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Wu M, Fletcher EL, Chinnery HR, Downie LE, Mueller SN. Redefining our vision: an updated guide to the ocular immune system. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-01064-y. [PMID: 39215057 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01064-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Balanced immune responses in the eyes are crucial to preserve vision. The ocular immune system has long been considered distinct, owing to the so-called 'immune privilege' of its component tissues. More recently, intravital imaging and transcriptomic techniques have reshaped scientific understanding of the ocular immune landscape, such as revealing the specialization of immune cell populations in the various tissues of the eye. As knowledge of the phenotypes of corneal and retinal immune cells has evolved, links to both the systemic immune system, and the central and peripheral nervous systems, have been identified. Using intravital imaging, T cells have recently been found to reside in, and actively patrol, the healthy human cornea. Disease-associated retinal microglia with links to retinal degeneration have also been identified. This Review provides an updated guide to the ocular immune system, highlighting current knowledge of the immune cells that are present in steady-state and specific diseased ocular tissues, as well as evidence for their relationship to systemic disease. In addition, we discuss emerging intravital imaging techniques that can be used to visualize immune cell morphology and dynamics in living human eyes and how these could be applied to advance understanding of the human immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengliang Wu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Holly R Chinnery
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
- Optometry, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Laura E Downie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Scott N Mueller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Pichi F, Neri P, Aljeneibi S, Hay S, Chaudhry H, Saturno MC, Carreno E. In Vivo Visualization of Macrophage-Like Cells in Patients with Uveitis by Use of En Face Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37722841 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2254369] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To detect macrophage-like cells (MLCs) in uveitis patients and describe their characteristics compared to healthy subjects by using en face SS-OCTA. METHODS Fifteen consecutive patients with "active" uveitis and 11 healthy participants underwent 6 macular scans of 6×6mm using SS-OCTA. The 3μm en face OCT slabs on inner limiting membrane were used to visualize the MLCs. RESULTS In healthy subjects there was an average of 478.2±149.7 MLCs with a density of 13.28±4.16 cells/mm2. MLCs were larger in patients with "active" uveitis than in controls (891.18±69.46 µm2 vs.885±77.53 µm2). Patients with "active" anterior uveitis had a significantly reduced count and density of MLCs (172±14.68 and 4.77±0.4 cell/mm2) compared to controls, while patients with posterior uveitis had a statistically increased count (546.1±132.4) and area (909.23+/-54.97 µm2) of MLCs compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS MLCs detected with en face SS-OCTA are increased in number and size in active posterior uveitis eyes compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pichi
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Piergiorgio Neri
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shaikha Aljeneibi
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Steven Hay
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hannah Chaudhry
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ester Carreno
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
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Wu YR, Hashiguchi T, Sho J, Chiou SH, Takahashi M, Mandai M. Transplanted Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells Integrate and Form Synapses in a Retinal Ganglion Cell-Depleted Mouse Model. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:26. [PMID: 34705025 PMCID: PMC8556558 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.13.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) transplantation is a therapeutic approach to replace irreversibly degenerated RGCs in diseases such as glaucoma. However, the application of primary RGCs is limited by the availability of tissues. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether transplanted mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC)-derived RGCs can integrate into the host retina and form cell connectivity with host cells. Methods In this study, we prepared small retinal fragments containing RGC as THY1-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)+ cells from mESCs and placed them near the retinal surface in the air-injected mouse eyes with or without N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-induced RGC depletion. After transplantation, THY1-EGFP+ cell integration was observed in whole-mounts and with immunostaining for synaptic markers. Results Transplanted THY1-EGFP+ cells survived for 12 weeks and extended neurites into the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of the host retina. Presumptive synapse formation was identified between grafted RGCs and host bipolar cells. The ratio of transplanted eyes with integration of THY1-EGFP+ neurites in the host IPL was higher in RGC-injured mice compared with healthy controls. Conclusions This report shows the potential for therapeutic use of pluripotent cell–derived RGCs by grafting the cells in healthy conditions and with an appropriate technical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Ren Wu
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan.,Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tomoyo Hashiguchi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Junki Sho
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan.,Vision Care Cell Therapy, Inc., Kobe, Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
