Human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells: a promising strategy for corneal epithelial regeneration

As a strategy to improve the outcome of cultivated corneal epithelial transplantation, the role of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) is investigated in promoting corneal epithelial growth and functions. Human telomerase-immortalized corneal epithelial cells were characterized and its functions evaluated by scratch migration assay, cellular senescence, HLA expression and spheres formation with hUC-MSC. Expression of corneal epithelial markers was influenced by the duration and method of co-culture. Indirect co-culture improved cellular migration and delayed senescence when treated after 3 and 5 days. hUC-MSC downregulated expression of HLA Class I and II in IFN-γ-stimulated human telomerase-immortalized corneal epithelial cells. hUC-MSC promote corneal epithelial growth and functions after treatment with hUC-MSC.