Recent clinical trials based on human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium cells (hPSC-RPE cells) were clearly a success regarding safety outcomes. However the delivery strategy of a cell suspension, while being a smart implementation of a cell therapy, might not be sufficient to achieve the best results. More complex reconstructed tissue formulations are required, both to improve functionality and to target pathological conditions with altered Bruch's membrane like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Herein, we describe the various options regarding the stem cell source choices and the different strategies elaborated in the recent years to develop engineered RPE sheets amenable for regenerative therapies.
Keywords: Age-related Macular degeneration; Cell therapy; Human embryonic stem cell; Human pluripotent stem cell; Human-induced pluripotent stem cell; Regenerative medicine; Retinal pigment epithelium; Retinitis pigmentosa; Stem cell; Tissue engineering.