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Josifovska N, Lumi X, Szatmari-Tóth M, Kristóf E, Russell G, Nagymihály R, Anisimova N, Malyugin B, Kolko M, Ivastinović D, Petrovski G. Clinical and molecular markers in retinal detachment-From hyperreflective points to stem cells and inflammation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217548. [PMID: 31185026 PMCID: PMC6559703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinal detachment (RD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed ophthalmologic conditions requiring prompt surgical intervention. Combination of proper surgical technique and new diagnostic markers, both clinical and molecular, can help improve the diagnosis and prognosis of RD treatment. METHODS 12 patients with rhegmatogenous RD (rRD) were included into the study after obtaining patient consent and Regional Ethical Approval (average age: 58.1 ± 17.4 years). OCT was performed before and after 23G vitrectomy for RD. Pure subretinal fluid (SRF) was collected during surgery and analyzed by protein array profiling on a panel of 105 inflammatory cytokines (Human XL Cytokine Array), while the effect of SRF upon human macrophages-driven phagocytosis of apoptotic retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells ex vivo was quantified by flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of retinectomized tissue due to PVR caused by RD was performed to determine presence of markers for microglial cells (CD34), macrophages and activated microglia (CD68), regulator of the immune response to infection (NFkB), progenitor and stem cell marker (Sox2), pluripotency marker (Oct4) and intermediate filament markers (GFAP and Nestin). RESULTS OCT of fresh RD patients contained pre-operatively hyper reflective points (HRPs) at the detached neuroretina border and proximal to the RPE layer-their size and number decreased following successful reattachment surgery. IHC of the retinectomized tissue from detached retina due to severe PVR showed presence of cell conglomerates at the detached neuroretina border which were positive for CD68, NFkB, Sox2 and GFAP, less positive for CD47 and Nestin and negative for Oct4 and CD34. The SRF contained at least 37 cytokines with higher, and 4 cytokine with lower concentration compared to that in vitreous from non-RD pathology; when used as conditional medium to human macrophages ex vivo, the SRF doubled their capacity for engulfing dying RPEs. CONCLUSIONS Fresh RD can be hallmarked by presence of HRPs at the detached neuroretina border on OCT; the HRPs decrease in size and number after successful reattachment surgery, and likely resemble the macrophage conglomerates seen by IHC. The neuroretina in RD contains progenitor/stem-like cells and signs of inflammatory reaction, while the SRF contains inflammatory cytokines and other factors which increase the ability of professional phagocytes to engulf dying RPE, or for that matter, other dying cells in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Josifovska
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Xhevat Lumi
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mária Szatmari-Tóth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and MTA-DE Stem cell, Apoptosis and Genomics Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Endre Kristóf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and MTA-DE Stem cell, Apoptosis and Genomics Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Greg Russell
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Richárd Nagymihály
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Natalia Anisimova
- S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery State Institution, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Boris Malyugin
- S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery State Institution, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Miriam Kolko
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Goran Petrovski
- Center for Eye Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- * E-mail:
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Rathnasamy G, Foulds WS, Ling EA, Kaur C. Retinal microglia - A key player in healthy and diseased retina. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 173:18-40. [PMID: 29864456 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain and retina, are constantly engaged in the surveillance of their surrounding neural tissue. During embryonic development they infiltrate the retinal tissues and participate in the phagocytosis of redundant neurons. The contribution of microglia in maintaining the purposeful and functional histo-architecture of the adult retina is indispensable. Within the retinal microenvironment, robust microglial activation is elicited by subtle changes caused by extrinsic and intrinsic factors. When there is a disturbance in the cell-cell communication between microglia and other retinal cells, for example in retinal injury, the activated microglia can manifest actions that can be detrimental. This is evidenced by activated microglia secreting inflammatory mediators that can further aggravate the retinal injury. Microglial activation as a harbinger of a variety of retinal diseases is well documented by many studies. In addition, a change in the microglial phenotype which may be associated with aging, may predispose the retina to age-related diseases. In light of the above, the focus of this review is to highlight the role played by microglia in the healthy and diseased retina, based on findings of our own work and from that of others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurugirijha Rathnasamy
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Blk MD10, 4 Medical Drive, National University of Singapore, 117594, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, United States
| | - Wallace S Foulds
- Singapore Eye Research Institute Level 6, The Academia, Discovery Tower, 20 College Road, 169856, Singapore; University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Eng-Ang Ling
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Blk MD10, 4 Medical Drive, National University of Singapore, 117594, Singapore
| | - Charanjit Kaur
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Blk MD10, 4 Medical Drive, National University of Singapore, 117594, Singapore.
