Corneal Stem Cells: A Source of Cell Renewal with Therapeutic Potential

The eye needs a healthy, transparent cornea to perform normal visual function. Stem cells residing at the limbus of the adult eye, named limbal stem cells (LSCs), are responsible for maintenance and repair of the corneal surface, thus contributing to tissue health. In the case of deficiency of LSCs a blinding disorder named stem cell deficiency (LSCD) occurs, characterized by cornea opacity, vascularization, and inflammation. Understanding corneal stem cells is critical for the development of cell-based therapies directed to treat the diseased cornea. The focus of this chapter is to provide a summarized overview of the current knowledge on corneal stem cells, including their location, phenotypic and functional characteristics, causes and consequences of the depletion of the corneal stem cell niche, as well as therapeutic options and ongoing studies dedicated to improve the success of cell-based therapies in the treatment of cornea surface disease.