M2 immune cells that drive abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye
Proangiogenic M2-type macrophages and choroidal neovascularization
Researchers aim to stop M2-type macrophages from causing abnormal blood vessel growth in people with wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration.
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-11457359 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
In wet AMD, harmful new blood vessels form under the retina and certain immune cells called M2 macrophages appear to promote that growth. This project uses laboratory studies and mouse models to learn how macrophages switch into the pro-growth M2 state and which signals they release. The team is looking for drug targets that prevent M2 polarization or block the pro-angiogenic signals those cells produce. The long-term goal is to develop medicines that reduce or prevent vision loss from choroidal neovascularization.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration and active choroidal neovascularization would be the most likely candidates for future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with dry (non-neovascular) AMD, other retinal diseases not driven by abnormal vessel growth, or those with advanced scarred damage are unlikely to benefit from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that slow or prevent vision loss in wet AMD by stopping the immune cells that drive abnormal vessel growth.
How similar studies have performed: Anti-VEGF injections already control many cases of CNV, while approaches that alter macrophage behavior are newer and have shown promise in animal studies but are not yet proven in humans.
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.