Identifying key modulators of inflammation as therapeutic targets for retinal degenerations

The most common cause of blindness in Australia is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). There are no treatments available for the more prevalent 'dry' form of AMD. In age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including AMD, dysregulation of immune cells known as microglia/macrophages is a key pathogenic mechanism, highlighting the importance of understanding how these cells respond to ageing and stress. Determining the factors that drive these cells towards different activation states will enable the discovery of modes of disease control, including novel therapeutic interventions for AMD.