The rationale for implantation of ahSC in people with acute SCI is based on the evidence that Schwann cells are neuroprotective and are capable of myelinating axons. Using mitogen expanded human Schwann cells in SCID mice and athymic female nude rats demonstrated that human Schwann cells can survive and are capable of enhancing axonal regeneration and forming myelin after transplantation in animals with sciatic nerve transection or thoracic spinal cord transection. The proposed clinical trial will advance knowledge about the safety and feasibility of a cell-based treatment strategy for human SCI.