Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of the Therapeutic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Extracellular Vesicles in Corneal Regeneration

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 25; no. 20; p. 11121
• Main Authors: Kobal, Nina, Marzidovšek, Miha, Schollmayer, Petra, Maličev, Elvira, Hawlina, Marko, Marzidovšek, Zala Lužnik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 16.10.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Animals; B cells; Blindness; Clinical trials; Cornea - metabolism; Corneal Diseases - therapy; Corneal transplantation; Cytokines; Endothelium; Extracellular Vesicles - metabolism; Extracellular Vesicles - transplantation; Growth factors; Health aspects; Humans; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation - methods; Mesenchymal Stem Cells - cytology; Mesenchymal Stem Cells - metabolism; Regeneration; Review; Stem cells; Umbilical cord; Visual impairment; Wound Healing; Slovenia; corneal stroma; extracellular vesicles; keratoconus; cell-based therapy; mesenchymal stem cells; corneal regeneration; dry eye disease; immune and inflammatory modulation; limbal stem cell deficiency; corneal epithelium
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• 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.