Effects of interaction between stem cells and degenerative retinal microenvironment on stem cell fate determination

Abstract

<p indent=0mm>To date, a substantial amount of experimental data supports the safety and effectiveness of stem cell-based cell therapy in treating retinal degenerative diseases, thus, serving as a foundation for clinical studies. However, its therapeutic effect often declines or even disappears at a later stage. In addition to the characteristics of stem cells, the microenvironment in which stem cells are transplanted is likely a key factor that determines the fate of stem cells. Glial scar, chronic inflammation, and abnormal metabolic microenvironment in the retina often lead to the failure of long-term survival, correct differentiation, and integration of grafted stem cells in the retina, which may be important factors contributing to the failure of long-term therapeutic effect of stem cell treatment for retinal degenerative diseases. Alternatively, grafted stem cells may also actively regulate the degenerating retina through paracrine or material exchange with the host cells, which can help the fate determinant of grafted stem cells in the retina. Thus, the therapeutic effect of stem cell transplantation can be improved by combined-transplantation of different stem cells or by regulating the degenerative retinal microenvironment. This review summarizes the recent progress in interactions between grafted stem cells and degenerative host retina and their impact on stem cell fate determination.