Results in sight
In perspective, stem cells could be an unlimited resource for the treatment of a variety of human diseases. In particular, stem therapies for the treatment of degenerative retinal diseases are on the borderline between translational research and clinical practice, and in the case of dry AMD they are already showing the first promising results.
AMD is a progressive disease affecting photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium (EPR). The geographic atrophy is, in fact, induced by the dysfunction and loss of EPR cells following the loss of photoreceptors. Therefore, by replacing the damaged or diseased EPR with healthy cells it is possible to restore lost visual acuity. Human embryonic stem cells and pluripotent stem cells are the two main sources for achieving this replacement. Two main types of approaches are currently used for the integration of EPR stem cells into the human retina. The first uses the injection of a bolus suspension of EPR cells under the retina, while the second employs prefabricated sheets of EPR stem cells implanted in the subretinal space. Based on immunological considerations, these EPR stem cell trials are combined with immunosuppressive therapies for a limited period before, during and after implantation. These EPR stem grafts have already shown promising results in human clinical trials and further positive data are expected soon.
See Current Ophthalmology Reports 03/2015.
Dr. Carmelo Chines
Direttore responsabile
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