Neuroprotective therapy targeting microglia/macrophages in diabetic retinopathy

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K16897
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56060:Ophthalmology-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Yamaguchi Muneo 九州大学, 大学病院, 医員 (50848017)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 糖尿病網膜症 / 神経障害 / マクロファージ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We observed photoreceptor cell death and macrophage/microglia kinetics in mice retina with over expression of VEGF in the eye (VEGF mice).Along with VEGF expression, various inflammatory cytokines, which have been reported to be elevated in patients with diabetic retinopathy, increased. Photoreceptor cell death occurred gradually and the retina thinned. At the peak of photoreceptor cell death, macrophages/microglia increased and morphological changes were observed. The phenotype of macrophages/microglias at the vitreoretinal interface was uniformly M2-like, with findings of local proliferation. The phenotype of macrophages/microglias within the retina was both M1 and M2-like.

Free Research Field

糖尿病網膜症

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

眼内でのVEGF高発現とともに、炎症に関与しているとされているM1マクロファージ/マイクログリアの増加、活性化を認めた。種々の炎症性サイトカインも増加しており、M1マクロファージ/マイクログリアを標的とした新規治療を創製できれば、糖尿病網膜症患者でのアンメット・メディカルニーズである神経障害を抑制する病態特異的な治療法となることが期待される。