Human stem cell-derived retinal cells show promise as treatment for macular diseases

Note: The post below is  from the study (pdf) published in The Lancet.

Since 1981, when pluripotential cell cultures were first derived by Evans and Kauffman, embryonic stem cells (ESC) have been regarded as a potential source of therapeutic cells for a wide range of diseases caused by tissue loss or dysfunction. Despite the great therapeutic potential, their plasticity and unlimited capacity for self-renewal raise concerns about serious safety issues, including the ability to form teratomas and other tumours, potential immune reactions, and the risk of differentiating into unwanted cell types.