Adult Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Are Capable of Producing Neurocyte or Photoreceptor-Like Cells That Survive in Mouse Eyes After Preinduction With Neonatal Retina.

Abstract

This study provides support for the use of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as a potential source of pluripotent stem cells for treating retinal degeneration. First, this study demonstrated that PBMCs can differentiate into retinal neuron-like cells in vitro and in vivo. Second, some transplanted cells expressed markers for neural progenitors, mature neurons, or photoreceptors at 1, 3, and 6 months after subretinal injection. Finally, this study showed that PBMC transplantation can improve the function of a degenerated retina.