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

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

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.

• Jezik: Angleški jezik
• Ključne besede: 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
• Vrsta gradiva: Članek v reviji
• Tipologija: 1.02 - Pregledni znanstveni članek
• Organizacija: MF - Medicinska fakulteta ; BF - Biotehniška fakulteta
• Status publikacije: Objavljeno
• Različica publikacije: Objavljena publikacija
• Leto izida: 2024
• Št. strani: str. 1-20
• Številčenje: ǂVol. ǂ25, ǂiss. ǂ20, [article no.] 11121
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-176765
• UDK: 617.7
• ISSN pri članku: 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms252011121
• COBISS.SI-ID: 213547523
• Datum objave v RUL: 23.12.2025

Gradivo je del revije

• Naslov: International journal of molecular sciences
• Skrajšan naslov: Int. j. mol. sci.
• Založnik: MDPI
• ISSN: 1422-0067
• COBISS.SI-ID: 2779162

Sekundarni jezik

• Jezik: Slovenski jezik
• Ključne besede: 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