How the eye controls autoimmune inflammation
Local Control and Regulation of Retinal Autoimmunity
This research looks at whether the eye can make special immune cells that calm autoimmune attacks in people with retinal autoimmune disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250000 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying how immune cells inside the retina work together to prevent or allow autoimmune damage that can harm vision. They use a mouse model that develops spontaneous retinal autoimmunity to follow where and how regulatory T cells and anergic (unresponsive) T cells form. The team will examine interactions between T cells, retinal microglia, and other retinal cells to see if the retina can generate 'on-demand' regulatory cells that suppress inflammation. Understanding these local control mechanisms could point to targets for future treatments to protect vision.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune retinal conditions, such as autoimmune uveitis or other immune-driven retinal inflammation, would be most relevant for future trials or to donate samples.
Not a fit: Patients with retinal problems caused by non-immune conditions (for example, purely genetic retinal degeneration or diabetic retinopathy) would be unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to prevent or reduce autoimmune inflammation in the eye and help preserve vision.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies show that regulatory T cells and T cell anergy can limit eye inflammation, but the idea that the retina generates these regulatory cells locally is a newer concept under active study.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcpherson, Scott W — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Mcpherson, Scott W
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.