Understanding the role of macrophages in the retina during inflammation

Retinal perivascular macrophages: ontology and function during neuroinflammation

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11020389

This study is looking at special immune cells in the eye that help protect your vision, especially during eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy and uveitis, to find out how they work and how they might be used to improve treatments for these issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11020389 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the function of retinal perivascular macrophages, which are crucial components of the blood-retina barrier. The study aims to understand how these macrophages influence the movement of immune cells during conditions like diabetic retinopathy and uveitis. By using advanced techniques to track and manipulate these cells, researchers hope to uncover their origins and roles in retinal health and disease. This could lead to new insights into how inflammation affects vision and potential therapeutic targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults experiencing retinal conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or uveitis.

Not a fit: Patients with retinal conditions unrelated to inflammation or those who do not fall within the adolescent age group may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for retinal diseases that involve inflammation, potentially improving vision for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding the role of macrophages in the brain, suggesting that similar approaches may yield valuable insights in the retina.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.