Material context and TGF-β blockade timing determine retained matrix in patient-derived bioprinted keratoconus stroma

Finite TGF-β receptor blockade timing in patient-derived bioprinted keratoconus stroma preserves native collagen and lowers contractile-gene expression in 9/12 donors after 11 days.

• Why it matters: Stromal repair needs newly made matrix to persist while contractile responses to TGF-β are controlled, but optimal timing and endpoints for blockade remain unclear.
• What they did: Patient-derived bioprinted GelMA stroma from six keratoconus and six normal donors was compared with 2D culture and matched cast GelMA, using timed TGF-β1 pulse and delayed receptor blockade.
• The result: Delayed blockade after a TGF-β1 pulse preserved matrix transcription and late secretion, and across regimens at least one achieved both endpoints in 11/12 donors, including every keratoconus donor.

AI summary of the abstract · may contain errors · not medical advice · read the paper.