A study, which was published in Stem Cell Reports earlier this year, stated that retinal cells taken from cadaver human eyes had survived when they were transplanted into primate models. This is an exciting advancement into cell therapy development, to treat blindness.

RPE, retinal pigment epithelium, is a pigmented cell layer in the retina. It's responsible as a regulator and barrier in the eye, helping to maintain normal vision. Retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction can result in certain eye conditions, including macular degeneration, which can result in blindness. This affects approximately two hundred million people around the world right now.

Using donated cadaver adult eyes, the researchers were able to extract retinal stem cells, resorting to the cell population. This helped in enabling donor compatibility matching, offering ongoing human retinal pigment epithelium. They assessed feasibility and safety when implanting the human retinal stem cells into nonhuman primates.

The study identified that retinal pigment epithelium patches, which were transplanted under the macular or in the center of the retina, seemed to remain stable, integrating into vivo for three months without any side effects. There were no immune attacks or signs of light sensitivity. Te stem cells partially took over the function from the original retinal pigment epithelium, supporting the endogenous photoreceptor, helping light and water absorption in the eye.

During a recent interview, the PA to Mahi Muqit, a leading vitreoretinal surgeon in the United Kingdom, Ray Man said “The study has shown that a human retina pigment epithelium can partially replace the macular function in nonhuman primates. The human donor cells were safely transplanted below the retina, replacing several functions. This is a very promising study that could help millions of patients worldwide that suffer from retina diseases. With the safety in the transplants, there is a higher chance of this study being put forward for human clinical trials for the treatment of retina diseases in the future.”

The researchers handling the study have said that using this transplant method, could be an effective treatment for macular degeneration, though further research is necessary. Future studies will include whether the stem cells taken from cadaver adult eyes can help in the restoration of human vision.

About Us: Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract, and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eyesight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina, and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons, and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com.