Spheroid assembly of mesenchymal stem cells enhances secretome-mediated corneal reinnervation and epithelial repair in a mouse model of experimental dry eye.

ABSTRACT: Dry eye disease is a complex ocular surface disorder with multifactorial pathophysiology, including corneal epithelial damage, chronic inflammation, and corneal nerve dysfunction. Among these, impaired corneal innervation plays a particularly critical role, as it disrupts neurotrophic support and tear reflexes, perpetuating disease progression, and delaying healing. However, conventional treatments often provide only temporary symptom relief without addressing underlying tissue damage or promoting nerve regeneration. This shortcoming highlights the need for therapies that not only suppress inflammation but also restore corneal innervation. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroid-derived secretome-a cell-free solution rich in regenerativ

SUBMITTER: Liu SW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12365436 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature