Limbal epithelial stem cell graft

Limbal epithelial stem cell graft is a cell therapy designed to treat Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD), a condition characterized by the loss of normal functioning epithelial stem cells of the cornea. LSCD can result from various ocular injuries or diseases, such as aniridia, Steven Johnson's syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, bacterial keratitis, or chemical and thermal injuries, leading to corneal vascularization, scarring, and opacification. This therapy involves taking a small biopsy (1x2mm) from the patient's own healthy eye (autologous) or from an HLA-matched donor (allogeneic). The epithelial stem cells are then expanded in a laboratory under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions on a biological substrate to create a graft larger than 8mm in diameter within approximately two weeks. This expanded graft is subsequently transplanted onto the diseased eye after the removal of scar tissue using a specialized surgical technique. The treatment aims to restore the corneal surface, prevent vascularization and opacification, and ultimately improve vision and quality of life for patients suffering from corneal blindness due to LSCD.

Other names

Limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation