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Abstract #18075 Published in IGR 9-2
Modulating the immune system: a vaccine for glaucoma?
Schwartz MCanadian Journal of Ophthalmology 2007; 42: 439-441
These factors, while not initially causative, are key elements in disease progression and may continue to contribute even after the primary pathology is alleviated. An entire field of research of neuroprotection and restoration has opened up as part of the search for additional ways of slowing disease progression. We have proposed, on the basis of experimental evidence, that a vaccine could be a means of recruiting the immune system to help eliminate many of the factors associated with glaucomatous neurodegeneration and thus prevent disease progression, though not its onset. This immune defence involves lymphocytes, resident and infiltrating innate immune cells, the microglia, and macrophages. The antigens of choice are synthetic antigens, such as glatiramer acetate, that weakly cross-react with self-antigens in the retina and optic nerves. The vaccine induces a beneficial immune response that recruits immune effector cells to counteract or neutralize many of the compounds and factors that contribute to ongoing destruction, and in addition supports cell renewal and repair.
Dr. M. Schwartz, Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel. Michal.Schwartz@weizmann.ac.il
Classification:
11.8 Neuroprotection (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
