How immune cells in the eye drive vision loss in glaucoma
Mechanisms of microglial neuroinflammatory response in glaucoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · SCHEPENS EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11161581
This project looks at how retinal immune cells called microglia cause nerve-cell loss in glaucoma to find targets that could protect sight.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SCHEPENS EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11161581 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use mouse glaucoma models, genetic tools, and RNA sequencing to study how microglia become inflammatory and harm retinal ganglion cells. They identified a receptor called CD300lf that is increased in microglia during glaucoma and found that mice lacking this receptor are protected from nerve-cell loss. The team will dissect the signaling pathways by which CD300lf drives inflammation and test ways to block that harmful response. The goal is to translate those findings into strategies that could prevent vision loss from glaucoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with glaucoma or at high risk of retinal ganglion cell loss would be the likely candidates for future therapies arising from this work.
Not a fit: Individuals without glaucoma or those needing immediate pressure-lowering surgery are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to reduce damaging inflammation and help preserve vision in people with glaucoma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical studies show that targeting microglial inflammatory pathways can protect retinal neurons in animal models, and this project builds on those promising findings focusing on the CD300lf receptor.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- SCHEPENS EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MARGETA, MILICA — SCHEPENS EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: MARGETA, MILICA
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.