Functional human corneal equivalents constructed from cell lines

Human corneal equivalents comprising the three main Layers of the cornea (e pithelium, stroma, and endothelium) were constructed. Each cellular layer w as fabricated from immortalized human corneal cells that were screened for use on the basis of morphological, biochemical, and electrophysiological si milarity to their natural counterparts. The resulting corneal equivalents m imicked human corneas in key physical and physiological functions, includin g morphology, biochemical marker expression, transparency, ion and fluid tr ansport, and gene expression. Morphological and functional equivalents to h uman corneas that can be produced in vitro have immediate applications in t oxicity and drug efficacy testing, and form the basis for future developmen t of implantable tissues.