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Immunomodulation-accelerated neuronal regeneration following selective rod photoreceptor cell ablation in the zebrafish retina. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E3719-E3728. [PMID: 28416692 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1617721114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Müller glia (MG) function as inducible retinal stem cells in zebrafish, completely repairing the eye after damage. The innate immune system has recently been shown to promote tissue regeneration in which classic wound-healing responses predominate. However, regulatory roles for leukocytes during cellular regeneration-i.e., selective cell-loss paradigms akin to degenerative disease-are less well defined. To investigate possible roles innate immune cells play during retinal cell regeneration, we used intravital microscopy to visualize neutrophil, macrophage, and retinal microglia responses to induced rod photoreceptor apoptosis. Neutrophils displayed no reactivity to rod cell loss. Peripheral macrophage cells responded to rod cell loss, as evidenced by morphological transitions and increased migration, but did not enter the retina. Retinal microglia displayed multiple hallmarks of immune cell activation: increased migration, translocation to the photoreceptor cell layer, proliferation, and phagocytosis of dying cells. To test function during rod cell regeneration, we coablated microglia and rod cells or applied immune suppression and quantified the kinetics of (i) rod cell clearance, (ii) MG/progenitor cell proliferation, and (iii) rod cell replacement. Coablation and immune suppressants applied before cell loss caused delays in MG/progenitor proliferation rates and slowed the rate of rod cell replacement. Conversely, immune suppressants applied after cell loss had been initiated led to accelerated photoreceptor regeneration kinetics, possibly by promoting rapid resolution of an acute immune response. Our findings suggest that microglia control MG responsiveness to photoreceptor loss and support the development of immune-targeted therapeutic strategies for reversing cell loss associated with degenerative retinal conditions.
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Kennelly KP, Holmes TM, Wallace DM, O'Farrelly C, Keegan DJ. Early Subretinal Allograft Rejection Is Characterized by Innate Immune Activity. Cell Transplant 2017; 26:983-1000. [PMID: 28105976 DOI: 10.3727/096368917x694697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful subretinal transplantation is limited by considerable early graft loss despite pharmacological suppression of adaptive immunity. We postulated that early innate immune activity is a dominant factor in determining graft survival and chose a nonimmunosuppressed mouse model of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell transplantation to explore this. Expression of almost all measured cytokines by DH01 RPE cells increased significantly following graft preparation, and the neutrophil chemoattractant KC/GRO/CINC was most significantly increased. Subretinal allografts of DH01 cells (C57BL/10 origin) into healthy, nonimmunosuppressed C57BL/6 murine eyes were harvested and fixed at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days postoperatively and subsequently cryosectioned and stained. Graft cells were detected using SV40 large T antigen (SV40T) immunolabeling and apoptosis/necrosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Sections were also immunolabeled for macrophage (CD11b and F4/80), neutrophil (Gr1 Ly-6G), and T-lymphocyte (CD3-ɛ) infiltration. Images captured with an Olympus FV1000 confocal microscope were analyzed using the Imaris software. The proportion of the subretinal bolus comprising graft cells (SV40T+) was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced between postoperative day (POD) 3 (90 ± 4%) and POD 7 (20 ± 7%). CD11b+, F4/80+, and Gr1 Ly-6G+ cells increased significantly (p < 0.05) from POD 1 and predominated over SV40T+ cells by POD 7. Colabeling confocal microscopic analysis demonstrated graft engulfment by neutrophils and macrophages at POD 7, and reconstruction of z-stacked confocal images confirmed SV40T inside Gr1 Ly-6G+ cells. Expression of CD3-ɛ was low and did not differ significantly between time points. By POD 28, no graft cells were detectable and few inflammatory cells remained. These studies reveal, for the first time, a critical role for innate immune mechanisms early in subretinal graft rejection. The future success of subretinal transplantation will require more emphasis on techniques to limit innate immune-mediated graft loss, rather than focusing exclusively on suppression of the adaptive immune response.
