Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Therapy for Dry Eye: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Dry eye disease is a prevalent chronic condition impacting quality of life and public health.
• Current treatments primarily manage symptoms like ocular surface discomfort.
• Limitations exist in existing therapies, driving the need for novel approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) for dry eye treatment.
• To highlight the therapeutic potential of MSC-based therapies in ophthalmology.
• To discuss the latest advancements and future directions in this field.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on MSCs and MSC-Exos in dry eye.
• Analysis of the anti-inflammatory, tissue repair, and immune regulatory properties of MSCs and MSC-Exos.
• Comparison of MSC-based therapies with conventional dry eye treatments.

Main Results:

• MSCs possess anti-inflammatory, tissue repair, and immune regulatory effects beneficial for dry eye.
• MSC-Exos, as a cell-free therapy, offer hypoimmunogenicity and stability.
• MSC-Exos reduce safety risks associated with live cell injections.

Conclusions:

• MSCs and MSC-Exos represent a promising regenerative medicine strategy for dry eye.
• Cell-free therapy using MSC-Exos may offer a safer and more stable alternative.
• Further research into MSC-based therapies holds significant potential for advancing dry eye treatment.