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Maeda T, Takahashi M. iPSC-RPE in Retinal Degeneration: Recent Advancements and Future Perspectives. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041308. [PMID: 36690464 PMCID: PMC10411862 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine is a great hope for patients suffering from diseases for which no effective treatment is available. With the creation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in 2006, research and development has accelerated expeditiously, reaching a practical stage worldwide. The iPSC-regenerative medicine in ophthalmology is one of the pioneers, which has kicked off clinical application ahead of other fields owing to its advantages. The clinical safety issues of iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelial (iPSC-RPE) transplantation for exudative age-related macular degeneration have been addressed to a certain extent. Preparations are being made for the next clinical study based on the improvement of its therapeutic effects and expansion of indications globally. Steady progress toward the practical applications of regenerative medicine for the treatment of retinal disorders is expected in the future while strengthening global cooperation amid various research areas, clinical fields, and regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadao Maeda
- Research Center, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe 6500-047, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe 6500-047, Japan
- Vision Care Cell Therapy, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Research Center, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe 6500-047, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe 6500-047, Japan
- Vision Care Cell Therapy, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
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2
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Fortress AM, Miyagishima KJ, Reed AA, Temple S, Clegg DO, Tucker BA, Blenkinsop TA, Harb G, Greenwell TN, Ludwig TE, Bharti K. Stem cell sources and characterization in the development of cell-based products for treating retinal disease: An NEI Town Hall report. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:53. [PMID: 36978104 PMCID: PMC10053463 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03282-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
National Eye Institute recently issued a new Strategic Plan outlining priority research areas for the next 5 years. Starting cell source for deriving stem cell lines is as an area with gaps and opportunities for making progress in regenerative medicine, a key area of emphasis within the NEI Strategic Plan. There is a critical need to understand how starting cell source affects the cell therapy product and what specific manufacturing capabilities and quality control standards are required for autologous vs allogeneic stem cell sources. With the goal of addressing some of these questions, in discussion with the community-at-large, NEI hosted a Town Hall at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology annual meeting in May 2022. This session leveraged recent clinical advances in autologous and allogeneic RPE replacement strategies to develop guidance for upcoming cell therapies for photoreceptors, retinal ganglion cells, and other ocular cell types. Our focus on stem cell-based therapies for RPE underscores the relatively advanced stage of RPE cell therapies to patients with several ongoing clinical trials. Thus, this workshop encouraged lessons learned from the RPE field to help accelerate progress in developing stem cell-based therapies in other ocular tissues. This report provides a synthesis of the key points discussed at the Town Hall and highlights needs and opportunities in ocular regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Fortress
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Amberlynn A Reed
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Dennis O Clegg
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Timothy A Blenkinsop
- Ophthalmology Cell Development and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Thomas N Greenwell
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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3
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Bi F, Tang H, Zhang Z, Lyu Y, Huo F, Chen G, Guo W. Hertwig's epithelial root sheath cells show potential for periodontal complex regeneration. J Periodontol 2023; 94:263-276. [PMID: 35912965 DOI: 10.1002/jper.22-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although researchers have been exploring therapeutic strategies of treating serious periodontal tissue loss, including the application of stem cells, tissue regeneration of the periodontal complex involving cementum, periodontium, and alveolar bone has hardly been achieved. Aiming at tackling the problem of severely damaged periodontal complex, it is worth trying to make advantages of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) cells to tissue regeneration mimicking the physiological developmental process with their ability of cementum, bone, and periodontium formation. METHODS HERS cells and dental follicle cells (DFCs) were acquired from Sprague Dawley rats' molar germs and identified by immunofluorescence. Alizarin red assay, ALP staining, AKP test, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were conducted to confirm the osteogenic potential, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) character of harvested HERS cells and epithelial-mesenchymal interaction (EMI) with DFCs. An animal model of periodontal defect was constructed to testify the tissue regeneration ability in vivo. Micro-CT and histological examinations were interpreted to unveil the tissue repair outcomes. RESULTS HERS cells expressed strong epithelial cell markers CK14 and E-cadherin. The in vitro experiments overall showed the concretely enhanced osteogenic differentiation ability in either HERS group or HERS+DFC group. Meanwhile, the in vivo conduction of rat mandibular periodontal repair experiment showed regenerative effectiveness of periodontal complex structure in both HERS and HERS+DFC group in situ, testified by Micro-CT and histological analysis. CONCLUSIONS HERS cells show potential for periodontal tissue regeneration which suggests the future possibilities of being considered as one of the cell choices for severely damaged periodontal tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Bi
- Engineering Research Center of Oral Translational Medicine, Ministry of Education, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Oral Regenerative Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huilin Tang
