neurotrophic factor

noun

: any of a group of neuropeptides (such as nerve growth factor) that regulate the growth, differentiation, and survival of neurons

… transplantation of neural precursor cells into the spinal cord of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may be beneficial as a platform for delivering neurotrophic factors that promote neuron differentiation and growth.

—Robert H. Brown Jr., Science

called also neurotrophin