Inflammasome-driven inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of AIM2 and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in age-related macular degeneration
This work looks at how two inflammation proteins, AIM2 and NLRP3, may cause or worsen wet age-related macular degeneration to help find better treatments for people with AMD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259425 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers are using a genetic mouse model that mimics the wet form of AMD to see how AIM2 and NLRP3 inflammasomes trigger inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth. They will study retinal pigment epithelial cells and nearby tissues to track inflammatory signals such as IL-1β and how those signals promote choroidal neovascularization. The team uses genetic tools, cell-based assays, and molecular analyses to pinpoint which inflammasome pathways drive disease without affecting helpful VEGF-dependent functions. The goal is to identify targets for treatments that reduce harmful inflammation while preserving normal retinal and choroidal health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, especially those whose disease progresses despite anti-VEGF therapy.
Not a fit: People with non-neovascular (dry) AMD or vision loss from causes unrelated to inflammasome-driven inflammation are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new anti-inflammatory therapies for neovascular AMD that avoid the downsides of long-term anti-VEGF treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked inflammasomes to AMD but results have been mixed, so this approach is promising yet still experimental and not yet clinically proven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marneros, Alexander Georg — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Marneros, Alexander Georg
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.