Human Schwann Cells

Schwann Cells (SC), also called neurilemma cells, reside in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) of all vertebrate species. Human Schwann Cells (HSwC) are glial cells that keep both myelinated and unmyelinated peripheral nerve fibres alive. Human Schwann cells play an important role in supporting the development, function, and regeneration of peripheral nerves. There are two types of Schwann cells: myelinating and nonmyelinating Schwann cells. It is noteworthy that the process of Schwann Cells differentiating into myelinating or non-myelinating cells is reversible. Schwann Cells form the myelin sheath in myelinated axons. Nonmyelinating Schwann cells play a role in axon maintenance and are vital to neuronal survival.

Schwann Cells vs Oligodendrocytes
To some degree, these cells are equivalent to oligodendrocytes, a type of neuroglia in the central nervous system. However, a single myelinating Schwann Cell provides insulation to only one axon. While each oligodendrocyte can extend this process to 50 axons.

The in vitro proliferative Human Schwann Cells can be stimulated by various growth factors including PDGF, FGF, neuregulin, and others.

Applications
Human Schwann Cells obtained via in vitro culture are found useful for correcting the deficiencies of an injury or disease.
Human Schwann Cell model system has great potential in therapeutic genes and drugs screening, treatment for acquired and inherited demyelinating neuropathies. The HSwC from specific patient could be used to study an onset to understand mechanisms.