Mesenchymal stem cells in the human corneal limbal stroma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cell Biology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Peripheral and limbal corneal stromal cells (PLCSCs) exhibit a complex phenotype with limited understanding of their properties, function, and origin.
• Existing evidence suggests PLCSCs possess both mesenchymal stromal and hematopoietic characteristics.
• Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are increasingly recognized in various tissues and are crucial for tissue engineering, immunology, gene therapy, and oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize peripheral and limbal corneal stromal cells (PLCSCs) and determine if they meet the criteria for multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs).
• To investigate the potential of the limbal stroma as a niche for MSCs.
• To compare PLCSCs with established fetal liver MSCs (flMSCs).

Main Methods:

• PLCSCs were isolated and characterized using aldehyde dehydrogenase and keratocan markers.
• Cells were cultured and assessed against the International Society of Cellular Therapy (ISCT) criteria for MSC identification.
• Surface markers and trilineage differentiation potential were quantified and compared to flMSCs.

Main Results:

• PLCSCs demonstrated plastic adherence and expressed the correct profile and proportions of cell surface markers (CSMs) consistent with MSCs.
• PLCSCs exhibited trilineage potential, fulfilling ISCT guidelines for MSC identification.
• A high degree of similarity was observed between PLCSCs and flMSCs in terms of non-ISCT markers and differentiation capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Peripheral and limbal corneal stromal cells (PLCSCs) meet all ISCT criteria, confirming them as multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs).
• The limbal stroma is identified as a novel niche for MSCs.
• This finding provides a new perspective on the role and potential applications of PLCSCs.