Abstract
The eye is an immuno-privileged organ. However, certain diseases such as uveitis are intrinsically linked to inflammation. In several retinal degenerative diseases, there is a unique damage at the onset of the disease, but evidence suggests that chronic and low-grade inflammatory processes play an important role in their progression. Studies have identified similar signaling pathways and changes in resident immune cells within the retina among these diseases. Herein, we will discuss some of these studies and propose how understanding this inflammatory response could aid in the development of therapies.
Keywords:
Age-related macular degeneration; Diabetic retinopathy; Inflammation; Microglia; Müller glia; Retinitis pigmentosa.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens, Neoplasm / physiology
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Cytokines / physiology
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Diabetic Retinopathy / immunology*
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Diabetic Retinopathy / pathology
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Ependymoglial Cells / immunology
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Ependymoglial Cells / pathology
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Gliosis / immunology
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Gliosis / pathology
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Humans
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Inflammasomes / physiology
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Inflammation
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Macular Degeneration / immunology*
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Macular Degeneration / pathology
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Mice
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Microglia / immunology
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Microglia / pathology
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / physiology
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Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products / deficiency
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Retina / immunology
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Retina / pathology
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Retinal Drusen / immunology
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Retinal Drusen / pathology
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Retinitis Pigmentosa / immunology*
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Retinitis Pigmentosa / pathology
Substances
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Ager protein, mouse
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Antigens, Neoplasm
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Cytokines
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Inflammasomes
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Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
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MOK protein, human
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases