Prof. Thomas Ritter
My lab develops novel gene- and cell therapies for immune-mediated diseases of the ocular surface with a focus on corneal disease. We currently focus on the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their secreted extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs, small and large EVs) and are investigating the mechanism of action of MSCs and MSC-EVs (eg mRNA/miRNA cargo and surface expression profile). We are also developing novel techniques to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs by cytokine licensing/pre-activation. We have established a panel of in vitro potency assays to measure the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs and MSC-EVs. In vivo, the therapeutic efficacy is evaluated in pre-clinical models of corneal transplantation, ocular surface injury and intraocular inflammation. We are currently leading a large European consortium (RESTORE VISION) to develop novel and repurposed drugs for rare diseases of the ocular surface. For our work we are using state-of-the art technology such as flow cytometry, in vivo imaging, optical coherence tomography, gene therapy.
Key words:
Mesenchymal stromal cells; extracellular vesicles; immunomodulation; ocular surface; inflammation, injury
