In blinding eye disease, trash-collecting cells go awry, accelerate damage
NIH research points to microglia as potential therapeutic target in retinitis pigmentosa
Spider-like cells inside the brain, spinal cord and eye hunt for invaders, capturing and then devouring them. These cells, called microglia, often play a beneficial role by helping to clear trash and protect the central nervous system against infection. But a new study by researchers at the National Eye Institute (NEI) shows that they also accelerate damage wrought by blinding eye disorders, such as retinitis pigmentosa. NEI is part of the National Institutes of Health.
This page was last updated on Friday, January 21, 2022