- Engineering Research Center of Oral Translational Medicine, Ministry of Education, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Oral Regenerative Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Oral Translational Medicine, Ministry of Education, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Oral Regenerative Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Lyu
- Engineering Research Center of Oral Translational Medicine, Ministry of Education, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Oral Regenerative Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangjun Huo
- Engineering Research Center of Oral Translational Medicine, Ministry of Education, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Oral Regenerative Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guoqing Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Oral Translational Medicine, Ministry of Education, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Oral Regenerative Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weihua Guo
- Engineering Research Center of Oral Translational Medicine, Ministry of Education, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Oral Regenerative Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Neroeva N, Neroev V, Chesnokova N, Katargina L, Pavlenko T, Beznos O, Ilyukhin P, Utkina O, Lagarkova M, Laktionov P, Bogomazova A, Kharitonov A. Changes of a2-macroglobulin activity and endothelin-1 concentration in tears of rabbits after transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium cells derived from the induced pluripotent stem cells. BIOMEDITSINSKAYA KHIMIYA 2022; 68:352-360. [DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20226805352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Retinal diseases accompanied with the dysfunction or death of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are widespread, hard to treat, and appear to be a leading case of visual loss and blindness among the persons older than 55 years. Transplantation of RPE cells derived from the induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC-RPE) is a promising method of therapy for these diseases. To ensure the transplant survival instant follow-up is required. It can be based on biochemical analyses of tear fluid that can be easily non-invasively collected. For the post-transplantation process monitoring we have choosen such polyfunctional bioregulators as α2-macroglobulin (α2-MG) and endothelin-1 (ET-1). RPE atrophy in New Zealand Albino rabbits was modeled via the subretinal injection of bevacizumab. IPSC-RPE in suspension or as a monolayer on the scaffold were transplanted subretinally 1 month after the injection. α2-MG activity and ET-1 concentration in tears were estimated during the first month and after 2, 3 and 7 months after transplantation. On the 7-14 days after transplantation α2-MG activity increased in tears of the both operated and controlateral eye probably as a reaction on the corticosteroid therapy. In 50% rabbits there was one more increase after 2-3 months that could be due to the immune inflammation. Concentration of ET-1 in tears decreased dramatically on the 7-14 days and 7 months after transplantation, and it could have an influence upon the retinal vassal tone. The data obtained show that estimation of bioregulators in tears can help monitoring local metabolic processes after RPE transplantation that is necessary for the opportune, reasonable and focused medicamental correction of post-transplantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- N.V. Neroeva
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - V.V. Neroev
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - N.B. Chesnokova
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - L.A. Katargina
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - T.A. Pavlenko
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - O.V. Beznos
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - P.A. Ilyukhin
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - O.A. Utkina
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - M.A. Lagarkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - P.P. Laktionov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A.N. Bogomazova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - A.E. Kharitonov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow, Russia
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5
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Maeda T, Mandai M, Sugita S, Kime C, Takahashi M. Strategies of pluripotent stem cell-based therapy for retinal degeneration: update and challenges. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:388-404. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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6
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Sugita S, Hono A, Fujino S, Futatsugi Y, Yunomae Y, Shimizu N, Takahashi M. Detection of Mycoplasma Contamination in Transplanted Retinal Cells by Rapid and Sensitive Polymerase Chain Reaction Test. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212555. [PMID: 34830437 PMCID: PMC8617609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Contamination of cells/tissues by infectious pathogens (e.g., fungi, viruses, or bacteria, including mycoplasma) is a major problem in cell-based transplantation. In this study, we tested a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to provide rapid, simple, and sensitive detection of mycoplasma contamination in laboratory cultures for clinical use. This mycoplasma PCR system covers the Mycoplasma species (spp.) listed for testing in the 17th revision of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, and we designed it for use in transplantable retinal cells. Here, we analyzed mycoplasma contamination in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS cell)-derived transplantable retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. In the spike tests to RPE cells with nine species of class Mollicutes bacteria, including seven Mycoplasma spp. and one of each Acholeplasma spp. and Ureaplasma spp., contamination at the concentration of 100 and 10 CFU/mL were detected with 100% probability in all cases, while 1 CFU/mL had a detection rate of 0–75%. DNA prepared from bacteria species other than class Mollicutes species was not detectable, indicating the specificity of this PCR. While iPS cells and iPS-RPE cells established in our laboratory were all negative by this PCR, some of the commercially available cell lines were positive. Cells for transplantation should never have infection, as once pathogens are implanted into the eyes, they can cause severe intraocular inflammation. Thus, it is imperative to monitor for infections in the transplants, although generally, mycoplasma infection is difficult to detect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunao Sugita
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; (A.H.); (S.F.); (Y.F.); (M.T.)
