Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh have discovered the ability of corneal stromal stem cell (CSSC)-derived secretome to promote corneal wound healing without producing scarring and so prevents damage to corneal sensory nerves.
Description
Corneal scarring is one of the leading causes of blindness globally. The corneal stroma, a mesenchymal tissue making up the thickest layer of the cornea, is key in normal visual function; damage normally results in a permanent haze and scarring leading to impaired vision. The cause is the activation of growth factors and cytokines to promote wound healing but which can lead to inflammation-induced corneal cell death and sensory neuron death. CSSC-derived secretome has the potential to interfere with this pathway, thereby preventing vision loss.
Applications
1. Vision loss prevention
2. Glaucoma
3. Corneal scarring
Advantages
Currently, for patients with corneal scarring and reduced vision, the best treatment is corneal transplantation. While corneal transplantation is the most successful form of organ transplant there is always a risk to patients in the form of graft rejection. Additionally, there is a global shortage of organs with a waiting list of over 12 million people worldwide for corneal transplantation alone.
This novel approach would promote scarless wound healing, reducing the risk of life-changing vision loss through dampening of the inflammation pathway post-injury to the cornea and rescuing corneal sensory nerves. This approach to corneal wound healing has the potential to improve outcomes in patients with corneal injury reducing the need for transplantation and risky surgery.
Invention Readiness
In vivo testing has shown CSSC secretome can promote scarless corneal wound healing. In mouse models, human CSSC secretome was applied to corneal wounds. Analysis after three days showed an intact epithelial layer and transparent stroma without signs of scar formation along with normal cornea thickness compared to controls. In these studies, almost 95% of corneas were fully or partially healed using the CSSC secretomes compared with 60% in the control group. The mechanism of action includes dampening inflammation at the wound site, reducing fibrotic extracellular matrix deposits and promotion of corneal sensory nerve regeneration.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2023230171A2
