Retinal Pigment Epithelium Transplantation: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of cells situated between photoreceptors and the underlying choroid. It is essential for normal retinal function. Damaged RPE is associated with diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt’s macular dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa. RPE cells can easily be visualized in vivo, sustainable in vitro, and differentiated from stem cells with a relatively straightforward protocol. Due to these properties and the clinical significance of this epithelium in various retinal diseases, RPE transplantation as a treatment modality has gained considerable interest in the last decade. This paper presents the main techniques for RPE transplantation and discusses recent clinically relevant publications.