Kidney stem/progenitor cells as a potent source for kidney-targeted cell therapy.

Chronic kidney disease affects 1 in 10 people worldwide with a significant proportion of patients progressing towards kidney failure. For these patients, kidney transplantation represents the treatment of choice. However, the success of this treatment depends on the availability of kidney grafts, which currently points out to a shortage of organs. At the same time, a considerable amount of donated kidneys are declined for transplantation due to their poor quality. In this research project, we seek to improve the quality and functionality of discarded kidney grafts by introducing a novel and unique source of cell therapy, the neonatal kidney/stem progenitor cells (nKSPC). The nKSPC are isolated non-invasively from the urine of preterm neonates and show promising potential to target effective kidney repair based on their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. In order to explore their translational application, we will perform in depth characterization of the nKSPC followed by delivery of nKSPC to human kidneys ex vivo using the machine perfusion technology. Finally, clinical-grade culture conditions for the nKSPC will be established using a high-throughput robotic platform.