Cell-based therapies to help damaged corneal nerves heal
Cell-derived therapies for corneal nerve repair: Structural and functional mechanisms
This research tests whether tiny particles released by cells can help people with damaged corneas regain nerve structure and reduce pain, dryness, and discomfort.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11377222 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have a corneal nerve injury that leaves your eye dry, uncomfortable, or painful, this project aims to learn whether cell-derived extracellular vesicles (small packets cells release) can promote better nerve regrowth. Researchers will compare vesicles from different sources and combinations to see which restore nerve anatomy and sensation most effectively. They will measure nerve structure, molecular signals, and functional responses to determine how well nerves recover. The team plans lab and preclinical tests that could guide future patient treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with corneal nerve damage causing persistent dryness, reduced sensation, pain, or discomfort after injury or surgery.
Not a fit: Patients whose eye problems are unrelated to corneal nerve loss (for example, infections, advanced glaucoma, or tear-film disorders without nerve damage) are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that more completely restore corneal nerves and relieve chronic dryness, pain, and discomfort.
How similar studies have performed: Growth factor therapy for corneal injuries has shown clinical benefit, while using cell-derived extracellular vesicles is a newer approach with promising preclinical findings but not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Djalilian, Ali R — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Djalilian, Ali R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.