Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
06:48
Limbal Approach-Subretinal Injection of Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy in Mice Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Published on: August 7, 2015
Emerging treatments for viral retinitis
M A Nokta1, S G Hausrath, R B Pollard
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
Summary
Cytomegalovirus retinitis, common in immunocompromised patients, may be effectively treated with new therapies. Human monoclonal antibodies combined with ganciclovir or foscarnet show promise, alongside antisense oligonucleotides.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading cause of viral retinitis.
- CMV retinitis primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, such as those with AIDS.
- Current therapies like ganciclovir and foscarnet face challenges due to drug toxicity and resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate novel therapeutic strategies for CMV retinitis.
- To explore treatments that overcome limitations of existing antiviral drugs.
- To assess the efficacy of combination therapies and novel agents.
Main Methods:
- Preliminary phase I/II clinical trials were conducted.
- Investigated the use of human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against CMV.
- Assessed the efficacy of antisense oligonucleotides targeting CMV messenger RNA.
Main Results:
- Human monoclonal antibodies plus ganciclovir or foscarnet demonstrated potential effectiveness.
- Combination therapy may be superior to monotherapy with ganciclovir or foscarnet.
- These novel approaches may prolong the time to CMV disease progression in AIDS patients.
Conclusions:
- New therapeutic approaches, including monoclonal antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides, show promise for CMV retinitis.
- Combination therapies offer a potential strategy to improve treatment outcomes and overcome drug resistance.
- Further research is warranted to establish the role of these agents in clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...