https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/40359 IOBA - Capítulos de Monografías Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:03:22 GMT 2026-04-19T20:03:22Z https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/75613 Extraocular mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent an available, non-immunogenic source of stem cells that has proved to possess a potential therapeutic value in corneal epithelium regeneration based on results obtained in both preclinical and clinical studies. All published studies have revealed promising results in animal models and have shown significant corneal regeneration, improved corneal transparency and a rapid healing process associated with the restoration of vision. However, the studies performed to unravel the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of MSCs on the damaged ocular surface have shown that multiple mechanisms might contribute simultaneously to their therapeutic action. Although it remains uncertain if MSCs can transdifferentiate into corneal epithelial cells, these cells have shown a capacity of secreting trophic and growth factors capable of stimulating resident stem cells and reducing tissue injury, an ability to exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, and a capability to migrate into injured tissues. This book chapter is specifically focused on the preclinical and clinical advancements on the use of extraocular MSCs for corneal epithelium regeneration. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/75613 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/71683 Mesenchymal tissues can provide a source of stem cells (MSCs) that are readily available, non-immunogenic, and have tremendous regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. For these reasons, MSCs have emerged as very attractive candidates for cell-based therapies in numerous and diverse clinical applications including the treatment of ocular surface diseases such as limbal stem cell deficiency, dry eye disease, or even as a potential therapy to improve corneal allograft survival. Although some of the current preclinical evidence has already been successfully translated into clinical applications, work must continue to overcome all of the scientific and technical challenges that remain unsolved. This book chapter summarizes the main preclinical and clinical evidence that strongly supports MSC-based therapies as safe and effective treatments for the regeneration of the ocular surface. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/71683 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/71681 Cultured limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation is a clinical procedure used to regenerate the corneal epithelium in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency. The protocols used to expand limbal epithelial cells in vitro need to be optimized, since the scarcity of human ocular tissue donors is limiting the potential use of this procedure. Here, we describe a method to consecutively expand a single human limbal explant. With this method it is possible to obtain up to three limbal epithelial primary cultures from the same explant, thus increasing the efficiency of the in vitro cell culture. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/71681 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z