Abstract：
The limbal stem cells niche (LSCN) is an optimal microenvironment that provides the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) and strictly regulates their proliferation and differentiation. Disturbing the LSCN homeostasis can lead to limbal stem cell dysfunction (LSCD) and subsequent ocular surface aberrations, such as corneal stromal inflammation, persistent epithelial defects, corneal neovascularisation, lymphangiogenesis, corneal opacification, and conjunctivalization. As ocular surface disorders are considered the second main cause of blindness, it becomes crucial to explore different therapeutic strategies for restoring the functions of the LSCN. A major limitation of corneal transplantation is the current shortage of donor tissue to meet the requirements worldwide. In this context, it becomes mandatory to find an alternative regenerative medicine, such as using cultured limbal epithelial/stromal stem cells, inducing the production of corneal like cells by using other sources of stem cells, and using tissue engineering methods aiming to produce the three-dimensional (3D) printed cornea. Limbal epithelial stem cells have been considered the magic potion for eye treatment. Epithelial and stromal stem cells in the limbal niche hold the responsibility of replenishing the corneal epithelium. These stem cells are being used for transplantation to maintain corneal epithelial integrity and ultimately sustain optimal vision. In this review, we summarised the characteristics of the LSCN and their current and future roles in restoring corneal homeostasis in eyes with LSCD.
摘要：
角膜缘干细胞壁龛（LSCN）是提供角膜缘上皮干细胞（LESC）并严格调节其增殖和分化的最佳微环境。扰乱LSCN稳态可导致角膜缘干细胞功能障碍（LSCD）和随后的眼表畸变，如角膜基质炎症，持续性上皮缺损,角膜新生血管化,淋巴管生成,角膜混浊,和结合法。眼表疾病被认为是导致失明的第二主要原因，探索恢复LSCN功能的不同治疗策略变得至关重要。角膜移植的主要限制是目前供体组织的短缺以满足全世界的要求。在这种情况下，必须找到一种替代的再生医学，例如使用培养的角膜缘上皮/基质干细胞，通过使用其他来源的干细胞诱导角膜样细胞的产生，并使用旨在产生三维（3D）打印角膜的组织工程方法。角膜缘上皮干细胞被认为是治疗眼部的神奇药水。角膜缘小生境中的上皮和基质干细胞负责补充角膜上皮。这些干细胞被用于移植以维持角膜上皮完整性并最终维持最佳视力。在这次审查中,我们总结了LSCN的特征及其在恢复LSCD眼角膜稳态中的当前和未来作用.
