Concise Review: Immunological Properties of Ocular Surface and Importance of Limbal Stem Cells for Transplantation. (1st July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shaharuddin, Bakiah; Ahmad, Sajjad; Meeson, Annette; Ali, Simi
• Is Part Of: Stem cells translational medicine. Volume 2:Number 8(2013)
• Page Start: 614
• Page End: 624
• Publication Date: 2013-07-01
• Subjects: Corneal transplantation -- Limbal stem cells -- Transplantation rejection -- Major histocompatibility complex; Stem cells -- Periodicals; Regenerative medicine -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.0277405
• DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2012-0143
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2157-6564

Abstract

Abstract : Cornea transplantation has been considered to be different from other solid organ transplants due to the assumed "immune privilege" state. However, vascularization causes an allograft to be deemed high risk and robs it of its immune‐privileged status. In a recent development, cellular therapies such as ex vivo limbal epithelial and endothelial cell transplantation are potential future therapies with higher success rates. Further investigation of the molecular mechanisms regulating the immune plasticity of corneal stem cells is relevant in developing better therapeutic approaches for whole corneal and limbal stem cell transplantations. Abstract : Cornea transplantation has been considered to be different from other solid organ transplantation because of the assumed immune‐privileged state of the anterior chamber of the eye. Three major lines of thought regarding the molecular mechanisms of immune privilege in the eye are as follows: (a) anatomical, cellular, and molecular barriers in the eye; (b) anterior chamber‐associated immune deviation; and (c) immunosuppressive microenvironment in the eye. However, cornea transplants suffer allograft rejection when breached by vascularization. In recent developments, cellular corneal transplantation from cultivated limbal epithelial cells has shown impressive advances as a future therapy. The limbal stem cell niche contains stem cells that promote proliferation and migration and have immunosuppressive mechanisms to protect them from immunological reactions. Limbal stem cells are also noted to display an enhanced expression of genes for the antiapoptotic proteins, a property that is imperative for the survival of transplanted tissues. Further investigation of the molecular mechanisms regulating the immune regulation of limbal stem cells is relevant in the clinical setting to promote the survival of whole corneal and limbal stem cell transplantation.