Understanding how immune cells in the eye contribute to glaucoma
Official title: Mechanisms of microglial neuroinflammatory response in glaucoma
Funded at Schepens Eye Research Institute · NIH-10908615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the eye and brain might affect the damage caused by glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss, and it aims to find new ways to protect important eye cells by testing different treatments in mice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Schepens Eye Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $492,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035312-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of glaucoma or those diagnosed with the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with glaucoma who are not responsive to immune modulation therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, the immune cells in the retina and brain, in the development of glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The researchers aim to understand how these cells contribute to the loss of retinal ganglion cells, which are crucial for vision. By studying mouse models, they have identified specific receptors that may influence the inflammatory response in glaucoma, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets. The approach includes genetic and pharmacological interventions to assess their effects on cell survival and inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent vision loss in glaucoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting immune responses in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential success for this approach in glaucoma.
Where this research is happening
-
Schepens Eye Research Institute
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Margeta, Milica — Schepens Eye Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Margeta, Milica
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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.