Understanding how the immune system affects retinal cell regeneration
Official title: Innate immune system regulation of retinal regeneration
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10923916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells help the eye heal itself, comparing zebrafish, which can fully regenerate their eye cells, to mammals like humans, to find out why we can't do the same and how this could help treat vision problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $446,841 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033009-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from degenerative vision disorders, particularly those over 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable vision or non-degenerative eye conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the innate immune system in the regeneration of retinal cells, particularly focusing on how microglia, a type of immune cell, influence the activation of Müller glial cells in zebrafish and mammals. By comparing the regenerative capabilities of zebrafish, which can fully regenerate retinal cells, to mammals, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that limit this process in humans. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques, including CRISPR, to manipulate and observe the effects of immune responses on retinal cell regeneration. This could lead to new insights into treating degenerative vision disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that enhance retinal regeneration in patients with vision loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding retinal regeneration in zebrafish, but this approach in mammals is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mumm, Jeffrey — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mumm, Jeffrey
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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.