The Role of Inflammation in Retinal Neurodegeneration and Degenerative Diseases

Retinal neurodegeneration is predominantly reported as the apoptosis or impaired function of the photoreceptors. Retinal degeneration is a major causative factor of irreversible vision loss leading to blindness. In recent years, retinal degenerative diseases have been investigated and many genes and genetic defects have been elucidated by many of the causative factors. An enormous amount of research has been performed to determine the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative conditions and to formulate the treatment modalities that are the critical requirements in this current scenario. Encouraging results have been obtained using gene therapy. We provide a narrative review of the various studies performed to date on the role of inflammation in human retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, inherited retinal dystrophies, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt macular dystrophy, and Leber congenital amaurosis. In addition, we have highlighted the pivotal role of various inflammatory mechanisms in the progress of retinal degeneration. This review also offers an assessment of various therapeutic approaches, including gene-therapies and stem-cell-based therapies, for degenerative retinal diseases.

Automated summary

Retinal neurodegeneration, commonly manifested as apoptosis or impaired function of photoreceptors, is a major cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness. This review summarizes the extensive research conducted on the pathogenesis and treatment of retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, inherited retinal dystrophies, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt macular dystrophy, and Leber congenital amaurosis. The role of inflammation in retinal degeneration is highlighted, and various therapeutic approaches, such as gene therapy and stem cell-based therapies, are evaluated.