Organotypic Retinal Explant Culture as a Model for Neuroretinal Degenerative Disease and Future Applications

Organotypic retinal explant cultures are a valuable experimental tool for investigating neuroretinal diseases and advancing therapeutic strategies. Ex vivo methods preserve the natural architecture and intercellular interactions of the retina while enabling precise manipulations of the microenvironment, a distinct advantage over traditional in vitro two-dimensional cell models. Compared with in vivo animal and human studies, retinal explants offer ethical and cost-effective advantages, serving as bridge models for both animal to human and preclinical to clinical studies. This review explores the application of retinal explants in retinal disease research, covering emerging technologies, specific neurodegenerative diseases, human explants, and future directions. Technologies including gene therapy, electrophysiology, live imaging, stem cell transplantation, nanoparticle delivery, optogenetics, and artificial intelligence exhibit ready integrated into explant models and rapid advancement. Although retinal explants do not replicate the full systemic context of the eye, they represent powerful localized models for efficient study of retinal physiology and pathophysiology. With these advantages, retinal explants can be used as a translational platform capable of accelerating the development and validation of retinal therapies.