- Vision Care Inc., Kobe 650-0047, Japan
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +81-78-306-3305; Fax: +81-78-306-3303
| | - Ayumi Hono
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; (A.H.); (S.F.); (Y.F.); (M.T.)
| | - Shoko Fujino
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; (A.H.); (S.F.); (Y.F.); (M.T.)
| | - Yoko Futatsugi
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; (A.H.); (S.F.); (Y.F.); (M.T.)
| | - Yuta Yunomae
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan; (Y.Y.); (N.S.)
- Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo 110-8736, Japan
| | - Norio Shimizu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan; (Y.Y.); (N.S.)
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; (A.H.); (S.F.); (Y.F.); (M.T.)
- Vision Care Inc., Kobe 650-0047, Japan
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7
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Rajendran Nair DS, Zhu D, Sharma R, Martinez Camarillo JC, Bharti K, Hinton DR, Humayun MS, Thomas BB. Long-Term Transplant Effects of iPSC-RPE Monolayer in Immunodeficient RCS Rats. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112951. [PMID: 34831174 PMCID: PMC8616297 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) replacement therapy is evolving as a feasible approach to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In many preclinical studies, RPE cells are transplanted as a cell suspension into immunosuppressed animal eyes and transplant effects have been monitored only short-term. We investigated the long-term effects of human Induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived RPE (iPSC-RPE) transplants in an immunodeficient Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model, in which RPE dysfunction led to photoreceptor degeneration. iPSC-RPE cultured as a polarized monolayer on a nanoengineered ultrathin parylene C scaffold was transplanted into the subretinal space of 28-day-old immunodeficient RCS rat pups and evaluated after 1, 4, and 11 months. Assessment at early time points showed good iPSC-RPE survival. The transplants remained as a monolayer, expressed RPE-specific markers, performed phagocytic function, and contributed to vision preservation. At 11-months post-implantation, RPE survival was observed in only 50% of the eyes that were concomitant with vision preservation. Loss of RPE monolayer characteristics at the 11-month time point was associated with peri-membrane fibrosis, immune reaction through the activation of macrophages (CD 68 expression), and the transition of cell fate (expression of mesenchymal markers). The overall study outcome supports the therapeutic potential of RPE grafts despite the loss of some transplant benefits during long-term observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi S. Rajendran Nair
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (D.S.R.N.); (J.C.M.C.); (M.S.H.)
| | - Danhong Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (D.Z.); (D.R.H.)
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Juan Carlos Martinez Camarillo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (D.S.R.N.); (J.C.M.C.); (M.S.H.)
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.S.); (K.B.)
| | - David R. Hinton
- Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (D.Z.); (D.R.H.)
| | - Mark S. Humayun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (D.S.R.N.); (J.C.M.C.); (M.S.H.)
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Biju B. Thomas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (D.S.R.N.); (J.C.M.C.); (M.S.H.)
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-323-442-5593
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Trends of Stem Cell Therapies in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10081785. [PMID: 33923985 PMCID: PMC8074076 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a highly prevalent irreversible impairment in the elderly population worldwide. Stem cell therapies have been considered potentially viable for treating AMD through the direct replacement of degenerated cells or secretion of trophic factors that facilitate the survival of existing cells. Among them, the safety of pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell transplantation against AMD, and some hereditary retinal degenerative diseases, has been discussed to a certain extent in clinical studies of RPE cell transplantation. Preparations are in progress for its clinical application. On the other hand, clinical trials using somatic stem cells are also being conducted, though these had controversial outcomes. Retinal regenerative medicine using stem cells is expected to make steady progress toward practical use while new technologies are incorporated from various fields, thereby making the role of ophthalmologists in this field increasingly important.
