Using IL-27 to protect photoreceptors and preserve vision
Investigating mechanisms of IL-27-induced photoreceptor protection and rescued vision
Looking at whether the immune protein IL-27 can calm harmful retina inflammation to protect light-sensing cells and help preserve vision for people with retinal degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319859 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying a naturally occurring immune signal called IL-27 to see how it reduces damaging inflammation in the retina. They use mouse models of inherited retinal degeneration and laboratory assays to measure photoreceptor survival, visual function, inflammatory cytokines, and microglia behavior after IL-27 treatment. The team will map the cell-signaling pathways by which IL-27 shifts microglia toward protective states and limits photoreceptor death. The goal is to identify targets or delivery methods that could be developed into treatments to slow vision loss across different retinal diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited or inflammatory retinal degenerations who still have remaining photoreceptors and progressive vision loss would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Those with advanced, end-stage retinal disease with few remaining photoreceptors or vision loss from non-retinal causes (for example, optic nerve disease) are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new anti-inflammatory treatments that preserve photoreceptors and slow vision loss across a range of retinal degenerations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal work, including intravitreal IL-27 in rd10 mice, showed reduced pro-inflammatory signals, improved rod and cone survival, and better visual acuity, but human testing is very limited.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hackam, Abigail S — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hackam, Abigail S
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.