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Joachim SC, Reinehr S. Does HSP27 injection induce glaucoma damage in mice? Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2347-2348. [PMID: 38526268 PMCID: PMC11090443 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sabrina Reinehr
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Erb C, Reinehr S, Theiss C, Dick HB, Joachim SC. HSP27 induced glaucomatous damage in mice of young and advanced age. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1257297. [PMID: 37744880 PMCID: PMC10513106 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1257297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Age-related diseases such as glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness, are having an upward trend due to an aging society. In glaucoma, some patients display altered antibody profiles and increased antibody titers, for example against heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). An intravitreal injection of HSP27 leads to glaucoma-like damage in rats. We now aimed to investigate if aged mice are more prone to this damage than younger ones. Methods We intravitreally injected HSP27 into young (1-2 months) and aged (7-8 months) mice to compare glaucomatous damage. Respective age-matched controls received PBS. Not injected eyes served as naive controls. Results Optical coherence tomography 4 weeks after injection showed no changes in retinal thickness in all groups at both ages. Cell counts and RT-qPCR revealed a significant reduction in RGC numbers in HSP27 mice at both ages. Comparing aged and young HSP27 mice, no differences in Rbpms and Pou4f1 (RGCs) expression was detected, while the Tubb3 expression (neuronal cells) was significantly upregulated in aged HSP27 animals. Neither microglia/macrophages nor (resident) microglia counts revealed significant differences in HSP27 mice at both ages. Nevertheless, increased relative Iba1 and Tmem119 expression was detected in young and aged HSP27 mice. Aged HSP27 mice displayed a significantly lower Iba1 expression than young ones, whereas Cd68 levels were upregulated. A larger GFAP+ area and an upregulation of GFAP expression in HSP27 animals of both ages indicated a macrogliosis. Also, elevated Il1b and Nos2 expression levels were observed in young and aged HSP27 mice. However, only Il1b levels were upregulated when comparing 7-8 months to 1-2 months old animals. A larger HSP25+ area was seen in aged HSP27 animals, while Hspb2 expression levels were downregulated in both HSP27 groups. The aged HSP27 group displayed an upregulated Hspb2 expression compared to young mice. Furthermore, a higher optic nerve degeneration score was noted in young and aged HSP27 groups. Discussion These findings indicate that an intravitreal injection of HSP27 led to RGC loss accompanied by inflammation. Age-dependent effects (7-8 months vs. 1-2 months) were not very prominent. The results suggest a potential role of extracellular HSP27 in the development of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clivia Erb
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sabrina Reinehr
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - H. Burkhard Dick
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Nam MH, Nahomi RB, Pantcheva MB, Dhillon A, Chiodo VA, Smith WC, Nagaraj RH. AAV2-Mediated Expression of HspB1 in RGCs Prevents Somal Damage and Axonal Transport Deficits in a Mouse Model of Ocular Hypertension. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:8. [DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.11.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Hyun Nam
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rooban B. Nahomi
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mina B. Pantcheva
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Armaan Dhillon
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Vince A. Chiodo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - W. Clay Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ram H. Nagaraj
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Reinehr S, Safaei A, Grotegut P, Guntermann A, Tsai T, Hahn SA, Kösters S, Theiss C, Marcus K, Dick HB, May C, Joachim SC. Heat Shock Protein Upregulation Supplemental to Complex mRNA Alterations in Autoimmune Glaucoma. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101538. [PMID: 36291747 PMCID: PMC9599116 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucomatous optic neuropathy is a common cause for blindness. An elevated intraocular pressure is the main risk factor, but also a contribution of the immune system seems likely. In the experimental autoimmune glaucoma model used here, systemic immunization with an optic nerve homogenate antigen (ONA) leads to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and optic nerve degeneration. We processed retinae for quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistology 28 days after immunization. Furthermore, we performed mRNA profiling in this model for the first time. We detected a significant RGC loss in the ONA retinae. This was accompanied by an upregulation of mRNA expression of genes belonging to the heat shock protein family. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of the genes of the immune system, such as C1qa, C1qb, Il18, and Nfkb1, were upregulated in ONA animals. After laser microdissection, inner retinal layers were used for mRNA microarrays. Nine of these probes were significantly upregulated in ONA animals (p < 0.05), including Hba-a1 and Cxcl10, while fifteen probes were significantly downregulated in ONA animals (p < 0.05), such as Gdf15 and Wwox. Taken together, these findings provide further insights into the pivotal role of the immune response in glaucomatous optic neuropathy and could help to identify novel diagnostic or therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Reinehr
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Armin Safaei
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Pia Grotegut
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Annika Guntermann
- Department Functional Proteomics, Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, ProDi E2.227, Gesundheitscampus 4, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Teresa Tsai
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephan A. Hahn
- Department of Molecular GI Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Steffen Kösters
- Department Functional Proteomics, Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, ProDi E2.227, Gesundheitscampus 4, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Katrin Marcus
- Department Functional Proteomics, Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, ProDi E2.227, Gesundheitscampus 4, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - H. Burkhard Dick
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Caroline May
- Department Functional Proteomics, Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, ProDi E2.227, Gesundheitscampus 4, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- Correspondence: (C.M.); (S.C.J.); Tel.: +49-234-24651 (C.M.); Tel.: +49-234-2993156 (S.C.J.)
| | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
- Correspondence: (C.M.); (S.C.J.); Tel.: +49-234-24651 (C.M.); Tel.: +49-234-2993156 (S.C.J.)
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Rajeswaren V, Wong JO, Yabroudi D, Nahomi RB, Rankenberg J, Nam MH, Nagaraj RH. Small Heat Shock Proteins in Retinal Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:860375. [PMID: 35480891 PMCID: PMC9035800 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.860375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the latest findings on small heat shock proteins (sHsps) in three major retinal diseases: glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. A general description of the structure and major cellular functions of sHsps is provided in the introductory remarks. Their role in specific retinal diseases, highlighting their regulation, role in pathogenesis, and possible use as therapeutics, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Rajeswaren
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Jeffrey O. Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Dana Yabroudi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rooban B. Nahomi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Johanna Rankenberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Mi-Hyun Nam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Mi-Hyun Nam, ; Ram H. Nagaraj,
| | - Ram H. Nagaraj
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Mi-Hyun Nam, ; Ram H. Nagaraj,
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The protective role of HSP27 in ocular diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:5107-5115. [PMID: 35212927 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07222-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are stress-induced proteins that are important constituents of the cell's defense system. The activity of HSPs enhances when the cell undergoes undesirable environmental conditions like stress. The protective roles of HSPs are due to their molecular chaperone and anti-apoptotic functions. HSPs have a central role in the eye, and their malfunction has been associated with the manifestation of ocular diseases. Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27, HSPB1) is present in various ocular tissues, and it has been found to protect the eye from disease states such as retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, glaucoma, and cataract. But some recent studies have shown the destructive role of HSP27 on retinal ganglionic cells. Thus, this article summarizes the role of heat shock protein 27 in eye and ocular diseases and will focus on the expression, regulation, and function of HSP27 in ocular complications.
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Wang L, Wei X. T Cell-Mediated Autoimmunity in Glaucoma Neurodegeneration. Front Immunol 2022; 12:803485. [PMID: 34975917 PMCID: PMC8716691 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.803485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma as the leading neurodegenerative disease leads to blindness in 3.6 million people aged 50 years and older worldwide. For many decades, glaucoma therapy has primarily focused on controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) and sound evidence supports its role in delaying the progress of retinal ganglial cell (RGC) damage and protecting patients from vision loss. Meanwhile, accumulating data point to the immune-mediated attack of the neural retina as the underlying pathological process behind glaucoma that may come independent of raised IOP. Recently, some scholars have suggested autoimmune aspects in glaucoma, with autoreactive T cells mediating the chief pathogenic process. This autoimmune process, as well as the pathological features of glaucoma, largely overlaps with other neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system (CNS), including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, immune modulation therapy, which is regarded as a potential solution for glaucoma, has been boosted in trials in some CNS neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, novel insights into the T cell-mediated immunity and treatment in CNS neurodegenerative diseases may serve as valuable inspirations for ophthalmologists. This review focuses on the role of T cell-mediated immunity in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and discusses potential applications of relevant findings of CNS neurodegenerative diseases in future glaucoma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shangjin Nanfu Hospital, Chengdu, China
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Van den Broek B, Wuyts C, Irobi J. Extracellular vesicle-associated small heat shock proteins as therapeutic agents in neurodegenerative diseases and beyond. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:114009. [PMID: 34673130 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence points towards using extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a therapeutic strategy in neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. EVs are nanosized carriers that play an essential role in intercellular communication and cellular homeostasis by transporting an active molecular cargo, including a large variety of proteins. Recent publications demonstrate that small heat shock proteins (HSPBs) exhibit a beneficial role in neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, it is defined that HSPBs target the autophagy and the apoptosis pathway, playing a prominent role in chaperone activity and cell survival. This review elaborates on the therapeutic potential of EVs and HSPBs, in particular HSPB1 and HSPB8, in neurodegenerative diseases. We conclude that EVs and HSPBs positively influence neuroinflammation, central nervous system (CNS) repair, and protein aggregation in CNS disorders. Moreover, we propose the use of HSPB-loaded EVs as advanced nanocarriers for the future development of neurodegenerative disease therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Van den Broek
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Wuyts
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Joy Irobi