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9
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Yamasaki S, Sugita S, Horiuchi M, Masuda T, Fujii S, Makabe K, Kawasaki A, Hayashi T, Kuwahara A, Kishino A, Kimura T, Takahashi M, Mandai M. Low Immunogenicity and Immunosuppressive Properties of Human ESC- and iPSC-Derived Retinas. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:851-867. [PMID: 33770500 PMCID: PMC8072071 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
ESC- and iPSC-derived retinal transplantation is a promising therapeutic approach for disease with end-stage retinal degeneration, such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. We previously showed medium- to long-term survival, maturation, and light response of transplanted human ESC- and iPSC-retina in mouse, rat, and monkey models of end-stage retinal degeneration. Because the use of patient hiPSC-derived retina with a disease-causing gene mutation is not appropriate for therapeutic use, allogeneic transplantation using retinal tissue/cells differentiated from a stocked hESC and iPSC line would be most practical. Here, we characterize the immunological properties of hESC- and iPSC-retina and present their three major advantages: (1) hESC- and iPSC-retina expressed low levels of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and little HLA class II in vitro, (2) hESC- and iPSC-retina greatly suppressed immune activation of lymphocytes in co-culture, and (3) hESC- and iPSC-retina suppressed activated immune cells partially via transforming growth factor β signaling. These results support the use of allogeneic hESC- and iPSC-retina in future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suguru Yamasaki
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; Regenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Sunao Sugita
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Matsuri Horiuchi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; Regenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Masuda
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Shota Fujii
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kenichi Makabe
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kawasaki
- Laboratory for Brain Connectomics Imaging, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takuya Hayashi
- Laboratory for Brain Connectomics Imaging, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kuwahara
- Regenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Kishino
- Regenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Toru Kimura
- Regenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; RIKEN Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms (DMP), RIKEN Cluster for Science, Technology and Innovation Hub, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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10
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Dynamics of Cyclooxygenase-1 Positive Microglia/Macrophage in the Retina of Pathological Model Mice as a Biomarker of the Retinal Inflammatory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073396. [PMID: 33806238 PMCID: PMC8036698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In an intraocular inflammatory state, microglia residing in the retina become active and migrate inside the retina. In this study, we investigated whether cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) expressed by retinal microglia/macrophage can be a biomarker for the diagnosis of retinal diseases. COX-1 was immunopositive in microglia/macrophage and neutrophils, while COX-2 was immunopositive in astrocytes and neurons in the inner layer of normal retina. The number of COX-1 positive cells per section of the retinal tissue was 14 ± 2.8 (mean ± standard deviation) in normal mice, which showed significant increase in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-administrated model (62 ± 5.0, p = 8.7 × 10−9). In addition to microglia, we found neutrophils that were positive for COX-1. In the early stage of inflammation in the experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU), COX-1 positive cells, infiltrating from the ciliary body into the retinal outer nuclear layer, were observed. The number of infiltrating COX-1 positive cells correlated with the severity of EAU. Taken together, the increased number of COX-1 positive microglia/macrophage with morphological changes were observed in the retinas of retinal inflammatory disease models. This suggests that COX-1 can be a marker of disease-related activities of microglia/macrophage, which should be useful for the diagnosis of retinal diseases.
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A ROCK Inhibitor Promotes Graft Survival during Transplantation of iPS-Cell-Derived Retinal Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063237. [PMID: 33810153 PMCID: PMC8004718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation includes sheet and single-cell transplantation, the latter of which includes cell death and may be highly immunogenic, and there are some issues to be improved in single-cell transplantation. Y-27632 is an inhibitor of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), the downstream kinase of Rho. We herein investigated the effect of Y-27632 in vitro on retinal pigment epithelium derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS-RPE cells), and also its effects in vivo on the transplantation of iPS-RPE cell suspensions. As a result, the addition of Y-27632 in vitro showed suppression of apoptosis, promotion of cell adhesion, and higher proliferation and pigmentation of iPS-RPE cells. Y-27632 also increased the viability of the transplant without showing obvious retinal toxicity in human iPS-RPE transplantation into monkey subretinal space in vivo. Therefore, it is possible that ROCK inhibitors can improve the engraftment of iPS-RPE cell suspensions after transplantation.
