Christelle Monville1,2, Olivier Goureau3 and Karim Ben M'Barek1,2,4 1INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France 2Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, U861, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France 3Sorbonne Université, Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, 75012 Paris, France 4Centre d'Etude des Cellules Souches, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France Correspondence: cmonvilleistem.fr; olivier.goureauinserm.fr; kbenmbarekistem.fr

Retinal degeneration is an increasing global burden without cure for the majority of patients. Once retinal cells have degenerated, vision is permanently lost. Different strategies have been developed in recent years to prevent retinal degeneration or to restore sight (e.g., gene therapy, cell therapy, and electronic implants). Herein, we present current treatment strategies with a focus on cell therapy for photoreceptor replacement using human pluripotent stem cells. We will describe the state of the art and discuss obstacles and limitations observed in preclinical animal models as well as future directions to improve graft integration and functionality.