Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
Analysis of Microglia and Monocyte-derived Macrophages from the Central Nervous System by Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 22, 2017
Monocytes in Retinal Degeneration: Little Cells with a Big Impact
Kaitryn E Ronning1, Marie E Burns2,3,4, Florian Sennlaub5
1Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France. kaitryn.ronning@inserm.fr.
Abstract:
Inflammation has been strongly implicated in retinal degenerative disorders, including inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Microglia are the only immune cells in the retina during normal function, but during damage and disease, monocytes are able to invade the retina. Despite similarities to microglia, monocyte-derived cells (MdCs) may play a distinct and often pathogenic role in disease. Recent technological advances are rapidly improving our ability to investigate monocytic cells, yet many questions remain. Still, it is clear monocytes play an important role during retinal degenerative disorders and they are an exciting target for the development of therapeutic interventions.
Insights
Inflammation drives retinal degenerative disorders. Monocyte-derived cells, distinct from microglia, play a key role and represent a promising therapeutic target for conditions like inherited retinal degenerations and age-related macular degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Inflammation is a key factor in retinal degenerative disorders such as inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Microglia are the resident immune cells of the retina, but monocytes can infiltrate the retina during disease states.
- Monocyte-derived cells (MdCs) may have distinct, potentially pathogenic roles compared to microglia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of monocytic cells in retinal degenerative disorders.
- To highlight the importance of monocytes as a potential therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing recent technological advancements to study monocytic cells in the retina.
- Comparative analysis of microglia and monocyte-derived cells.
Main Results:
- Monocytes invade the retina during damage and disease.
- Monocyte-derived cells exhibit distinct characteristics and functions compared to microglia.
- Monocytes play a significant role in the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative disorders.
Conclusions:
- Monocytes are crucial players in retinal degenerative diseases.
- Monocyte-derived cells represent a promising target for developing novel therapeutic strategies for IRDs and AMD.
