Every year, 30 000 people suffer a stroke in Sweden. Stroke is the most common cause of chronic disability among adults; two out of three stroke survivors have permanent motor, sensory or cognitive symptoms. Effective treatment to regain function is lacking. In this project, we use established animal models, in which transient blockage of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery results in structural and functional deficits similar to those in humans, to develop novel treatments for stroke. To replace the dead neurons in the cerebral cortex, we are reprogramming support cells in the damaged area into neurons or transplanting specific neurons, produced by reprogramming the stroke patient's own skin cells, into the stroke-affected brain. We are also adding immune cells (monocytes) to stimulate neuronal regeneration from the adult brain's own stem cells and from the transplanted cells, and to optimize other regenerative mechanisms. Within the framework of the project, we are also planning, based on positive animal experimental data, a phase 1/2 clinical study in stroke patients with the aim of improving functional recovery by adding monocytes in the post-ischemic phase. This translational research uses cell therapeutic strategies to recover brain function after stroke. If successful, the project could have a major impact on the treatment of many stroke patients.