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Xian B, Huang B. The immune response of stem cells in subretinal transplantation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 6:161. [PMID: 26364954 PMCID: PMC4568575 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0167-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation is a potential curative treatment for degenerative diseases of the retina. Among cell injection sites, the subretinal space (SRS) is particularly advantageous as it is maintained as an immune privileged site by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer. Thus, the success of subretinal transplantation depends on maintenance of RPE integrity. Moreover, both embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have negligible immunogenicity and in fact are immunosuppressive. Indeed, many studies have demonstrated that immunosuppressive drugs are not necessary for subretinal transplantation of stem cells if the blood-retinal barrier is not breached during surgery. The immunogenicity of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) appears more complex, and requires careful study before clinical application. Despite low rates of graft rejection in animal models, survival rates for ESCs, MSCs, and iPSCs in retina are generally poor, possibly due to resident microglia activated by cell transplantation. To improve graft survival in SRS transplantation, damage to the blood-retinal barrier must be minimized using appropriate surgical techniques. In addition, agents that inhibit microglial activation may be required. Finally, immunosuppressants may be required, at least temporarily, until the blood-retinal barrier heals. We review surgical methods and drug regimens to enhance the likelihood of graft survival after SRS transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikun Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Bing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong Province, China.
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Macrophages and Uveitis in Experimental Animal Models. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:671417. [PMID: 26078494 PMCID: PMC4452861 DOI: 10.1155/2015/671417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Resident and infiltrated macrophages play relevant roles in uveitis as effectors of innate immunity and inductors of acquired immunity. They are major effectors of tissue damage in uveitis and are also considered to be potent antigen-presenting cells. In the last few years, experimental animal models of uveitis have enabled us to enhance our understanding of the leading role of macrophages in eye inflammation processes, including macrophage polarization in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis and the major role of Toll-like receptor 4 in endotoxin-induced uveitis. This improved knowledge should guide advantageous iterative research to establish mechanisms and possible therapeutic targets for human uveitis resolution.
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11
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Xu Y, Balasubramaniam B, Copland DA, Liu J, Armitage MJ, Dick AD. Activated adult microglia influence retinal progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation toward recoverin-expressing neuron-like cells in a co-culture model. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2015; 253:1085-96. [PMID: 25680876 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-015-2961-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Microglia contribute to immune homeostasis of the retina, and thus act as a potential regulator determining successful repair or retinal stem cell transplantation. We investigated the interaction between human microglia and retinal progenitor cells in cell co-culture to further our exploration on developing a new therapeutic strategy for retinal degeneration. METHODS Microglia and retinal progenitor cultures were developed using CD11b(+) and CD133(+), respectively, from adult donor retina. Microglia activation was developed using interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide. Retinal progenitor differentiation was analysed in co-culture with or without microglial activation. Retinal progenitor proliferation was analysed in presence of conditioned medium from activated microglia. Phenotype and function of adult human retinal cell cultures were examined using cell morphology, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. RESULTS By morphology, neuron-like cells generated in co-culture expressed photoreceptor marker recoverin. Neurospheres derived from retinal progenitor cells showed reduced growth in the presence of conditioned medium from activated microglia. Delayed retinal progenitor cell migration and reduced cellular differentiation was observed in co-cultures with activated microglia. In independent experiments, activated microglia showed enhanced mRNA expression of CXCL10, IL-27, IL-6, and TNF-alpha compared to controls. CONCLUSION Adult human retina retains retinal progenitors or potential to reprogram cells to then proliferate and differentiate into neuron-like cells in vitro. Human microglia support retinal progenitor differentiation into neuron-like cells, but such capacity is altered following microglial activation. Modulating microglia activity is a potential approach to promote retinal repair and facilitate success of stem-cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Xu
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom,
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12
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Chen X, Kezic JM, Forrester JV, Goldberg GL, Wicks IP, Bernard CC, McMenamin PG. In vivo multi-modal imaging of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in transgenic reporter mice reveals the dynamic nature of inflammatory changes during disease progression. J Neuroinflammation 2015; 12:17. [PMID: 25623142 PMCID: PMC4336748 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-015-0235-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) is a widely used experimental animal model of human endogenous posterior uveoretinitis. In the present study, we performed in vivo imaging of the retina in transgenic reporter mice to investigate dynamic changes in exogenous inflammatory cells and endogenous immune cells during the disease process. Methods Transgenic mice (C57Bl/6 J Cx3cr1GFP/+, C57Bl/6 N CD11c-eYFP, and C57Bl/6 J LysM-eGFP) were used to visualize the dynamic changes of myeloid-derived cells, putative dendritic cells and neutrophils during EAU. Transgenic mice were monitored with multi-modal fundus imaging camera over five time points following disease induction with the retinal auto-antigen, interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP1–20). Disease severity was quantified with both clinical and histopathological grading. Results In the normal C57Bl/6 J Cx3cr1GFP/+ mouse Cx3cr1-expressing microglia were evenly distributed in the retina. In C57Bl/6 N CD11c-eYFP mice clusters of CD11c-expressing cells were noted in the retina and in C57Bl/6 J LysM-eGFP mice very low numbers of LysM-expressing neutrophils were observed in the fundus. Following immunization with IRBP1–20, fundus examination revealed accumulations of Cx3cr1-GFP+ myeloid cells, CD11c-eYFP+ cells and LysM-eGFP+ myelomonocytic cells around the optic nerve head and along retinal vessels as early as day 14 post-immunization. CD11c-eYFP+ cells appear to resolve marginally earlier (day 21 post-immunization) than Cx3cr1-GFP+ and LysM-eGFP+ cells. The clinical grading of EAU in transgenic mice correlated closely with histopathological grading. Conclusions These results illustrate that in vivo fundus imaging of transgenic reporter mice allows direct visualization of various exogenously and endogenously derived leukocyte types during EAU progression. This approach acts as a valuable adjunct to other methods of studying the clinical course of EAU. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-015-0235-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangting Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jelena M Kezic
