Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a serious complication that can occur after stem cell transplantation, where the donor’s immune cells mistakenly attack the recipient’s tissues. Among its many effects, GVHD can severely impact the eyes, causing chronic inflammation and corneal damage, which may lead to vision loss.
Treating ocular GVHD is difficult, as conventional therapies, such as corticosteroids, often come with serious side effects, including an increased risk of glaucoma and other eye problems.
Now, a team of researchers from Fujita Health University and Keio University in Japan, led by Dr. Shigeto Shimmura and Robert M. Rusch, has explored a potential new treatment using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Their study, published in The Ocular Surface, highlights the ability of MSCs to reduce eye inflammation and promote healing in mice with ocular GVHD.
What Are Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs)?
MSCs are a type of cell found in different tissues of the body, including fat, bone marrow, and umbilical cord blood. These cells have special properties that help them control immune responses and repair damaged tissues. Because of these abilities, scientists have been investigating their potential for treating diseases that involve inflammation and tissue damage.
Among different sources of MSCs, the researchers focused on adipose-derived MSCs (adMSCs), which come from fat tissue. These cells are easier to collect and have shown promising results in regenerating damaged corneal tissue.
Testing MSC Therapy in Mice
To test whether adMSCs could help with ocular GVHD, the research team used mice that had been induced with a chronic form of the disease. The scientists then injected a single dose of adMSCs directly into the mice’s eyes and observed their effects over three weeks.
The results were encouraging. The treated mice showed increased levels of regulatory T cells, which help control the immune response and reduce inflammation. At the same time, overall inflammation in the eye decreased, suggesting that the therapy was effective in calming the immune attack caused by GVHD.
Additionally, the researchers tested how adMSCs affected tissue healing. Using a laboratory model where cells were scratched to mimic damage, they found that the presence of adMSC-conditioned media (the substances released by these cells) helped promote cell migration and growth—key factors in repairing damaged tissues.
One important finding was that the injected cells disappeared within a week, reducing concerns about long-term risks such as tumor formation. This suggests that the treatment is not only effective but also safe.
A New Approach to Treating Ocular GVHD
Dr. Shimmura explained that this therapy offers two major benefits: it reduces inflammation and promotes healing at the same time. Unlike traditional steroid treatments, which suppress the immune system and can cause harmful side effects, adMSCs provide a more targeted, localized approach with fewer risks.
The researchers believe their findings could pave the way for clinical trials in humans. If successful, adMSC therapy could offer a new, more effective way to manage immune-related eye diseases like ocular GVHD.
Looking Ahead
While this study provides promising results, more research is needed to determine the best dose and delivery method for adMSCs in human patients. Future studies will focus on optimizing treatment strategies to ensure the best possible outcomes.
If further research confirms these benefits, stem cell-based therapies like adMSC injections could revolutionize how we treat autoimmune eye diseases, improving both vision and quality of life for patients suffering from ocular GVHD.
If you care about eye health, please read studies about how vitamin B may help fight vision loss, and MIND diet may reduce risk of vision loss disease.
For more information about eye disease, please see recent studies about how to protect your eyes from glaucoma, and results showing this eye surgery may reduce dementia risk.
The research findings can be found in The Ocular Surface.
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