Retinal microglia polarization in diabetic retinopathy

• Published in: Visual neuroscience Vol. 38; p. E006
• Main Authors: Li, Xin, Yu, Zi-Wei, Li, Hui-Yao, Yuan, Yue, Gao, Xin-Yuan, Kuang, Hong-Yu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, USA Cambridge University Press 03.05.2021
• Subjects: Antigen presentation; Cell migration; Central nervous system; Cytokines; Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic retinopathy; Gene expression; Genotype & phenotype; Homeostasis; Hyperglycemia; Inflammation; Microglia; Microglial cells; Microvasculature; Morphology; Neurodegeneration; Pathogenesis; Phagocytosis; Phenotypes; Polarization; Retina; Retinopathy; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; diabetic retinopathy; retinal microglia; microglia polarization
• ISSN: 0952-5238; 1469-8714; 1469-8714
• DOI: 10.1017/S0952523821000031

Microglia, the main immune cell of the central nervous system (CNS), categorized into M1-like phenotype and M2-like phenotype, play important roles in phagocytosis, cell migration, antigen presentation, and cytokine production. As a part of CNS, retinal microglial cells (RMC) play an important role in retinal diseases. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Recent studies have demonstrated that DR is not only a microvascular disease but also retinal neurodegeneration. RMC was regarded as a central role in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss RMC polarization and its possible regulatory factors in early DR, which will provide new targets and insights for early intervention of DR.