Inflammasome-driven inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Official title: Cellular and molecular mechanisms of AIM2 and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in age-related macular degeneration
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11259425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $496,689 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033709-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11259425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration, especially those whose disease progresses despite anti-VEGF therapy.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marneros, Alexander Georg — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Marneros, Alexander Georg
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Active cycling program to support vision and daily living in Veterans with AMD
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Transplanting stem-cell–derived retinal cells to treat dry AMD
A medical team is testing a stem cell therapy to replace damaged retinal cells in adults with dry age-related macular degeneration.
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RPESC-derived RPE Transplant for Dry AMD in adults
A new cell-based therapy derived from RPESCs is being tested to help adults with dry age-related macular degeneration regain vision.
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New high-resolution OCT biomarkers to map early AMD changes
A new imaging approach using advanced OCT methods will help doctors see early changes in age-related macular degeneration to guide treatment and improve quality of life for older adults.
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Targeting inflammation in age-related macular degeneration
Aims to understand how inflammation drives age-related macular degeneration in people and explore new targets to slow or stop vision loss.
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.