Retinal microglia: physiological role and participation in pathological processes (review)

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Abstract

Relevance: Microglial cells are resident macrophages of the retina and play a key role in maintaining its homeostasis. The dual nature of these cells as factors in the normal development and functioning of nervous tissue, on the one hand, and their participation in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative processes, on the other, determines the relevance of studying the contribution of this component of innate immunity to the development and progression of pathological processes in the retina.

The purpose of the study is to analyze the literature data and summarize the most significant aspects of the functioning of microglia in physiological conditions and in some retinal diseases.

Results of the study: during the analysis of literature data, the features of the functioning of microglia cells in a healthy retina were shown, as well as in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion: Microglia plays an important dual role in the retina, participating both in maintaining its normal functioning and in the development of pathological processes. In this regard, the most promising therapeutic strategies seem to be those that are aimed not at completely blocking microglial activity, but at modulating its pro-inflammatory reactions and increasing neuroprotective potential.

About the authors

Mikhail P. Ruchkin

Pacific State Medical University; Primorskii center of eye microsurgery

Author for correspondence.
Email: michaelr-n@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-8966-3120

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, Ophthalmologist

Russian Federation, Vladivostok; Vladivostok

Elena V. Markelova

Pacific state medical university

Email: markev2010@mail.ru

MD, Professor, Head of the Department of Normal and Pathological Physiology

Russian Federation, Vladivostok

Gleb A. Fedyashev

Pacific State Medical University; Primorskii center of eye microsurgery

Email: fediashev@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2440-6059

MD, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, Chief Physician

Russian Federation, Vladivostok

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