Immune cell macrophage may play role in healing eye

A macrophage, a particular immune cell that contributes to the growth of new lymph vessels, may play a role in “innovative” treatments for blinding eye disease, according to a study.

Joan Stein-Streilein, PhD and colleagues labeled the discovery “a very significant finding,” according to a press release from the Schepens Eye Research Institute.

According to the study, published in the September issue of Journal of Clinical Investigation, the body uses lymph vessels to bring immune cells to an injured organ, to carry away debris and fluid to aid in healing. The release said macrophages aid in the healing process by “ingesting foreign invaders such as bacteria.” In the cornea, lymph vessels sprout from the edge of the cornea to help in wound healing, the news release said.

Kazuichi Maruyama, PhD, sutured the corneas of two groups of mice to induce a healing response. In one group, he caused the macrophages to die. In the mice without macrophages, the mice did not grow as many lymph vessels.

The researchers believe inducing temporary lymph vessels in the retina could aid in the treatment of diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.