Introduction to Corneal Stem Cells and Other Cellular Sources for Treatment of Corneal Disorders

Stem cell therapy has been applied for the treatment of degenerative diseases encompassing corneal disorders.This consideration is regarding the unique characteristics of stem cells including self-renewal and pluripotency. Some corneal diseases result from deficiencies in the limbal region. In these conditions, limbal stem cell therapy is considered in which limbal stem cells are cultured in vitro and transplanted. However, allograft stem cell transplants may be rejected and the use of immonosuppressors may have adverse effects.Patient’s epithelial cells are suggested as a source for corneal stem cells. Animal studies have shown successful differentiation of hair follicle, dental pulp, bone marrow, oral mucus and mesenchymal stem cells to corneal epithelial cells. In this revie warticle, the corneal stem cells are first introduced. Various stem cell cultures are then discussed and the possibility of using other stem cell sources for the treatment of corneal disorders is evaluated.