Figure 4.

Effects of MSCs on LG inflammation-induced DED.

LG inflammation was induced by an injection of ConA, the prototypic T cell mitogen, into the intraorbital gland in mice. Subsequently, syngeneic mouse BM-derived MSCs or vehicle (Hank’s balanced salt solution, HBSS) were administered into the periorbital space. ConA injection induced CD3 T cell infiltration into the LG, severe epithelial defects in the cornea, and a reduction in conjunctival goblet cells. Notably, MSCs suppressed LG inflammation. Consequent to that, MSCs significantly preserved the corneal epithelium and conjunctival goblet cells as assessed by corneal lissamine green dye staining and conjunctival periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining, respectively.

Reprinted with permission from Molecular Therapy. Lee et al., 2015. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells protect the ocular surface by suppressing inflammation in an experimental dry eye. Mol. Ther. 23, 139–146. Copyright © 2015 The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy.