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Schloesser L, Klose SM, Mauschitz MM, Abdullah Z, Finger RP. The role of immune modulators in age-related macular degeneration. Surv Ophthalmol 2024:S0039-6257(24)00084-5. [PMID: 39097172 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
We provide an overview of the expanding literature on the role of cytokines and immune mediators in pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although many immunological mediators have been linked to AMD pathophysiology, the broader mechanistic picture remains unclear with substantial variations in the levels of evidence supporting these mediators. Therefore, we reviewed the literature considering the varying levels of supporting evidence. A Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) term-based literature research was conducted in September, 2023, consisting of the MeSH terms "cytokine" and "Age-related macular degeneration" connected by the operator "AND". After screening the publications by title, abstract, and full text, a total of 146 publications were included. The proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β (especially in basic research studies), IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, TNF-α, and MCP-1 are the most extensively characterised cytokines/chemokines, highlighting the role of local inflammasome activation and altered macrophage function in the AMD pathophysiology. Among the antiinflammatory mediators IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β were found to be the most extensively characterised, with IL-4 driving and IL-10 and TGF-β suppressing disease progression. Despite the extensive literature on this topic, a profound understanding of AMD pathophysiology has not yet been achieved. Therefore, further studies are needed to identify potential therapeutic targets, followed by clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Schloesser
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Sara M Klose
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Zeinab Abdullah
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Robert P Finger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Manai F, Smedowski A, Kaarniranta K, Comincini S, Amadio M. Extracellular vesicles in degenerative retinal diseases: A new therapeutic paradigm. J Control Release 2024; 365:448-468. [PMID: 38013069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale extracellular vesicles (EVs), consisting of exomers, exosomes and microvesicles/ectosomes, have been extensively investigated in the last 20 years, although their biological role is still something of a mystery. EVs are involved in the transfer of lipids, nucleic acids and proteins from donor to recipient cells or distant organs as well as regulating cell-cell communication and signaling. Thus, EVs are important in intercellular communication and this is not limited to sister cells, but may also mediate the crosstalk between different cell types even over long distances. EVs play crucial functions in both cellular homeostasis and the pathogenesis of diseases, and since their contents reflect the status of the donor cell, they represent an additional valuable source of information for characterizing complex biological processes. Recent advances in isolation and analytical methods have led to substantial improvements in both characterizing and engineering EVs, leading to their use either as novel biomarkers for disease diagnosis/prognosis or even as novel therapies. Due to their capacity to carry biomolecules, various EV-based therapeutic applications have been devised for several pathological conditions, including eye diseases. In the eye, EVs have been detected in the retina, aqueous humor, vitreous body and also in tears. Experiences with other forms of intraocular drug applications have opened new ways to use EVs in the treatment of retinal diseases. We here provide a comprehensive summary of the main in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo literature-based studies on EVs' role in ocular physiological and pathological conditions. We have focused on age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, which are common eye diseases leading to permanent blindness, if not treated properly. In addition, the putative use of EVs in retinitis pigmentosa and other retinopathies is discussed. Finally, we have reviewed the potential of EVs as therapeutic tools and/or biomarkers in the above-mentioned retinal disorders. Evidence emerging from experimental disease models and human material strongly suggests future diagnostic and/or therapeutic exploitation of these biological agents in various ocular disorders with a good possibility to improve the patient's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Manai
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland; GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Sergio Comincini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Schartz ND, Liang HY, Carvalho K, Chu SH, Mendoza-Arvilla A, Petrisko TJ, Gomez-Arboledas A, Mortazavi A, Tenner AJ. C5aR1 antagonism suppresses inflammatory glial gene expression and alters cellular signaling in an aggressive Alzheimer's model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.22.554306. [PMID: 37662399 PMCID: PMC10473603 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.22.554306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in older adults, and the need for effective, sustainable therapeutic targets is imperative. Pharmacologic inhibition of C5aR1 reduces plaque load, gliosis and memory deficits in animal models. However, the cellular basis underlying this neuroprotection and which processes were the consequence of amyloid reduction vs alteration of the response to amyloid were unclear. In the Arctic model, the C5aR1 antagonist PMX205 did not reduce plaque load, but deficits in short-term memory in female mice were prevented. Hippocampal single cell and single nucleus RNA-seq clusters revealed C5aR1 dependent and independent gene expression and cell-cell communication. Microglial clusters containing neurotoxic disease-associated microglial genes were robustly upregulated in Arctic mice and drastically reduced with PMX205 treatment, while genes in microglia clusters that were overrepresented in the Arctic-PMX205 vs Arctic group were associated with synapse organization and transmission and learning. PMX205 treatment also reduced some A-1 astrocyte genes. In spite of changes in transcript levels, overall protein levels of some reactive glial markers were relatively unchanged by C5aR1 antagonism, as were clusters associated with protective responses to injury. C5aR1 inhibition promoted signaling pathways associated with cell growth and repair, such as TGFβ and FGF, in Arctic mice, while suppressing inflammatory pathways including PROS, Pecam1, and EPHA. In conclusion, pharmacologic C5aR1 inhibition prevents cognitive loss, limits microglial polarization to a detrimental inflammatory state and permits neuroprotective responses, as well as leaving protective functions of complement intact, making C5aR1 antagonism an attractive therapeutic strategy for individuals with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole D. Schartz
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Heidi Y. Liang
- Department of Developmental & Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Klebea Carvalho
- Department of Developmental & Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Shu-Hui Chu
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Adrian Mendoza-Arvilla
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Tiffany J. Petrisko
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Angela Gomez-Arboledas
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental & Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Andrea J. Tenner
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
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