Ex vivo expansion of stem cells of the corneal epithelium

The ocular surface epithelium is composed of conjunctiva, limbus and cornea. These three compartments and an stable preocular tear film are crucial factors determining ocular surface health. Stem cells of the corneal epithelium are exclusively located at the limbus. Limbal stem cells are the ultimate source of regeneration of the entire corneal epithelium and in a variety of ocular surface diseases limbal stem cell deficiency has been observed to be a characteristic feature. Therefore renewal of the limbal stem cell population using different surgical techniques has been described as the only possible therapeutic strategy. Recent advancements in cell biology have enabled the development of new models of tissue engineering as a tool for tissue replacement. The aim of this review is to summarize recently reported clinical and experimental studies showing new developments in tissue engineering for the reconstitution of the ocular surface epithelium.