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Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine in Ophthalmology pp 43–56Cite as

The Current Status of Corneal Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation in Humans

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Part of the book series: Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine ((STEMCELL))

Abstract

The cornea provides an accessible source of adult stem cells for cell-based therapies. Corneal stem cells have been discovered in the three primary strata—epithelium, stroma, and endothelium—of the cornea. Limbal epithelial stem cells are found on the surface and are able to differentiate into transient amplifying cells, which can regenerate epithelial tissues. Limbal stem cell deficiencies can result in epithelial defects, ulceration, corneal vascularization, chronic inflammation, scarring, and conjunctivalization of the cornea. Stromal stem cells share many properties with bone marrow-derived stem cells. Though stromal stem cell research is in the early stages, these cells may one day provide bio-prosthetic stromal material. Endothelial stem cells may be of particular importance due to endothelial cell damage during common surgeries and degenerative diseases. Current stem cell therapies focus on regeneration of the corneal surface by replacing limbal epithelial stem cells with corneal-derived cells, other adult stem cells or embryonic stem cells. Advances in cell culturing will hopefully soon be translated from bench to bedside to help in the treatment of severe ocular surface disease.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA

    Roy S. Chuck

  2. Department of Genetics, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA

    Roy S. Chuck

  3. Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA

    Alexandra A. Herzlich

  4. Case Western Medical School, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Philip Niles

Authors
  1. Roy S. Chuck
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  2. Alexandra A. Herzlich
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  3. Philip Niles
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Roy S. Chuck .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, 160 Fort Washington Avenue, Room 513, New York, 10032, New York, USA

    Stephen H. Tsang

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Chuck, R.S., Herzlich, A.A., Niles, P. (2013). The Current Status of Corneal Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation in Humans. In: Tsang, S. (eds) Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine in Ophthalmology. Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5493-9_3

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