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Cell-derived therapies for corneal nerve repair: Structural and functional mechanisms

Award Number: R01EY035681
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 03/01/2024
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 12/31/2028

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Cell-derived therapies for corneal nerve repair: Structural and functional mechanisms - PROJECT SUMMARY Injured corneal nerves can regenerate but in general, the resulting nerve repair is incomplete or may take years to recover their original density and patterning. While several growth factors can enhance the recovery of damaged corneal nerves and one of them has been clinically approved to treat corneal injuries (nerve growth factor), patients still complain about discomfort, dryness, and pain. These observations indicate that more complete anatomical and sensory regeneration of injured nerves may need to occur for patients to recover. Most likely the type/site/time of nerve injury affects the anatomical, molecular, and functional regeneration of corneal nerves. Therefore, the administration of clinically validated factors that enhance nerve regeneration, not only accelerates the rate of healing but also induces differential effects on functional nerve sensation. Since regeneration of corneal nerves requires multiple wound healing processes, the use of single agents may not be the best therapeutic approach, and combination of factors with similar or complementary roles may be necessary to accomplish repair at the morphological and functional levels. In this proposal, we hypothesize that secreted extracellular vesicles (including exosomes) derived from different sources differentially regulate the anatomical, molecular, and functional aspects of regenerating corneal nerves. To identify these changes, we proposed the following: Aim 1 will characterize the ability of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to promote the anatomic and molecular regeneration of corneal nerves following mechanical and chemical injury. Aim 2 will evaluate the functional and behavior recovery of corneal nerves following administration of EVs. Aim 3 will elucidate the bioactive components of the extracellular vesicle’s cargo, which can lead to new therapeutic approaches for complete corneal nerve repair.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $694,163 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	809 S MARSHFIELD AVE M/C 551	CHICAGO	IL	60612	COOK	USA	Vision Research	000	3	12/16/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$694,163
														Subtotal = $694,163

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $694,163 )
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	809 S MARSHFIELD AVE M/C 551	CHICAGO	IL	60612	COOK	USA	Vision Research	000	2	7/18/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$694,163
														Subtotal = $694,163

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $695,037 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	809 S MARSHFIELD AVE M/C 551	CHICAGO	IL	60612	COOK	USA	Vision Research	000	1	2/22/2024	NEW	$695,037
														Subtotal = $695,037

Grand Total All Awards = $2,083,363

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Cell-derived therapies for corneal nerve repair: Structural and functional mechanisms

Award Number: R01EY035681

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 03/01/2024

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 12/31/2028

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