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - John V Forrester
- Section of Immunology and Infection, Division of Applied Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Medical Science, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. .,Ocular Immunology Program, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia. .,Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Gabrielle L Goldberg
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ian P Wicks
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Claude C Bernard
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Paul G McMenamin
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Wang YJ, He ZZ, Fang YW, Xu Y, Chen YN, Wang GQ, Yang YQ, Yang Z, Li YH. Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on zebrafish embryos and developing retina. Int J Ophthalmol 2014; 7:917-23. [PMID: 25540739 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2014.06.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on embryonic development and retinal neurogenesis. METHODS The agglomeration and sedimentation of TiO2 NPs solutions at different dilutions were observed, and the ultraviolet-visible spectra of their supernatants were measured. Zebrafish embryos were experimentally exposed to TiO2 NPs until 72h postfertilization (hpf). The retinal neurogenesis and distribution of the microglia were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and whole mount in situ hybridization. RESULTS The 1 mg/L was determined to be an appropriate exposure dose. Embryos exposed to TiO2 NPs had a normal phenotype. The neurogenesis was initiated on time, and ganglion cells, cones and rods were well differentiated at 72 hpf. The expression of fms mRNA and the 4C4 antibody, which were specific to microglia in the central nervous system (CNS), closely resembled their endogenous profile. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that short-term exposure to TiO2 NPs at a low dose does not lead to delayed embryonic development or retinal neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenviroment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zi-Zi He
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenviroment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yang-Wu Fang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenviroment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ya-Nan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenviroment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Guan-Qun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenviroment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenviroment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhuo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenviroment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yu-Hao Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenviroment and Neurovascular Regulation, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, China
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Schewitz-Bowers LP, Lee RWJ, Dick AD. Immune mechanisms of intraocular inflammation. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/eop.09.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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15
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Huang T, Cui J, Li L, Hitchcock PF, Li Y. The role of microglia in the neurogenesis of zebrafish retina. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 421:214-20. [PMID: 22497888 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.03.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are cells from non-neuronal lineages that reside in the central nervous system. In zebrafish, early macrophages migrate from the yolk sac to the brain and retina at 26-30 hour post fertilization (hpf) and transform into microglia at 55-60 hpf. The migration of macrophages into the central nervous system requires signaling by macrophage colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (csf-1r), which is encoded by the gene fms. In this study, we show that the targeted knockdown of csf-1r with morpholino oligonucleotides delays migration of macrophages from the yolk sac to the retina, and this delay in macrophage migration results in microphthalmia, delay in cell cycle withdrawal among retinal progenitors and the absence of neuronal differentiation. When embryos were allowed to survive beyond the time when morpholino-dependent translation inhibition is lost, microglia re-occupy the retina and neuronal differentiation partially recovers. Our data demonstrate that microglia are required for normal retinal growth and neurogenesis. This study provides new insight into the neurogenic role of microglia during retinal development in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Degenerative Neurological Diseases, Department of Pathology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300071, PR China
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16
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Abstract
The identification of stem/progenitor cells within the retinal neural environment has opened up the possibility of therapy via cellular replacement and/or reprogramming of resident cell populations. Within the neuro-retinal niche, following injury or in disease states (including inflammation and degeneration), cellular responses affect tissue homeostasis, reduce cell density, disrupt tissue architecture, and produce scar formation. Microglia (resident retinal immune cell tissue macrophage) are key to the maintenance of retinal homeostasis and are implicated in responses that may influence the control and behavior of retinal progenitors. Factors to consider in the generation of a transplantable cell resource with good migratory and integrative capacity include their yield, purity, and functional viability. Utilizing human postmortem retina, we have created a research platform to isolate, culture, and characterize adult retinal microglia as well as analyze their effect on retinal progenitors. Here, we describe techniques using magnetic labeled bead cell separation to isolate pure populations of retinal CD133(+) precursor cells and CD11b(+) microglia from primary adult retinal cell suspensions (RCSs), enabling flow cytometric cell phenotypic and qPCR genotypic analysis, as well as functional analysis by real-time ratiometric calcium imaging.
