High-resolution imaging of immune cells in the living eye
Imaging immune cell type and behavior in the living retina using adaptive optics
This project uses special high-resolution eye imaging to watch immune cells in the retina so researchers can better understand inflammation linked to conditions like macular degeneration, uveitis, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179410 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use an adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope to take very detailed, noninvasive videos of single immune cells in the living mouse retina. The method relies on near-infrared phase-contrast imaging and both fast and time-lapse videography so cells can be followed as inflammation starts, grows, and resolves. The team will study two different mouse models of retinal inflammation and will use fluorescence confirmation when needed to identify specific cell types. Findings are intended to link immune cell behavior to damage or recovery in diseases that cause vision loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory retinal conditions such as uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma are the patient groups most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new treatment or those with non-inflammatory eye problems are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic imaging research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how immune cells cause or resolve retinal damage and help guide new ways to prevent or slow vision loss.
How similar studies have performed: Adaptive optics imaging has recently demonstrated the ability to visualize single immune cells in animal eyes without dyes, making parts of this approach feasible though longitudinal tracking of inflammation is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schallek, Jesse Barrett — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Schallek, Jesse Barrett
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 below.