Question

What benefit can human stem cells provide to individuals with a genetically determine immunodeficiency? How would the process work? Can individuals receive their own stem cells?

Answer 1

Answer:

The stem cells possess two cardinal characteristics, that is, self-renewal and differentiation. The examples are embryonic stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells. The genetically determined immunodeficiency in a person is generally a result of the defective gene in the hematopoietic stem cells that produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and other components of blood.  

The examples of genetically determined immunodeficiency diseases are SCID, X-linked Agammaglobulinemia, and others. The individual suffering from genetically determined immunodeficiency exhibits a defective gene in hematopoietic stem cells. There are two methods of treatment, that is, stem cell therapy and gene therapy.  

The procedure of stem cell transplantation generally comprises HLA matching, in which the main step is to prevent graft rejection. It is succeeded by harvesting of hematopoietic stem cells from the HLA matched donor. The step of conditioning is performed to eradicate the recipient HSCs by radiotherapy and chemotherapy succeeded by the transfer of harvested donor HSCs to the patient or the recipient.  

A person cannot receive his own stem cells as his or her each and every cell is defective in that specific gene accountable for the disease.