Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Abstract

Corneal Stromal Remodelling Using Stem Cells-Advances and Potential Application: A Literature Review

Beibei Wu, Daishi Chen and Shoulong Hu

Regeneration of the ocular tissues to the healing of the wounds required many complex processes as migration, mitosis, and differentiation of epithelial cells and stromal fibroblast. Currently, corneal transplantation is the most common treatment for any damage to these layers; however, that procedure is associated with a higher risk of transplant rejection and limited by the availability of donor tissue. In order to develop more robust treatments for corneal damage, growing research has been focusing on corneal stem cell. Over the last few years, stem cells have constituted a therapeutic revolution in the regeneration of damaged organs and tissues and restoring both integrity and function. Several types of stem cells have been investigated and applied in experimental models and clinical trials, including bone marrow stem cells, adipose‐derived stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, human dermal fibroblasts, and keratinocytes for wound healing. Corneal stromal stem cells maintain a corneal phenotype through many population doublings, and modulate the host immune response; thus, generating bioengineered stromal constructs in the cornea. Previous research addressed the positive impacts of corneal stromal stem cells on repairing corneal damage, corneal scarring, and blindness, in addition to the utility in bioengineering stromal tissue. In this review, we aimed to address the current progress and clinical applications of corneal stromal stem cells in stromal wound healing.