Iris Pigment Epithelial Cells  (IPEC)

Iris pigment epithelial cells (IPE) and retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) have the same embryonic origin, thus showing similar features, including photoreceptors in the synthesis of cell nourishment factor. The transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium cells has been technically improved, but the occurrence of immune rejection has greatly restricted the long-term survival of graft. Autologous transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial cells can avoid rejection, but it is difficult to operate and has many complications, which is difficult to be widely used.

Iris pigment epithelium cells originate from neuroectoderm and autologous cells are easy to obtain, after transplantation can avoid host immune rejection. Iris pigment epithelial cells are expected to substitute RPE for autologous transplantation.