The role of anti-retinal autoantibodies and innate immune cells in retinal degeneration

Retinal degeneration is process in which photoreceptors and underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) progressively die, leading to loss of vision. There several causes of retinal degeneration, including genetic and autoimmune. Autoantibodies against retinal proteins are found in patients with visual disturbance that may be an indication of autoimmune disease of the retina, although their significance in the pathogenicity of retinopathy is fully determine. Importantly, based on correlation of specific autoantibody with clinical findings, may start classifying subgroups of patients that differ in symptoms and retinal presentation. Moreover, genetic mutation alone does not explain sudden loss of vision especially if there is accelerated loss of vision. There is a group of patients have autoantibodies against retina and systemic tumor. Also, ocular inflammation in the retinitis pigmentosa alters the ocular immune privilege mechanisms and peripheral immune response.Retinopathies provoke chronic inflammation, and as a result all retinal cells under inflammatory stress, including constantly activated microglia and altered levels of inflammatory factors and pathways.The goal is a better understanding of inflammatory and autoimmune disease development and progression, and the generation of novel therapeutic studies. The objectives are:-To promote the importance of researching autoimmune diseases.- To promote newer therapies including both local and systemic therapies for autoimmune retinopathies- To highlight the advances in the field of autoimmune retinopathyResearchers are encouraged to submit Original Research articles, Reviews, Mini-reviews, Systematic Reviews, Case Reports, Perspectives, Short communications, Opinions, Study Protocols, and Methods relevant to this article collection that will cover topics:1. Determine the role of autoimmunity in loss of vision in retinal diseases including inherited retinal diseases that are caused gene, such as retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, autoimmune uveitis, autoimmune retinopathy, and glaucoma2. Diagnostic potential of AAbs and cytokines at presentation and progression of vision loss3. Studies on novel therapies in cancer-associated retinopathies and the role of AAbsConflict of Interest Statement:Dr Fred Chen is a co-inventor of VP-001, a therapeutic agent under development for the treatment of PRPF31-related conditions. Topic editors: Grazyna Adamus, Fred K. Chen Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/69520/the-role-of-anti-retinal-autoantibodies-and-innate-immune-cells-in-retinal-degeneration