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Review
. 2022 Dec 13:13:1055087.
doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055087. eCollection 2022.

The role of inflammation in immune system of diabetic retinopathy: Molecular mechanisms, pathogenetic role and therapeutic implications

Tong Yue  1 , Yu Shi  1 , Sihui Luo  1 , Jianping Weng  1 , Yali Wu  2 , Xueying Zheng  1
Affiliations
Review

The role of inflammation in immune system of diabetic retinopathy: Molecular mechanisms, pathogenetic role and therapeutic implications

Tong Yue et al. Front Immunol. .

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of low vision and blindness worldwide. Mounting evidence demonstrates that inflammation is a key mechanism driving diabetes-associated retinal disturbance, yet the pathophysiological process and molecular mechanisms of inflammation underlying diabetic retinopathy are not fully understood. Cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules interact with each other to form a complex molecular network that propagates the inflammatory and pathological cascade of diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, it is important to understand and elucidate inflammation-related mechanisms behind diabetic retinopathy progression. Here, we review the current understanding of the pathology and pathogenesis of inflammation in diabetic retinopathy. In addition, we also summarize the relevant clinical trials to further suggest inflammation-targeted therapeutics for prevention and management of diabetic retinopathy.

Keywords: chemokines; cytokines; diabetic retinopathy; immune inflammation; therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic illustration of pathogenic mechanisms leading to pancreatic β cell damage and sight-threatening endpoints of diabetic retinopathy (DR). In patients with diabetes, inflammation, aberrant signaling of trophic factors, and biochemical pathways are upregulated. The alterations then enter the systemic circulation and contribute to diabetic pathology and islet inflammation by increasing levels of blood glucose and lipids and insulin resistance.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Immune regulation in diabetic retinopathy [(A): Healthy conditions; (B) DR]. Arrows indicate elevated levels or increased activity.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Schematic flowchart for the immune system involved in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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