autologous retinal stem and progenitor cells

Autologous retinal stem and progenitor cells (ARSPCs) are an investigational regenerative cell therapy developed for the treatment of degenerative ophthalmic conditions, most notably age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These cells are harvested from the patient's own ocular tissues, such as the retinal pigment epithelium or the ciliary body margin, expanded in vitro, and subsequently delivered back to the patient via subretinal injection. The therapeutic mechanism relies on both cell replacement and neuroprotection; the transplanted progenitor cells are intended to differentiate into functional retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or photoreceptor-like cells to restore damaged retinal architecture. Furthermore, the cells may secrete a variety of trophic and paracrine factors that stabilize the retinal microenvironment and prevent the further loss of endogenous neurons. Because the therapy utilizes autologous cells, it significantly reduces the potential for immune-mediated rejection compared to allogeneic alternatives. The primary development of this specific protocol is being conducted by the Institute of Biophysics and Cell Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

Other names

autologous cultured retinal stem and progenitor cellscultured retinal stem and progenitor cells