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CD163+ macrophages infiltrate axon bundles of postmortem optic nerves with glaucoma

Milica A Margeta1, Eleonora M Lad2, Alan D Proia2,3

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. milica_margeta@meei.harvard.edu.

Graefe'S Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology = Albrecht Von Graefes Archiv Fur Klinische Und Experimentelle Ophthalmologie
|August 4, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Macrophages, identified by CD163, infiltrate human optic nerves in glaucoma. Increased CD163+ cells in glaucomatous optic nerves suggest a role for these immune cells in glaucoma progression.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Animal models indicate macrophages and microglia are key in glaucoma pathogenesis.
  • Characterization of macrophage phenotype and distribution in human glaucomatous tissue is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the phenotype and distribution of macrophages in human glaucomatous ocular tissue.
  • To investigate the role of macrophages in the pathogenesis and progression of human glaucoma.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of H&E, CD68, and CD163-immunostained autopsy eye slides from 12 control and 13 glaucoma cases.
  • Matched controls for age, sex, and race.
  • Qualitative and quantitative assessment of macrophage infiltration in the conventional outflow pathway and optic nerve.

Main Results:

  • CD163+ macrophages were present in all eyes, while CD68+ cells were negligible.
  • CD163+ macrophages infiltrated the trabecular meshwork and surrounded Schlemm's canal in both control and glaucoma eyes.
  • A significant increase in CD163+ macrophages was observed in glaucomatous optic nerves compared to controls (5.1 vs. 2.5 cells/mm², p < 0.001), with infiltration into axon bundles.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first evidence of macrophage infiltration in human glaucomatous optic nerves.
  • The increased number of CD163+ cells in mild and severe glaucoma supports a role for macrophages in disease pathogenesis and progression.
Keywords:
GlaucomaMacrophagesMicrogliaNeurodegenerationNeuroprotectionOptic nerve

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