Abstract
The endpoint of most retinal degenerative disorders is a loss of cells in the retinal pigment epithelium and/or the neurosensory retina, leading to irreversible visual impairment. Therefore, therapeutic strategies in the late disease stages also need to address the replacement of lost cells or tissues. In recent years, rapid advances have been made in the field of stem cell-based cellular ...
Abstract
The endpoint of most retinal degenerative disorders is a loss of cells in the retinal pigment epithelium and/or the neurosensory retina, leading to irreversible visual impairment. Therefore, therapeutic strategies in the late disease stages also need to address the replacement of lost cells or tissues. In recent years, rapid advances have been made in the field of stem cell-based cellular transplantation therapies with regard to bridging the gap between basic science and clinical application. In particular, induced pluripotent stem cells promise to significantly advance the field of personalized medicine, once major uncertainties and obstacles have been overcome. This review highlights retinal degenerative disorders in which cellular transplantation therapies provide possible treatment options, and mentiones currently available therapeutic strategies. Moreover, the potential areas of use of induced pluripotent stem cells, together with their advantages and disadvantages, are discussed. The main focus is on the stem cell-based replacement of retinal pigment epithelial cells, as the latter technique has made the most significant progress toward clinical application in comparison with other neurosensory retinal cell types. Finally, an overview is provided of clinical trials that are already established for the treatment of retinal degeneration using stem cell-based cellular transplantation therapies.
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