IL‑7 receptor immune cells and harmful blood-vessel growth in wet age-related macular degeneration
Investigating the function and mechanism of interleukin 7 receptor-expressing pro-angiogenic macrophages during experimental choroidal neovascularization
This project looks at whether a type of immune cell called IL‑7 receptor‑expressing macrophages drive the abnormal blood-vessel growth that causes vision loss in people with wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303243 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective: researchers are studying wet AMD by using a well-established mouse model that mimics the abnormal blood vessels under the retina (laser-induced choroidal neovascularization). They used single-cell RNA sequencing to find a subset of macrophages that express the interleukin‑7 receptor (IL7R) and show pro-angiogenic activity. The team will manipulate these IL7R+ macrophages (for example by depleting them or altering their signaling) to see how that changes abnormal vessel growth. Findings are intended to point to new non‑VEGF treatment approaches that could help people who do not fully respond to current anti‑VEGF drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, especially those with incomplete response to current anti‑VEGF injections, would be the most relevant patient group for this work.
Not a fit: People without choroidal neovascularization (for example those with non‑neovascular 'dry' AMD) or with unrelated eye diseases are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify a new target on immune cells that leads to non‑VEGF treatments to limit vision loss in patients with wet AMD who do not respond fully to anti‑VEGF therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Blocking VEGF is a proven and highly effective approach, but targeting macrophages for CNV is a newer strategy with promising preclinical results and limited clinical testing to date.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lavine, Jeremy a — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Lavine, Jeremy a
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.