Nerve growth factor therapy for corneal disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is crucial for ocular surface health, influencing immune reactions, trophic support, and corneal sensitivity.
• Dysfunction in these processes contributes to various corneal pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review experimental and clinical data on NGF's role in corneal physiopathology.
• To explore the therapeutic potential and future development of NGF for corneal diseases.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of experimental studies on NGF mechanisms on the ocular surface.
• Analysis of clinical data from topical NGF applications in human subjects.
• Inclusion of studies on neurotrophic keratitis, dry eye, and corneal surgery.

Main Results:

• NGF is vital for ocular surface healing, immune modulation, corneal sensitivity, and tear film stability.
• Topical NGF has shown promise in treating conditions like neurotrophic keratitis and dry eye.
• Experimental data suggests NGF's role in managing herpes virus infections and promoting ocular surface stem cell functions.

Conclusions:

• NGF's ocular surface healing and immune-modulating effects are well-established, supporting its therapeutic use.
• Two decades of research highlight NGF's potential for treating a range of infective and noninfective ocular surface diseases.
• Continued research and clinical application of NGF therapy are opening new avenues for treating corneal conditions.