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The implantation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells may be a useful therapeutic strategy for targeting remyelination. However, it is yet to be established how these cells behave after implantation and whether they retain the capacity to proliferate or differentiate into myelin-forming oligodendrocytes. One essential issue is the creation of administration protocols and determining which factors need to be well established. There is controversy around whether these cells may be implanted simultaneously with corticosteroid treatment, which is widely used in many clinical situations. This study assesses the influence of corticosteroids on the capacity for proliferation and differentiation and the survival of human oligodendroglioma cells. Our findings show that corticosteroids reduce the capacity of these cells to proliferate and to differentiate into oligodendrocytes and decrease cell survival. Thus, their effect does not favour remyelination; this is consistent with the results of studies with rodent cells. In conclusion, protocols for the administration of oligodendrocyte lineage cells with the aim of repopulating oligodendroglial niches or repairing demyelinated axons should not include corticosteroids, given the evidence that the effects of these drugs may undermine the objectives of cell transplantation.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic degenerative autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that causes inflammation, demyelinating lesions, and axonal damage and is associated with a high rate of early-onset disability. Disease-modifying therapies are used to mitigate the inflammatory process in MS but do not promote regeneration or remyelination; cell therapy may play an important role in these processes, modulating inflammation and promoting the repopulation of oligodendrocytes, which are responsible for myelin repair. The development of genetic engineering has led to the emergence of stable, biocompatible biomaterials that may promote a favorable environment for exogenous cells. This review summarizes the available evidence about the effects of transplantation of different types of stem cells reported in studies with several animal models of MS and clinical trials in human patients. We also address the advantages of combining cell therapy with biomaterials.