Corneal stromal stem cell (CSSC)

Corneal stromal stem cells (CSSCs) are adult stem cells located in the connective tissue of the corneal stroma. They exhibit multipotency, capable of differentiating into several cell types including keratocytes—the primary cells responsible for maintaining corneal structure and transparency. CSSCs express characteristic surface markers and stem cell genes, display high colony-forming efficiency, and their secretome (including exosomes) plays a major role in wound healing and anti-fibrotic activity. CSSCs are investigated as a therapeutic target for regenerating corneal tissue lost to injury, scarring, or degenerative disease, offering both cell-based (cell transplantation) and cell-free (exosome therapy) approaches. While promising, therapeutic use faces challenges such as tissue availability, product standardization, immune responses, and the need for robust clinical data.

Other names

Corneal stromal stem cellCSSCcorneal stem cell (generic; less specific)stromal stem cell (generic; less specific)

Direct tissue regeneration after transplantation. Paracrine activity: secretion of exosomes and cytokines (including microRNAs) that modulate local cell function, reduce fibrosis, and stimulate tissue repair. Differentiation into keratocytes to repopulate the stroma.