Glossary

Allogeneic cell transplant

A transplant that uses cells or tissue that are not the patient’s own. When autologous cells or tissue are used, it is called an autologous transplant.

Bullous Keratopathy

This disease is caused by a decrease in the number of corneal endothelial cells, which are responsible for regulating the amount of water in the cornea at its innermost part, due to intraocular surgery such as for cataracts or hereditary factors, causing the cornea to swell and become cloudy, and ultimately leading to visual impairment. The disease is progressive and can lead to blindness if left untreated.
https://cellusion.jp/news/jp/804/

CECSi cells

stands for Corneal Endothelial Cell Substitute from iPSC cells, and is made using a process that induces endothelial cell differentiation directly from iPS cells.
https://www.link-j.org/interview/post-4604.html

Center for iPS Cell Research and Application Foundation(CiRAF)

Functions as a “bridge” to industry for iPS cell production, quality evaluation, and other technologies. The President is Professor Shinya Yamanaka.
https://www.cira-foundation.or.jp/e/

DMEK/DSAEK

This method transplants only the endothelium, and is currently the most common transplant method in Japan.
DMEK  : https://eyewiki.aao.org/Descemet_Membrane_Endothelial_Keratoplasty,
DSAEK : https://eyewiki.aao.org/Descemet_Stripping_Endothelial_Keratoplasty

First-in-human

A clinical study or Phase I clinical trial in which a drug is administered to humans for the first time after its safety and efficacy have been confirmed in animal studies.
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/first-in-human-study

Fuchs’ corneal endothelial degeneration

An autosomal dominant form of corneal endothelial dystrophy with the characteristic finding of drop-like keratoconus, a progressive decrease in the number of endothelial cells due to primary corneal endothelial damage.
https://eyewiki.aao.org/Fuchs%E2%80%99_Endothelial_Dystrophy

HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen)

Any of the numerous antigens (substances capable of stimulating an immune response) involved in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in humans. HLA genes encode the cell-surface proteins that are part of the MHC.
https://www.britannica.com/science/human-leukocyte-antigen

Invasive

Degree of stress on the subject’s body

Penetrating Keratoplasty

A transplant method that replaces the entire epithelium, parenchyma, and endothelium.
https://eyewiki.aao.org/Penetrating_Keratoplasty

Suspension

The state of a substance when its particles are mixed with but undissolved in a fluid or solid (Merriam-Webster)