Progress of iPS cell-based transplantation therapy for retinal diseases

Abstract

The discovery of induced Pluripotent Stem) (iPS) cells has instigated innovation in various fields, including ophthalmology. Cell therapy has shown tremendous progress in translational research on retinal diseases, including the first-in-human transplantation of autologous iPS cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cell therapy for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has also been developed. Retinal organoid and photoreceptor cell transplantation has been shown to incorporate into the degenerated host retina, forming synapses with host neurons and resulting in functional recovery. Based on preclinical data, first-in-human transplantation of iPS cell-derived retinal sheets has been conducted. In this review, we summarize the current progress in iPS cell-based retinal cell transplantation research for retinal diseases, addressing some remaining challenges and future prospects.