Factors Affecting Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Approaches in Retinal Degeneration

Inherited and age-associated vision loss is often associated with degeneration of the cells of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The mammalian retina, being a postmitotic neural tissue, does not have the capacity to repair itself through endogenous regeneration. There has been considerable excitement for the development of cell replacement approaches since the isolation and development of culture methods for human pluripotent stem cells, as well as the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells. This has now been combined with novel three-dimensional organoid culture systems that closely mimic human retinal development in vitro. In this review, we cover the current state of the field, with emphasis on the cell delivery challenges, role of the recipient immunological microenvironment, and challenges related to connectivity between transplanted cells and host circuitry both locally and centrally to the different areas of the brain.

Automated summary

Inherited and age-associated vision loss is often due to the degeneration of retinal cells. The inability of the mammalian retina to repair itself has led to the development of cell replacement approaches using pluripotent stem cells. Three-dimensional organoid culture systems that mimic human retinal development have been combined with these approaches. This review discusses the challenges of cell delivery, the role of the immune microenvironment, and connectivity issues between transplanted cells and the host circuitry.