Gene transfer of cyto-protective molecules in corneal endothelial cells and cultured corneas: Analysis of protective effects in vitro and in vivo

We demonstrate that gene transfer of both Bcl-xL and HO-1 has cyto-protective effects on HCEC in vitro. However, gene transfer of a single cyto-protective molecule does not prevent its rejection upon transplantation in a MHC class I/II disparate rat model.