Corneal Epithelial Sheet, Method Of constructing The Same, And Transplantation Method Using The Sheet
A corneal epithelial sheet having potential for the achievement of a favorable therapeutic effect and being highly safe in transplantation. The corneal epithelial sheet is constructed by: (a) preparing corneal epithelial cells; (b) separately culturing human fibroblasts in a collagen gel; (c) sowing or placing the corneal epithelial cells on the collagen gel; and (d) culturing and proliferating the corneal epithelial cells in the absence of xenogeneic animal cells.
1 : A corneal epithelial sheet comprising corneal epithelial cells proliferated on a collagen gel containing human fibroblasts in the absence of a xenogeneic animal cell.
2 : The corneal epithelial sheet according to claim 1 , wherein the corneal epithelial cells are proliferated by using a serum free medium.
3 : The corneal epithelial sheet according to claim 1 , wherein the corneal epithelial cells are proliferated by using a medium containing only serum derived from a recipient as a serum component.
4 : A method of constructing a corneal epithelial sheet, the method comprising the following steps:
(a) preparing corneal epithelial cells;
(b) culturing human fibroblasts in a collagen gel;
(c) plating or placing the corneal epithelial cells on the collagen gel; and
(d) culturing and proliferating the corneal epithelial cells in the absence of a xenogeneic animal cell.
5 : The constructing method according to claim 4 , further comprising the following step:
(e) after the corneal epithelial cells are proliferated, bringing the outermost surface layer into contact with air.
6 : The constructing method according to claim 4 , wherein the step (d) is carried out by using a serum free medium.
7 : The constructing method according to claim 4 , wherein the step (d) is carried out by using a medium containing only serum derived from a recipient as a serum component.
8 : A transplantation method using the corneal epithelial sheet according to claim 1 as a transplantation material.