Understanding the contribution of adaptive and innate immunity to RPE/choroidal dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. Emerging evidence suggests inflammation is a key causal factor in damage to retina, and subsequent breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier breakdown. A significant knowledge gap is the contribution of adaptive immune cells to retinal pathology in the outer retina in DR, and in particular, the role that regulatory T cells play in protecting against retinal inflammation. This project aims characterise the spatial localisation and trafficking of CD8⁺ T cells and Tregs across the blood-retinal barrier in diabetic retinopathy. Further studies will explore the relationship between regulatory T cells and retinal pigment epithelium, and how effector functions of CD8⁺ T cells are impacted in healthy and diabetic retinal pigment epithelium. By investigating the interplay of the adaptive immune system with retinal structure and function, this study will provide new insights into targeted immunotherapies and adjunctive therapies for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.