First-generation stem cell therapy utilized heterogeneous populations of cells, such as BMMNCs and more purified MSCs and EPCs isolated from either bone marrow or blood. Second-generation stem cells include purified cardiac cell populations such as c-kit⁺ CSCs and CDCs, ESC-derived cells, allogeneic cells, cardiopoietic cells, and combinations of stem cells. Proposed next-generation approaches will utilize placenta and umbilical cord (Wharton’s jelly) cells, iPSC-derived cells, stem cell-derived exosomes, and cell-containing patches.

ADRC, adipose-derived regenerative cell; BMMNC, bone marrow mononuclear cell; CDC, cardiosphere-derived cell; CSC, cardiac stem cell; ESC, embryonic stem cell; iPSC, induced pluripotent stem cell; MSC, mesenchymal stem cell.

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