Lymphangiogenesis may play a role in cultivated limbal stem cell transplant rejection

We describe the clinicopathologic findings in a case of acute rejection following cultivated limbal stem cell transplantation (CLSC). This is the first time lymphangiogenesis has been described in CLSC rejection. This indicates that 1. absence of corneal stromal cells or 2. down regulation of HLA antigens by exposure to culture conditions, does not reduce the risk of graft rejection when transplanting into a high risk corneal bed. Our findings highlight the need for development of anti-lymphangiogenic treatments prior to CLSC transplantation.