Current perspectives of limbal-derived stem cells and its application in ocular surface regeneration and limbal stem cell transplantation

Limbal stem cells are involved in replenishing and maintaining the epithelium of the cornea. Damage to limbus due to chemical/physical injury, infections, or genetic disorders leads to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) with partial or total vision loss. Presently, LSCD is treated by transplanting limbal stem cells from the healthy eye of the recipient, living-related, or the cadaveric donors. This review discusses limbal-derived stem cells, the importance of extracellular matrix in stem cell niche maintenance, the historical perspective of treating LSCD with their advantages and limitations, and our experience of limbal stem cell transplantation over the decades.

Automated summary

Limbal stem cells play a crucial role in replenishing and maintaining the corneal epithelium. Damage to the limbus can lead to vision loss, for which LSCD is currently treated by transplanting healthy limbal stem cells from donors.