Human mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue showed a more robust effect than those from the umbilical cord in promoting corneal graft survival by suppressing lymphangiogenesis.

The remarkable inhibitory effects on angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis and immunological transplantation effects support the development of hAD-MSCs as a cell therapy against corneal transplant rejection. Topical administration of hMSCs was a safer and more effective route for application than systemic administration.