Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in autoimmune eye diseases: Focus on dry eye diseases and autoimmune uveitis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a class of pluripotent stem cells derived from the mesoderm. One of the most notable characteristics of MSCs is their multi-directional differentiation potential. Under specific induction conditions, they can differentiate into various types of cells and are currently mostly used to repair damaged tissues with limited intrinsic regenerative capacity. Autoimmune eye diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome (SS)-related dry eye disease (DED) and autoimmune uveitis (AU), represent a group of diseases caused by immune-mediated damage to ocular tissues, which seriously impairs patients' quality of life. Currently, treatment methods for such diseases are limited with unsatisfactory efficacy. Notably, numerous preclinical studies and early clinical trials have confirmed that MSCs have great therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases. This review aims to explore the immunomodulatory mechanisms and related experimental applications of MSCs in autoimmune eye diseases. Additionally, we also discuss the challenges facing the clinical application of MSCs and propose corresponding strategies.