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.

The New Era of Therapeutic Strategies for the Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Narrative Review of Pathomolecular Mechanisms for the Development of Cell-Based Therapies

“…On the other hand, RPE cell transplantation is described as the most innovative and easiest-to-apply therapeutic approach [101]. The RPE plays a critical role in supporting and maintaining the health of photoreceptor cells.…”