Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Oct 16;25(20):11121. doi: 10.3390/ijms252011121.
The cornea is a vital component of the visual system, and its integrity is crucial for optimal vision. Damage to the cornea resulting from trauma, infection, or disease can lead to blindness. Corneal regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) offers a promising alternative to corneal transplantation. MSCs are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into various cell types, including corneal cells. They can also secrete a variety of anti-inflammatory cytokines and several growth factors, promoting wound healing and tissue reconstruction. This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which MSCs and MSC-EVs contribute to corneal regeneration. It discusses the potential of MSCs and MSC-EV for treating various corneal diseases, including corneal epithelial defects, dry eye disease, and keratoconus. The review also highlights finalized human clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of MSC-based therapy in corneal regeneration. The therapeutic potential of MSCs and MSC-EVs for corneal regeneration is promising; however, further research is needed to optimize their clinical application.
角膜是视觉系统的重要组成部分，其完整性对于最佳视力至关重要。创伤、感染或疾病导致的角膜损伤会导致失明。使用间充质干细胞 (MSCs) 和 MSC 衍生的细胞外囊泡 (MSC-EVs) 进行角膜再生为角膜移植提供了一种有前途的替代方法。MSCs 是多能基质细胞，可分化为多种细胞类型，包括角膜细胞。它们还可以分泌多种抗炎细胞因子和几种生长因子，促进伤口愈合和组织重建。本综述总结了目前对 MSCs 和 MSC-EVs 促进角膜再生的分子和细胞机制的理解。它讨论了 MSCs 和 MSC-EV 治疗各种角膜疾病的潜力，包括角膜上皮缺损、干眼症和圆锥角膜。该综述还强调了最终的人类临床试验，这些试验调查了基于 MSC 的治疗在角膜再生中的安全性和疗效。MSCs 和 MSC-EVs 用于角膜再生的治疗潜力是有希望的；然而，需要进一步的研究来优化其临床应用。
