NLRP3 inflammasome as a therapeutic target in atrophic age-related macular degeneration (C07)

• Subject Area: Ophthalmology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 501530074

To elucidate the role of inflammasome activation in atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to develop immunomodulatory treatment strategies, we will investigate NRLP3 inflammasome activation triggered by lipofuscin-mediated photooxidative damage to the retinal pigment epithelium. We will use novel in vivo mouse and ex vivo retinal tissue culture models of AMD to identify the molecular mechanisms and the retinal cell types affected, and to test the efficacy of selective NLRP3 inhibitory compounds in suppressing these processes in the retina.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1607: Towards immunomodulatory and anti(lymph)angiogenic therapies for age-related blinding eye diseases
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Tim Ulrich Krohne