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17
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Dick AD. Road to Fulfilment: Taming the Immune Response to Restore Vision. Ophthalmic Res 2012; 48:43-9. [DOI: 10.1159/000335982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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18
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Shen D, Cao X, Zhao L, Tuo J, Wong WT, Chan CC. Naloxone ameliorates retinal lesions in Ccl2/Cx3cr1 double-deficient mice via modulation of microglia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:2897-904. [PMID: 21245403 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, on microglial inhibition and neuroprotective effects has been reported in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neurodegeneration and light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. The authors evaluated the effects of naloxone on Ccl2(-/-)/Cx3cr1(-/-) (DKO) mice, a murine model of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS Two-month-old DKO and wild-type controls were given daily intraperitoneal injections of naloxone or PBS for 2 months. Animals were examined monthly by funduscopy. Ocular tissue was analyzed histologically and in retinal flat mount preparations. Ocular A2E was measured using HPLC. Quantitative RT-PCR analyzed TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10 and TLR4 transcripts in the DKO eyes and LPS activated culture microglial cells. Serum nitrite was measured using Griess colorimetric reaction. RESULTS Naloxone ameliorated the clinical progression and severity of retinal lesions in the DKO mice compared with those of untreated controls. Histopathology also showed less focal retinal degeneration in the treated DKO mice than in controls. The aggregation of microglia in the outer retina in DKO mice was significantly reduced in naloxone-treated animals compared with control untreated DKO. Ocular TNF-α, IL-1β, and TLR4 transcripts and A2E were significantly lower in naloxone-treated DKO animals and cultured microglial cells than in controls, as were serum nitrite levels. CONCLUSIONS Naloxone significantly reduces the progress of retinal lesions in DKO mice. Naloxone modulates microglia accumulation and activation at the site of retinal degeneration, which may be mediated by inhibition of the proinflammatory molecules of NO, TNF-α, and IL-β. The potential therapeutic effects of naloxone on retinal degeneration, including AMD, warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defen Shen
- Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1857, USA
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Hasan SM, Vugler AA, Miljan EA, Sinden JD, Moss SE, Greenwood J. Immortalized human fetal retinal cells retain progenitor characteristics and represent a potential source for the treatment of retinal degenerative disease. Cell Transplant 2010; 19:1291-306. [PMID: 20447347 DOI: 10.3727/096368910x505477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fetal retinal cells have been widely advocated for the development of cellular replacement therapies in patients with retinal dystrophies and age-related macular degeneration. A major limitation, however, is the lack of an abundant and renewable source of cells to meet therapeutic demand, although theoretically this may be addressed through the use of immortalized retinal progenitor cell lines. Here, we have used the temperature-sensitive tsA58 simian virus SV40 T antigen to conditionally immortalize human retinal progenitor cells isolated from retinal tissue at 10-12 weeks of gestation. We show that immortalized human fetal retinal cells retain their progenitor cell properties over many passages, and are comparable with nonimmortalized human fetal retinal cultures from the same gestational period with regard to expression of certain retinal genes. To evaluate the capacity of these cells to integrate into the diseased retina and to screen for potential tumorigenicity, cells were grafted into neonatal hooded Lister rats and RCS dystrophic rats. Both cell lines exhibited scarce integration into the host retina and failed to express markers of mature differentiated retinal cells. Moreover, although immortalized cells showed a greater propensity to survive, the cell lines demonstrated poor long-term survival. All grafts were infiltrated with host macrophage/microglial cells throughout their duration of survival. This study demonstrates that immortalized human fetal retinal progenitor cells retain their progenitor characteristics and may therefore have therapeutic potential in strategies that demand a renewable and consistent supply of donor cells for the treatment of degenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazeen M Hasan
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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