitated the testing of repurposed drugs, novel drugs, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, epigenetic modulators, DNA/RNA-based therapeutics, small-molecule inhibitors, natural products, and nutraceuticals to promote neural regeneration. Additionally, PSC-derived cells and products derived from PSCs, such as extracellular vesicles, are being investigated for their potential as drug delivery vehicles or bioengineered for the nano delivery of specific biomolecules to treat brain disorders. Overall, PSCs, derived cells and brain organoids have provided multiple therapeutic opportunities for treating neurological disorders.

To expand our understanding of the translation aspects of PSC-enabled therapies for neurological disorders, we invite researchers to contribute to this Collection by submitting original research articles in the following areas. A limited number of high-quality review articles will also be considered.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

• Robust cell transplantation studies of PSC-derived progenitor cells in established preclinical models of neurological disorders
• Studies identifying the durability and long-term safety of PSC-based therapies.
• Evaluation of methods/molecules that support abolishing PSCs in the transplant pool.
• Improved immunosuppression strategies for preventing transplant rejection.
• Directed differentiation protocols that yield high-purity cells for transplantation.
• Therapeutics identified from a high-throughput screening of drugs for neurological disorders based on PSC-derived models.
• PSC-derived models used for patient-specific drug screening.
• Biomarker discovery for neurological diseases identified through PSC-derived models.
• Pharmacological interventions for neurological disorders through drug-loaded extracellular vesicles derived from PSC-derived cells.
• Impact of bioengineered EVs derived from iPSC-derived cells for neurological disorders.
• Identification of novel pathophysiology of neurological diseases identified through PSC-derived models that open significant therapeutic opportunities.
• PSC-based studies that identified repurposed drugs, novel drugs, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, epigenetic modulators, DNA/RNA-based therapeutics, small-molecule inhibitors, natural products, nutraceuticals, etc, to promote neural regeneration.
• Any other relevant original contributions.

All submissions in this Collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.