Understanding how eye immune cells develop in the retina
Developmental Regulation of Retinal Microglia
This work explores how special immune cells in the eye, called microglia, form and are maintained, which is important for healthy vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134088 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our eyes contain tiny immune cells called microglia that are crucial for how the retina develops and stays healthy, and also play a role in eye diseases. This project looks at how these microglia and other immune cells in the eye are established during different stages of development. We want to understand how these cells are recruited, how they mature, and how they relate to other immune cells in the eye. By learning more about these processes, we hope to gain insights into how eye diseases that cause vision loss develop.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit individuals affected by or at risk of retinal degenerative diseases and blindness.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how retinal diseases that cause vision loss begin, potentially informing new ways to prevent or treat them.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of retinal microglia development are still being uncovered, other basic science efforts have successfully advanced our understanding of immune cell roles in various organs.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vetter, Monica L — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Vetter, Monica L
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.