Investigating how T-cells contribute to damage in glaucoma
Official title: T-cell mediated RGC damage in glaucoma
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11012410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells, called T-cells, might harm the cells in your eye that are important for vision in people with glaucoma, and it hopes to find new ways to protect your eyesight beyond just lowering eye pressure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $623,953 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034534-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma who may not be responding well to current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with glaucoma who have already lost significant vision or those with other ocular conditions unrelated to immune response may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of T-cells in causing damage to retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The researchers will analyze blood samples from glaucoma patients to identify specific immune responses that may lead to RGC loss. By studying the effects of T-cell transfer in animal models, they aim to uncover new therapeutic strategies that could protect vision by targeting these immune mechanisms. The ultimate goal is to develop treatments that go beyond lowering intraocular pressure, which is currently the only available therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that preserve vision in glaucoma patients by addressing immune-related damage.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune mechanisms in various ocular diseases, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuehn, Markus H. — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Kuehn, Markus H.
Related research
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-
Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function
A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting vision.
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.