The researchers said this breakthrough could potentially pave the way for gene therapies that could boost IRAK-M levels to protect against AMD. The IRAK-M protein is a key part of the immune system that helps protect the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) – a layer of cells crucial for maintaining a healthy retina. Damaged RPE cells can cause serious eye conditions and vision loss. The researchers found IRAK-M decreases with age – especially in RPE cells – and this decline is more pronounced in those with AMD. Findings showed that increasing IRAK-M levels helped reduce retinal degeneration.

Source: The Star June 06, 2024 06:05 UTC