Current methodology and cell sources for lacrimal gland tissue engineering

Aqueous tears secreted by the lacrimal gland have vital importance in maintaining and protecting the ocular surface health. Serious complications such as corneal ulceration, ocular surface keratinization and permanent vision loss can be seen in aqueous deficiency type dry eye disease that develops as a result of irreversible damage in the lacrimal gland. Current treatment options offer only short-term temporary palliation to reduce pain and inflammation on the ocular surface with no long-term improvement in lacrimal gland function. In recent years, the cellular and molecular properties of the lacrimal gland have been better understood, and studies carried out in the field of regenerative medicine show promise for the principal treatment of serious aqueous deficiency dry eye disease. In partial lacrimal gland damage, in situ regeneration can be achieved by using stem cells in the tissue. In total gland damage, healing can occur as a result of transplantation of organoids developed from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) thanks to the tissue engineering method. Here, it is aimed to review the appropriate cellular resources for regeneration and development of functional artificial lacrimal gland by comparing studies using in situ stem cells and iPSC.