Arginase-positive monocytes help protect optic nerve cells after eye injury
Official title: Arginase positive monocyte mediated RGC neuroprotection after traumatic optic neuropathy
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11418886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at a major university will explore how certain immune cells in the eye might protect retinal cells after traumatic injury or inflammation, aiming to turn inflammation into healing rather than damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 29, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $458,517 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035307-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with acute optic nerve or retinal injury in the future, should therapies become available, and those who may contribute samples or participate in related future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without optic nerve injury or those not matching future trial criteria may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how specific myeloid immune cells, including neutrophils and monocytes, interact after optic nerve injury to support axon regeneration. Researchers focus on a subset of neutrophils (Ly6Glow CD14+ CD101-) that may recruit arginase-positive monocytes to the injury site and promote healing. By understanding these interactions, the study hopes to identify pathways that could be targeted to preserve vision after traumatic or inflammatory eye injuries. The work relies on animal models to model acute retinal damage and immune responses, with the goal of informing future translational approaches for people with optic neuropathy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide new therapies to protect or repair retinal nerve cells after optic injury, potentially preserving or restoring vision.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown immune cell subsets can promote neuroprotection and repair in the eye, suggesting potential here but human translation is still evolving.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sas, Andrew Robert — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Sas, Andrew Robert
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.