Organoid-derived C-Kit+/SSEA4− human retinal progenitor cells promote a protective retinal microenvironment during transplantation in rodents

Abstract

Stem cell transplantation to treat retinal degeneration could be limited by the degenerative microenvironment. Here, the authors show that C-Kit+/SSEA4– progenitor cells enriched from human embryonic stem cell derived retinal organoids protect retinal structure, suppress microglial activation, gliosis and inflammation.