Grafting of an autologous tissue-engineered human corneal epithelium to a patient with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).

ABSTRACT: Purpose:In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of recovering the corneal surface integrity in a patient suffering from unilateral LSCD through the transplantation of cultured autologous corneal epithelial cells. Methods:Human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were isolated from a limbal biopsy of the contralateral eye of a patient with unilateral LSCD and cultured in monolayer in the presence of an irradiated human fibroblasts feeder layer (iHFL). To produce a cultured autologous corneal epithelium (CACE), HCECs were seeded on a fibrin substrate and maintained in culture until confluence. The in vitro obtained CACE was then used to treat the affected eye of the patient. Two years later, a successful penetrating keratoplasty was performed. Results:Efficient restoration of the corneal epithelium was achieved following transplantation of CACE indicating probable re-colonization of the cornea by stem cells. Corneal transparency was restored after removing the scarred stroma by performing a penetrating keratoplasty. Conclusion:CACE produced in vitro was shown to restore a normal corneal surface capable of sustaining a viable and clear penetrating keratoplasty and reestablished a near normal vision in a unilateral LSCD patient.

SUBMITTER: Le-Bel G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6699139 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature