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Age-related macular degeneration: activation of innate immunity system via pattern recognition receptors

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Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible loss of central vision. Histopathological studies have demonstrated that inflammation is the key player in the pathogenesis of AMD. Genetic studies have revealed that complement factor H is a strong risk factor for the development of AMD. However, innate immunity defence involves several other pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) which can trigger inflammatory responses. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells have the main role in the immune defence in macula. In this study, we examine in detail the endogenous danger signals which can activate different PRRs in RPE cells, such as Toll-like, NOD-like and scavenger receptors along with complement system. We also characterise the signalling pathways triggered by PRRs in evoking inflammatory responses. In addition, we will discuss whether AMD pathology could represent the outcome of chronic activation of the innate immunity defence in human macula.

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Acknowledgements

This study was financially supported by grants from the Academy of Finland, The Finnish Eye Foundation and the University of Kuopio, Finland. The authors thank Dr. Ewen MacDonald for checking the language of the manuscript.

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  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland

    K. Kaarniranta

  2. Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland

    A. Salminen

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Kaarniranta, K., Salminen, A. Age-related macular degeneration: activation of innate immunity system via pattern recognition receptors. J Mol Med 87, 117–123 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00109-008-0418-z

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