Breakthrough: Stem cells transplanted into baby with rare skin disease

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Institute for Advanced Cell Therapy, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center completed the development of a process for the production of a specific type of stem cells, which allows them to be transplanted into a patient with a rare disease that causes blistering of the skin. It is reported by The Jerusalem Post. This is the first advanced cell therapy of its kind, not only in Israel, but also outside the United States. The first transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells was carried out as part of the treatment of a boy who is 2.5 years old. The child suffers from epidermolysis bullosa. The cells are able to provide collagen VII, which is absent in the disease, the scientists say. This promotes skin healing and prevents new blisters from forming. In a rare condition, the blisters burst quickly, leaving slow-healing wounds. Hugging, rubbing your back, or changing a diaper can damage your skin, which can lead to open sores. The disease is caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene, which codes for type VII collagen protein. At the first stage, the child undergoes bone marrow transplantation, followed by three injections of mesenchymal stem cells obtained under sterile conditions from the same donor.

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