Multimodal analysis of choroidal immune cells during ocular inflammatory disease

Why is this research needed?

Inflammation inside the eye is called uveitis and, without treatment, it leads to sight loss. Although relatively uncommon, it accounts for a similar amount of visual loss amongst working age people as that caused by diabetes.

Whilst we have made significant advances in treatments improving outcomes for patients suffering with uveitis, we still need to make sure we get the right treatment to the right patient and at the right time to optimise outcomes.

What is the aim of the project?

By combining cutting edge imaging techniques, this study will better understand how inflammation develops through the complex multi- layered structures of the eye.

This research will also deliver more basic understanding of how the eye maintains what is known as immune privilege. Immune privilege is key to preventing destructive immune responses in key organs like the brain and the eye. Recent research has identified an important role for the outer covering of the brain, the dura, in modulating immune responses within the brain thereby maintaining immune privilege. We believe the choroid serves a similar role in maintaining immune privilege of the eye.

How will this research help to beat sight loss faster?

A better understanding of the inflammation process will allow us to target treatments more precisely and at the right time during the course of disease.

Further information

Further information about eye conditions can be found here.