Molecular and cellular mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells and extracellular vesicles in corneal regeneration

Kobal, Nina (author), Marzidovšek, Miha (author), Schollmayer, Petra (author), Maličev, Elvira (author), Hawlina, Marko (author), Lužnik, Zala (author)

The cornea is a vital component of the visual system, and its integrity is crucial for optimal vision. Damage to the cornea resulting from trauma, infection, or disease can lead to blindness. Corneal regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) offers a promising alternative to corneal transplantation. MSCs are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into various cell types, including corneal cells. They can also secrete a variety of anti-inflammatory cytokines and several growth factors, promoting wound healing and tissue reconstruction. This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which MSCs and MSC-EVs contribute to corneal regeneration. It discusses the potential of MSCs and MSC-EV for treating various corneal diseases, including corneal epithelial defects, dry eye disease, and keratoconus. The review also highlights finalized human clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of MSC-based therapy in corneal regeneration. The therapeutic potential of MSCs and MSC-EVs for corneal regeneration is promising; however, further research is needed to optimize their clinical application.

• Language: English
• Keywords: cell-based therapy, corneal epithelium, corneal regeneration, corneal stroma, dry eye disease, extracellular vesicles, immune and inflammatory modulation, keratoconus, limbal stem cell deficiency, mesenchymal stem cells
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.02 - Review Article
• Organization: MF - Faculty of Medicine; BF - Biotechnical Faculty
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2024
• Number of pages: str. 1-20
• Numbering: ǂVol. ǂ25, ǂiss. ǂ20, [article no.] 11121
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-176765
• UDC: 617.7
• ISSN on article: 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms252011121
• COBISS.SI-ID: 213547523
• Publication date in RUL: 23.12.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: International journal of molecular sciences
• Shortened title: Int. j. mol. sci.
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 1422-0067
• COBISS.SI-ID: 2779162

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: celična terapija, epitelij roženice, regeneracija roženice, stroma roženice, bolezen suhih oči, zunajcelični vezikli, imunska in vnetna modulacija, keratokonus, pomnajkanje limbalnih matičnih celic, mezenhimske matične celice