Introduction to the stem cell derived transplants

Stem cell therapy is a potential approach for the replacement of degenerated cells of the eye. For retinal diseases such as age related macular degradation (AMD), the usability of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) are widely studied. Several groups have demonstrated that hPSC- derived retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) display typical RPE characteristics and the first clinical trials using human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived RPE are ongoing.

For therapeutic use, the culture of transplantable cells needs to be performed in a culture environment fulfilling quality requirements. For example, the use of xeno-products in cell production should be avoided as this bears the danger of interspecies transfer of viruses and incorporation of immunogenic molecules. In addition, a supporting extracellular matrix or combined artificial scaffold promotes the stem cell differentiation and acquisition of the correct cell characteristics and function. This is especially important for highly polarized RPE cells possible improving cell survival and function after transplantations.