gms | German Medical Science

Hereditary retinal dystrophies are characterized by progressive retinal degeneration. Similar degenerative processes are evident in multifactorial and complex retinal disorders including age-related macular degeneration. To understand early triggers of these mechanisms, genetic and experimental mouse models have been developed that mimic human retinal degeneration. In most of these models, early chronic activation of the innate immune system has been documented. This process involves the complement cascade and microglial cells as sensors and effectors of the retinal immune response. Current evidence suggests that the genetic predisposition and individual factors like age or diet critically influence the immune homeostasis in the retina. Based on their effectiveness, innate immune mechanisms are thought to support or even provoke retinal degeneration. This talk will summarize the recent progress in understanding the role of innate immunity in retinal degenerative diseases and highlights the retinal immunopathology as potential therapeutic target to prevent vision loss.