New Research Highlights Effective Stem Cell Treatment for Inflammatory Eye Diseases - Video

In a new study, researchers have proposed a novel therapy for ocular Graft-versus-host disease involving Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The team explored the potential of regenerative mesenchymal stem cells in reducing ocular inflammation in Graft-versus-host disease -infected mice. The study, published in The Ocular Surface, explores the potential of adipose-derived MSCs (adMSCs) to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common and severe complication that occurs after stem cell transplantation, where the donor’s immune cells attack the recipient’s tissues. Ocular manifestation of Graft-versus-host disease is among the most challenging to treat, often leading to chronic inflammation and corneal tissue damage, which can result in loss of vision.

Using mice that had been induced with chronic Graft-versus-host disease, researchers administered adipose-derived MSCs into the eyes via a single injection. Over three weeks, the researchers found that the adipose-derived MSCs treatment increased regulatory T cells while reducing inflammation in the mice. Further, adipose-derived MSCs -conditioned media enhanced cell migration and proliferation in laboratory scratch tests, showcasing the regenerative capacity of the cells. Importantly, the injected cells disappeared within a week, minimizing the risk of long-term complications such as tumor formation.

These observations point to the potential of adipose-derived MSCs as a targeted, localized therapy for immune-related eye conditions. Unlike systemic treatments, these local injections ensured the therapeutic effects remained localized to the ocular surface.

Elaborating on the rationale behind this study, Dr. Shimmura, senior author and researcher says, “adMSCs are easy to obtain and have demonstrated benefits in corneal tissue regeneration. Moreover, we injected adMSCs after the onset of GVHD and also monitored them over an extended period of time, helping us verify their therapeutic applicability.”

“Our findings highlight the dual benefits of adMSCs: They suppress inflammation and enhance tissue healing,” elaborates Dr. Shimmura. Adding further, he says, “This makes them a promising candidate for treating immune-related ocular disorders without systemic side effects.”

Reference: Rusch, R. M., Inagaki, E., Taniguchi, H., Sakakura, S., Tamai, R., Nonaka, H., ... & Shimmura, S. (2024). Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells: A study on safety and efficacy in ocular inflammation. The Ocular Surface, 34, 523-534.