Scaffolds and stem cells: delivery of cell transplants for retinal degenerations

Abstract

Retinal degenerations and optic neuropathies often lead to death of photoreceptors or retinal ganglion cells, respectively. Stem cell therapies are showing promise for these diseases in preclinical models and are beginning to transition into human trials, but cell delivery and integration remain major challenges. Focusing on photoreceptor- and progenitor-directed approaches, in this article, the authors review how advances in tissue engineering and cell scaffold design are enhancing cell therapies for retinal degeneration.

Keywords::

• photoreceptor
• progenitor cell
• scaffold
• stem cell
• tissue engineering
• transplantation

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors were supported by grants from the NIH (EY020297 to JL Goldberg and P30-EY014801 to Univeristy of Miami [FL, USA]), and an unrestricted grant to the University of Miami from Research to Prevent Blindness. JL Goldberg is the WG Ross Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmic Research. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.