Researchers created the first 3D organoid model of the human conjunctiva, paving the way for extensive research into its functions. The developed organoid is now a valuable tool for testing drugs related to various conjunctiva-affecting diseases like dry eye disease, cancer, allergies, and infections.
Marie Bannier-Hélaouët, a PhD student at the Hubrecht Institute, led a study revealing the conjunctiva's multifaceted role in tear production beyond mucus, discovering its antimicrobial contribution.
Conjunctiva and the Limited Treatment for Related Diseases
The conjunctiva, a thin and transparent tissue layer covering the eye's front surface and inner eyelids, is essential for eye health. It produces tears to lubricate the eyes, shield them from foreign particles, and prevent dryness. Also, it aids tear adhesion to the ocular surface, protecting it from pathogens.
Unfortunately, there is limited treatment options for conjunctiva-related diseases like dry eye, cancer, allergies, and infections. Severe dysfunction of this tissue can lead to blindness. The lack of a suitable human conjunctiva model hampers research into its functions and constrains treatment development for associated diseases.
The delicate nature of the conjunctiva and the scarcity of human tissue samples make studying it challenging, impeding a comprehensive understanding of eye diseases and hindering effective treatment strategies. That is why the recently developed human conjunctiva organoid is a gamechanger in drug testing for treating conjunctiva-related diseases.
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First Human Conjunctiva Model for Tear Production and Allergies through Organoids and Therapeutic Potential
The Organoid group at the Hubrecht Institute aimed to unravel the mysteries of the conjunctiva by pioneering the creation of the first human model of this tissue. By cultivating cells from an actual human conjunctiva into 3D organoids, they mimicked the real functioning of human conjunctiva.
Lead researcher Marie Bannier-Hélaouët emphasized their discovery that they wanted to know how a conjunctiva not only produces mucus but also contributes to tear production through antimicrobial components.
Manipulating the conditions to simulate allergies, the organoids displayed altered tear composition, revealing increased mucus and antimicrobial components. This environment unveiled a new cell type, tuft cells, suggesting their involvement in allergic responses.
In the quest for innovative therapies, ophthalmologist Mor Dickman envisions using organoids for treating inflammatory diseases and conjunctiva cancers that lead to blindness. Collaborating with Prof Hans Clevers and the Organoid Group, preclinical studies on rabbits have shown promise, indicating a potential revolution in conjunctiva-related therapies.
This groundbreaking breakthrough not only enhances the understanding of the conjunctiva but also promises potential treatments, such as producing replacement conjunctivae for those with ocular burns, cancers, or genetic disorders. It also serves as a valuable tool for drug testing and represents a substantial leap forward in conjunctiva research and the development of potential treatments.
The team discussed the findings of their study, titled "Human conjunctiva organoids to study ocular surface homeostasis and disease," in full in the journal Cell Stem Cell.
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