Generation of two- and three-dimensional lacrimal gland constructs

Aqueous tear deficiency due to lacrimal gland insufficiency is one of the major causes of dry eye. In severe cases, such as Sjoegren's syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome or ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, therapy with artificial tears can be insufficient to relieve severe discomfort. Engineering a lacrimal gland construct may offer a suitable alternative transplant with a tear-like secretion. However, the reconstruction of a complex structure such as the lacrimal gland is challenging, and a lacrimal gland substitute must meet several criteria. It has to contain enough functional lacrimal gland cells to produce an adequate amount of tear fluid, and a suitable matrix is needed to deliver the cells to the patient. The growing field of regenerative medicine offers promising new prospects for lacrimal gland reconstruction. This article summarizes our group's current work in developing models for lacrimal gland reconstruction, and also discusses the perspectives of a tissue-engineered lacrimal gland for future applications.