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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Sussadee M, Rucksaken R, Havanapan PO, Reamtong O, Thayananuphat A. Changes in tear protein profile in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca following topical treatment using cyclosporine A. Vet World 2021; 14:1711-1717. [PMID: 34316222 PMCID: PMC8304416 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.1711-1717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a chronic inflammatory ocular disease that occurs in many dog breeds worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the tear protein pattern of healthy dogs, KCS dogs, and KCS dogs after treatment with cyclosporine A (CsA). Materials and Methods Twenty-eight dogs of any breed were enrolled in the study. The subjects were divided into three groups: Healthy, KCS, and CsA-treated dogs. Tear samples were collected using Schirmer strips. Tear proteins extracted from the strips were analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis. For the first dimension, total protein from tears was separated by isoelectric focusing. The second dimension was performed using 12.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The gel images were analyzed and the protein spots of differential expression were manually cut for protein annotation using mass spectrometry. Results In total, 12 protein spots were excised and subjected to protein identification. Associated with KCS, six protein spots were a downregulated protein, namely, lysozyme. The other six protein spots were upregulated in KCS dogs, consisting of heat shock protein beta-1, protein S100-A12, and keratin type II cytoskeletal 1 and 5. After treatment with CsA for 45 days, the lysozyme protein was still decreasing and the inflammation protein (S100-A12) was not identified. Conclusion Inflammatory tear proteins and proteins involved in cellular stress were present in KCS dogs and appeared to be reduced in medicated eyes. Treatment with topical CsA in the short term may not improve the activity of antibacterial proteins. Changes in the expression patterns of these four proteins might be useful for disease severity and progression assessment, as well as for exploring a novel method for dry eye management in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metita Sussadee
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rucksak Rucksaken
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phattara-Orn Havanapan
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya campus, Nakhonpathom, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Aree Thayananuphat
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Grotegut P, Hoerdemann PJ, Reinehr S, Gupta N, Dick HB, Joachim SC. Heat Shock Protein 27 Injection Leads to Caspase Activation in the Visual Pathway and Retinal T-Cell Response. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E513. [PMID: 33419223 PMCID: PMC7825587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is one of the small molecular chaperones and is involved in many cell mechanisms. Besides the known protective and helpful functions of intracellular HSP27, very little is known about the mode of action of extracellular HSP27. In a previous study, we showed that intravitreal injection of HSP27 led to neuronal damage in the retina and optic nerve after 21 days. However, it was not clear which degenerative signaling pathways were induced by the injection. For this reason, the pathological mechanisms of intravitreal HSP27 injection after 14 days were investigated. Histological and RT-qPCR analyses revealed an increase in endogenous HSP27 in the retina and an activation of components of the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathway. In addition, an increase in nucleus factor-kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB), as well as of microglia/macrophages and T-cells could be observed. In the optic nerve, however, only an increased apoptosis rate was detectable. Therefore, the activation of caspases and the induction of an incipient immune response seem to be the main triggers for retinal degeneration in this intravitreal HSP27 model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany; (P.G.); (P.J.H.); (S.R.); (N.G.); (H.B.D.)
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Tang J, Tang Y, Yi I, Chen DF. The role of commensal microflora-induced T cell responses in glaucoma neurodegeneration. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 256:79-97. [PMID: 32958216 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, new evidence has become increasingly more compelling that commensal microflora profoundly influences the maturation and function of resident immune cells in host physiology. The concept of gut-retina axis is actively being explored. Studies have revealed a critical role of commensal microbes linked with neuronal stress, immune responses, and neurodegeneration in the retina. Microbial dysbiosis changes the blood-retina barrier permeability and modulates T cell-mediated autoimmunity to contribute to the pathogenesis of retinal diseases, such as glaucoma. Heat shock proteins (HSPs), which are evolutionarily conserved, are thought to function both as neuroprotectant and pathogenic antigens of T cells contributing to cell protection and tissue damage, respectively. Activated microglia recruit and interact with T cells during this process. Glaucoma, characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells, is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. With nearly 70 million people suffering glaucoma worldwide, which doubles the number of patients with Alzheimer's disease, it represents the most frequent neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, understanding the mechanism of neurodegeneration in glaucoma and its association with the function of commensal microflora may help unveil the secrets of many neurodegenerative disorders in the CNS and develop novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yizhen Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Irvin Yi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dong Feng Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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