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Sugita S, Mandai M, Kamao H, Takahashi M. Immunological aspects of RPE cell transplantation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100950. [PMID: 33482342 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells have several functions, including support of the neural retina and choroid in the eye and immunosuppression. Cultured human RPE cells directly suppress inflammatory immune cells. For instance, they directly suppress the activation of T cells in vitro. In contrast, transplanted allogeneic human RPE cells are rejected by bystander immune cells such as T cells in vivo. Recently, human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE cells have been used in several clinical trials, and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-RPE cells have also been tested in our clinical study in patients with retinal degeneration. Major safety concerns after stem cell-based transplantation surgery include hyper-proliferation, tumorigenicity, or ectopic tissue formation, but these events have currently not been seen in any of these patients. However, if RPE cells are allogeneic, there are concerns about immune rejection issues that have been raised in previous clinical trials. We therefore performed a preclinical study of allogeneic iPSC-RPE cell transplantation in animal rejection models. We then conducted autogenic or allogeneic iPSC-RPE cell transplantation in clinical studies of patients with age-related macular degeneration. In this review, we focus on immunological studies of RPE cells, including iPSC-derived cells. iPSC-RPE cells have unique inflammatory (immunosuppressive and immunogenic) characteristics like primary cultured RPE cells. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current findings obtained from preclinical (basic research) and clinical studies in iPSC-RPE cell transplantation, especially the immunological aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunao Sugita
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research Kobe, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research Kobe, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kamao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research Kobe, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Japan
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Capacity of Retinal Ganglion Cells Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Suppress T-Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217831. [PMID: 33105725 PMCID: PMC7660053 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are impaired in patients such as those with glaucoma and optic neuritis, resulting in permanent vision loss. To restore visual function, development of RGC transplantation therapy is now underway. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are an important source of RGCs for human allogeneic transplantation. We therefore analyzed the immunological characteristics of iPSC-derived RGCs (iPSC-RGCs) to evaluate the possibility of rejection after RGC transplantation. We first assessed the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules on iPSC-RGCs using immunostaining, and then evaluated the effects of iPSC-RGCs to activate lymphocytes using the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and iPSC-RGC co-cultures. We observed low expression of HLA class I and no expression of HLA class II molecules on iPSC-RGCs. We also found that iPSC-RGCs strongly suppressed various inflammatory immune cells including activated T-cells in the MLR assay and that transforming growth factor-β2 produced by iPSC-RGCs played a critical role in suppression of inflammatory cells in vitro. Our data suggest that iPSC-RGCs have low immunogenicity, and immunosuppressive capacity on lymphocytes. Our study will contribute to predicting immune attacks after RGC transplantation.
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Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) Cells Suppress or Activate T Cells via Costimulatory Signals. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186507. [PMID: 32899567 PMCID: PMC7554762 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have immunosuppressive properties. However, RPE cells are also known as immunogenic cells, and they have major histocompatibility complex expression and produce inflammatory proteins, and thus experience immune rejection after transplantation. In this study, to confirm the immunological properties of IPS-RPE cells, we examined whether human RPE cells derived from iPS cells could suppress or stimulate inflammatory T cells from uveitis patients via costimulatory signals. We established T cells from patients with active uveitis as target cells and used iPS-RPE cells as effector cells. As a result, cultured iPS-RPE cells inhibited cell proliferation and the production of IFN-γ by activated uveitis CD4+ T cells, especially Th1-type T cells. In contrast, iPS-RPE cells stimulated T cells of uveitis patients. The iPS-RPE cells constitutively expressed B7-H1/CD274 and B7-DC/CD273, and suppressed the activation of T cells via the PD-1 receptor. iPS-RPE expressed these negative costimulatory molecules, especially when RPE cells were pretreated with recombinant IFN-γ. In addition, iPS-RPE cells also expressed B7-H3/CD276 costimulatory molecules and activated uveitis T cells through the B7-H3-TLT-2 receptor. Thus, cultured iPS-derived retinal cells can suppress or activate inflammatory T cells in vitro through costimulatory interactions.
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