[Corneal endothelial cell therapy, a review]

In France, endothelial dysfunction represents approximately one half of the indications for corneal transplants performed each year. However, the use of endothelial keratoplasty is limited by the technical difficulty of the procedure, a shortage of available grafts, and the potential for graft failure or rejection. These limitations are driving researchers to develop new, less invasive, and more effective therapies. Corneal endothelial cell therapy is being explored as a potential therapeutic measure, to avoid the uncertainty associated with grafting. The human cornea is an ideal tissue for cell therapy. Due to its avascular and immunologically privileged characteristics, transplanted cells are better tolerated compared with other vascularized tissues and organs. Advances in the field of stem cell engineering, particularly the development of corneal epithelial stem cell therapy for the treatment of severe ocular surface disease, have aroused a massive interest in adapting cell therapy techniques to corneal endothelial cells. This chapter, based on a review of the literature, aims at educating the reader on the latest research in the field of corneal endothelial cell therapy.