Melanophages give rise to hyperreflective foci in AMD, a disease-progression marker - Sorbonne Université
Journal Articles Journal of Neuroinflammation Year : 2023

Melanophages give rise to hyperreflective foci in AMD, a disease-progression marker

Florian Sennlaub
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Abstract

Retinal melanosome/melanolipofuscin-containing cells (MCCs), clinically visible as hyperreflective foci (HRF) and a highly predictive imaging biomarker for the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are widely believed to be migrating retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Using human donor tissue, we identify the vast majority of MCCs as melanophages, melanosome/melanolipofuscin-laden mononuclear phagocytes (MPs). Using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy, RPE flatmounts, bone marrow transplantation and in vitro experiments, we show how retinal melanophages form by the transfer of melanosomes from the RPE to subretinal MPs when the "don't eat me" signal CD47 is blocked. These melanophages give rise to hyperreflective foci in Cd47 −/−-mice in vivo, and are associated with RPE dysmorphia similar to intermediate AMD. Finally, we show that Cd47 expression in human RPE declines with age and in AMD, which likely participates in melanophage formation and RPE decline. Boosting CD47 expression in AMD might protect RPE cells and delay AMD progression.
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Dates and versions

hal-04092048 , version 1 (09-05-2023)

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Sebastien Augustin, Marion Lam, Sophie Lavalette, Anna Verschueren, Frédéric Blond, et al.. Melanophages give rise to hyperreflective foci in AMD, a disease-progression marker. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 2023, 20 (1), pp.28. ⟨10.1186/s12974-023-02699-9⟩. ⟨hal-04092048⟩
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