Targeting STING to treat diabetic eye disease
Bifunctional Inhibitors of STING as Chemical Probes for Diabetic Retinopathy
New medicines that block STING aim to reduce eye inflammation and prevent vision loss in people with diabetic retinopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179257 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have diabetic retinopathy, this project is developing new STING-blocking compounds that could become treatments. Researchers will test these compounds in cells and animal models to see if they stop DNA-driven inflammation, reduce immune cell buildup in the retina, and prevent blood-retinal barrier leakage. The team has shown in earlier work that blocking STING can lower retinal inflammation and leakage in models of eye disease. If the compounds look safe and effective, they could move toward human safety studies and future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with diabetic retinopathy—especially those whose vision does not improve with anti‑VEGF injections—are the most likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People without diabetic eye disease or whose vision loss is due to unrelated causes are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that lower retinal inflammation, reduce leakage, and help preserve vision for people with diabetic retinopathy.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies show that blocking STING can reduce retinal inflammation and leakage in animal models, but using bifunctional STING inhibitors as potential therapies is a new approach.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duerfeldt, Adam Scott — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Duerfeldt, Adam Scott
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.