Bioengineered Human Corneal Endothelium for Transplantation

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Abstract
Human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) maintain corneal clarity by means of a barrier function and pump-leak mechanism.1 Regarded as nonproliferative in vivo,2 the number of HCECs decreases with aging and because of other factors such as trauma, inflammation, and the use of contact lenses. Full-thickness corneal transplantation (penetrating keratoplasty) is currently the most common way to treat corneas that are opacified owing to endothelial dysfunction. Because the supply of donor corneas is insufficient and because of the potential for complications in penetrating keratoplasty, use of cultured HCECs for the replacement of the endothelium alone would be a substantial advantage.

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