Microglia Activation and Immunomodulatory Therapies for Retinal Degenerations

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience

Thomas Langmann¹  Khalid Rashid²  Anne Wolf² 

[1] Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany;Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany;

关键词: retinal degeneration;    microglia;    TSPO;    interferon-beta;    photoreceptors;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fncel.2018.00176

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

A chronic pro-inflammatory environment is a hallmark of retinal degenerative diseases and neurological disorders that affect vision. Inflammatory responses during retinal pathophysiology are orchestrated by microglial cells which constitute the resident immune cell population. Following activation, microglia cells lose their ramified protrusions, proliferate and rapidly migrate to the damaged areas and resolve tissue damage. However, sustained presence of tissue stress primes microglia to become overreactive and results in the excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators that favor retinal degenerative changes. Consequently, interventions aimed at overriding microglial pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative properties may attenuate photoreceptor demise and preserve retinal integrity. We highlight the positive effects of ligands for the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) and the cytokine interferon beta (IFN-β) in modulating microgliosis during retinal pathologies and discuss their plausible mechanisms of action.

【 授权许可】

Unknown