Amnion Epithelial Cells - a Therapeutic Source

Purpose of Review In this review, we will explore the clinical and commercial focus on amniotic membranes (AMs) and their use in tissue engineering (TE). We will showcase the therapeutic potential of AM-isolated epithelial cells (hAECs) and the prospective use of their secreted factors, extracellular vesicles (EVs), in cell and non-cell therapies. Recent Findings The potential of the hAECs as a therapeutic source has been investigated in various preclinical models with some progressing into phase I clinical trials to evaluate their safety. Additionally, multiple animal studies showcase the therapeutic potential of EVs as non-cellular treatments. Summary The amniotic membrane (AM) has been used as a form of regenerative medicine in wound healing for burns and ulcerated surfaces and in ophthalmology for over a century. In the last few decades, research has looked to the use of the various stem cells that can be isolated from the A.M. The use of AM-isolated hAECs has proven rather promising with phase I clinical trials currently underway across life-threatening diseases in both pediatric and adult populations. However, due to limitations of using cell-based therapies (e.g., cost of production, delivery restricted to major hospitals, etc.), attention has turned to investigating EVs secreted by the cells.