Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) in Retinal Disorders

Binapani Mahaling1, Shermaine W Y Low1, Molly Beck1

  • 1Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Froedtert and MCW Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.

Insights

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) signal tissue damage in the eye, contributing to sterile inflammation and various retinal diseases. This review explores DAMPs

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology and Immunology
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous molecules released from damaged cells.
  • DAMPs are implicated in sterile inflammation associated with aging, ocular pressure, high glucose, oxidative stress, ischemia, trauma, and environmental factors in retinal diseases.
  • While DAMPs can activate the innate immune system, they may also promote pathological inflammation and angiogenesis in chronic retinal injury.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To extensively review the role of DAMPs in a wide range of retinal disorders.
  • To discuss DAMPs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for retinal diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating DAMPs in retinal disorders.
  • Analysis of DAMPs' involvement in conditions including endophthalmitis, uveitis, glaucoma, ocular cancer, ischemic retinopathies, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and inherited retinal disorders.

Main Results:

  • DAMPs are recognized by innate immune receptors like RAGE, TLRs, NLRs, and P2X7.
  • Evidence suggests DAMPs play a significant role in the pathogenesis of numerous retinal diseases.
  • The review consolidates current knowledge on DAMPs' multifaceted roles in retinal pathology.

Conclusions:

  • DAMPs are critical mediators in various retinal disorders, acting through specific immune receptors.
  • DAMPs hold promise as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for managing retinal diseases.
  • Further research into DAMPs could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for ocular conditions.