Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Current and Emerging Therapies for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency Publisher Pubmed



Elhusseiny AM1, 2 ; Soleimani M1 ; Eleiwa TK4 ; Elsheikh RH1 ; Frank CR1 ; Naderan M3 ; Yazdanpanah G1 ; Rosenblatt MI1 ; Djalilian AR1
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
  2. 2. Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
  3. 3. Department of Ophthalmology, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

Source: Stem Cells Translational Medicine Published:2022


Abstract

The corneal epithelium serves to protect the underlying cornea from the external environment and is essential for corneal transparency and optimal visual function. Regeneration of this epithelium is dependent on a population of stem cells residing in the basal layer of the limbus, the junction between the cornea and the sclera. The limbus provides the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) with an optimal microenvironment, the limbal niche, which strictly regulates their proliferation and differentiation. Disturbances to the LESCs and/or their niche can lead to the pathologic condition known as limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) whereby the corneal epithelium is not generated effectively. This has deleterious effects on the corneal and visual function, due to impaired healing and secondary corneal opacification. In this concise review, we summarize the characteristics of LESCs and their niche, and present the current and future perspectives in the management of LSCD with an emphasis on restoring the function of the limbal niche. © 2022 The Author(s).