Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been studied extensively for the treatment of several retinal diseases. The therapeutic potential of MSCs lies in its ability to differentiate into multiple lineages and secretome enriched with immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic and neurotrophic factors. Several studies have reported the role of MSCs in repair and regeneration of the damaged retina where the secreted factors from MSCs prevent retinal degeneration, improve retinal morphology and function. MSCs also donate mitochondria to rescue the function of retinal cells and exosomes secreted by MSCs were found to have anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Based on several promising results obtained from the preclinical studies, several clinical trials were initiated to explore the potential advantages of MSCs for the treatment of retinal diseases. This review summarizes the various properties of MSCs that help to repair and restore the damaged retinal cells and its potential for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. Key words Retinal regeneration . cell replacement therapy . exosomes . mitochondrial transfer . anti-inflammatory molecules Abbreviations AMD Age-related macular degeneration ABCA4 ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A (ABC1), member 4 ACE2 Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 ADSCs Adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells AMSCs Amniotic membrane derived mesenchymal stem cells APCs Antigen presenting cells ASCs Adipose tissue derived stromal cells BCL-XL B-cell lymphoma-extra-large-protein BCVA Best corrected visual acuity BDNF Brain derived neurotrophic factor BM Bruch's membrane
Based on the current development of MSC-based clinical trials and the ever-increasing rate of in-vitro studies, with a purpose to unveil the mechanism of curative approach of these cells, MSC based therapy for IBD can be expected to achieve clinical relevance in the near future.
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