Understanding how certain immune cells contribute to vision loss in age-related macular degeneration
Official title: Investigating the function and mechanism of interleukin 7 receptor-expressing pro-angiogenic macrophages during experimental choroidal neovascularization
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11042791 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the eye might contribute to a common cause of vision loss called neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), with the hope of finding new ways to help people who don’t respond well to current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $400,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034486-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042791 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, particularly those who have not achieved satisfactory vision outcomes with anti-VEGF treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of macular degeneration or those who have not been diagnosed with any retinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of interleukin-7 receptor-expressing macrophages in the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), a leading cause of blindness. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to uncover the origins and functions of these immune cells in the context of choroidal neovascularization. The goal is to identify new therapeutic targets beyond the current treatments that inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are not effective for all patients. This research could lead to innovative strategies to prevent vision loss in individuals affected by nAMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new treatment options for patients with age-related macular degeneration who do not respond to existing therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting macrophages for therapeutic interventions in various conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results in treating nAMD.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lavine, Jeremy a — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Lavine, Jeremy a
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.