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Review
. 2014:801:193-8.
doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3209-8_25.

Molecular pathology of macrophages and interleukin-17 in age-related macular degeneration

Chi-Chao Chan  1 , Daniel Ardeljan
Affiliations
Review

Molecular pathology of macrophages and interleukin-17 in age-related macular degeneration

Chi-Chao Chan et al. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2014.

Abstract

The pathology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells as well as by changes of choroidal capillaries in the macula. Although AMD is not a typical uveitis, there is a consistence and an imbalance of ocular para-inflammation. Ocular inflammation, particularly in the macula, plays a critical role in AMD pathogenesis. The inflammatory and immune-related elements involved in AMD include inflammatory and related cells as well as the secreted molecules and factors from these cells. Innate immune system elements such as macrophages and cytokines play an important role in AMD pathology and pathogenesis. This chapter reviews the observed deviation in macrophage plasticity and the elevated expression of interleukin-17 in AMD eyes while discussing potential contributions to AMD pathogenesis. Targeting of these specific inflammatory pathways and molecules at appropriate times should be explored and may become promising novel adjunct agents to AMD therapy.

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Figures

Fig. 25.1
Fig. 25.1
Macular lesion in an AMD eye before and after microdissection. The outer neuroretinal cells, hypertrophic RPE, and irregular Bruch’s membrane were microdissected and subjected for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). (left, before microdissection, right, after microdissection; hematoxylin and eosin, x100)
Fig. 25.2
Fig. 25.2
Transcript expression of IL-1β, IL-23, and IL-17 in macular cells of four normal and nine age-related macular degeneration (AMD, five geographic atrophy “dry” and four neovascular “wet” AMD) eyes. Significant elevations of these three cytokines are detected in maculae with AMD lesions compared to the normal controls
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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