The ERC funded project ‘NK InSight’ is focused on eye diseases where there is growth of abnormal blood vessels and fluid leakage in the retina. When this occurs it is called ocular neovascularization, and conditions in this group include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME), and branch retinal vein occlusion. These diseases are a major challenge in eye health. Worldwide, AMD and DR together are the leading causes of vision loss, and while current treatments can help many patients, they are not effective for everyone.
AMD, is a chronic disease that damages the macula, the small central part of the retina responsible for sharp and detailed vision. Although the macula makes up only a tiny fraction of the retina’s surface, it accounts for about 90 percent of our sight. This is why AMD has such a devastating impact on central vision. Today, around 200 million people are affected worldwide. In its advanced stage, wet AMD is marked by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under or within the retina. These fragile vessels leak fluid and blood, leading to rapid vision loss. About one in five people with AMD will progress to late-stage disease, and of those, most will develop wet AMD. While AMD is the main cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50, DR is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults in the Western world. With diabetes on the rise and over half a billion adults now living with the condition, the number of people at risk of DR is increasing. High blood sugar damages the small blood vessels of the retina, leading to tiny bulges in the vessels, areas of poor blood supply, and leakage that causes swelling. Over time, the growth of abnormal new blood vessels can occur, further threatening vision.
Research has shown that the immune system may play an important role in these diseases. Different types of immune cells are found in the retina at the areas where damage occurs. One particular type of immune cell, called the Natural Killer (NK) cell, is especially powerful but has not been widely studied in eye disease. The ‘NK InSight’ project brings together scientists and clinicians with expertise in eye health, blood vessels, and immunology to better understand the role of NK cells in conditions like AMD and DR. The ultimate goal is to open the door to a new generation of immune-based treatments that could prevent blindness in millions of people worldwide.
