Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a severe complication following stem cell transplantation, where the donor’s immune cells attack the recipient’s tissues. Ocular GVHD, one of the most difficult manifestations to manage, often leads to chronic inflammation and corneal damage, significantly impacting vision. Current treatments, such as corticosteroids, help control inflammation but carry risks like glaucoma and other ocular complications.
A study led by Dr. Shigeto Shimmura and Robert M. Rusch from Fujita Health University and Keio University investigates a potential new therapeutic approach using adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (adMSCs). Their findings, published in The Ocular Surface, examine the ability of adMSCs to reduce inflammation and aid in tissue regeneration.
In the study, researchers induced chronic GVHD in mice and administered a single injection of adMSCs into the eyes. Over three weeks, they observed increased regulatory T cells and reduced inflammation, suggesting that adMSC therapy could modulate the immune response in ocular GVHD. Additionally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that adMSC-conditioned media promoted cell migration and proliferation, further supporting the regenerative potential of these cells. Notably, the injected adMSCs disappeared within a week, minimizing concerns about long-term complications such as tumor formation.
Dr. Shimmura highlights the significance of these findings:
“Our findings highlight the dual benefits of adMSCs: They suppress inflammation and enhance tissue healing. This makes them a promising candidate for treating immune-related ocular disorders without systemic side effects.”
Unlike systemic immunosuppressive treatments, localized adMSC therapy ensures targeted therapeutic effects while reducing systemic risks.
By advancing our understanding of mesenchymal stromal cells in ocular GVHD, this study opens the door for more effective, localized treatments that could improve long-term patient outcomes.
