Homeostasis and dyshomeostasis of the retina

Abstract

Retinal homeostasis is maintained through a network of the nervous, circulatory, endocrine and immune systems. The integrity of the blood-retinal barrier, immune-inflammatory responses, and metabolic changes all significantly affect the maintenance of normal visual function. Retinal degenerative diseases, which include age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, and other disorders, are a group of heterogeneous and multi-etiological diseases resulting in an irreversible visual impairment. Whether these disorders are inherited, acquired, or from systemic origins, the gradual loss of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and/or retinal neurons is a common feat. This process often begins with compromised retinal integrity, followed by a disruption in the equilibrium of inflammation, immune response, metabolism, and other aspects, resulting in retinal dyshomeostasis that affects not only disease progression but also the effect of therapeutic intervention. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the retinal homeostasis and dyshomeostasis will assist the development of treatment strategies for retinal degenerative diseases and open new avenues for clinical translation.

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China,(82201205); Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation,(Z200014); The Youth Beijing Scholars Program,(052)