Retinal microglia are activated by systemic fungal infection

Maneu, V., Noailles, A., Megías, J., Gómez-Vicente, V., Carpena, N. , Gil, M. L., Gozalbo, D. and Cuenca, N. (2014) Retinal microglia are activated by systemic fungal infection. Investigative Opthalmology and Visual Science, 55(6), pp. 3578-3585. (doi: 10.1167/iovs.14-14051) (PMID:24833742)

Abstract

Purpose.: We determined whether systemic fungal infection could cause activation of retinal microglia and, therefore, could be potentially harmful for patients with retinal degenerative diseases. Methods.: Activation of retinal microglia was measured in a model of sublethal invasive candidiasis in C57BL/6J mice by confocal immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis, using anti-CD11b, anti-Iba1, anti-MHCII, and anti-CD45 antibodies. Results.: Systemic fungal infection causes activation of retinal microglia, with phenotypic changes in morphology, surface markers expression, and microglial relocation in retinal layers. Conclusions.: As an excessive or prolonged microglial activation may lead to chronic inflammation with severe pathological side effects, causing or worsening the course of retinal dystrophies, a systemic infection may represent a risk factor to be considered in patients with ocular neurodegenerative diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, or retinitis pigmentosa.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Carpena Garcia, Miss Nuria
• Authors: Maneu, V., Noailles, A., Megías, J., Gómez-Vicente, V., Carpena, N., Gil, M. L., Gozalbo, D., and Cuenca, N.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Investigative Opthalmology and Visual Science
• Publisher: Mosby
• ISSN: 1552-5783
• ISSN (Online): 1552-5783