Many eye diseases, including uveitis, keratitis, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy have an immune or inflammatory component. Inflammation can also induce retinal degeneration, impair vision and contribute to the development of autoimmune eye diseases, including Sjogren’s syndrome.
Our research aims to understand how immune responses are regulated in the eye, and the impact of inflammation as a cause of eye disease. These studies will guide the design of new strategies to safeguard vision.
Shedding new light on ‘natural killer’ immune cells
Professor Mariapia Degli-Esposti, from the Lions Eye Institute and the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and her team has improved understanding of how the immune system is regulated to prevent disease, identifying a previously unknown role of ‘natural killer’ immune cells.
The study identified a new subset of natural killer cells known as tissue-resident memory natural killer (NKRM) cells. NKRM cells were found to limit immune responses in tissues thereby preventing autoimmunity, which occurs when the immune system is misdirected to attack the body’s own tissues or organs.
While additional research is required, the discovery provides vital information that may ultimately be used to develop new treatments for autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome and possibly other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Groundbreaking research
In addition to the studies on natural killer cells, Professor Degli-Esposti’s research has also led to groundbreaking discoveries into improving the outcomes of viral infections in bone marrow transplant recipients. Using a world-first pre-clinical model, developed in collaboration with Professor Geoff Hill, now at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA, this research found a novel approach to better manage cytomegalovirus, one of the most common life-threatening viral infections impacting bone marrow and organ transplant patients.
The discovery is guiding new treatments to ensure patients can more safely receive lifesaving transplants. The original research, published in 2019 in the highly regarded journal Science, was awarded The Australian Museum’s esteemed Eureka Prize for Scientific Research. Follow up studies, published this year in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, have expanded the findings and highlighted a clinical approach to improve immunity to the virus in bone marrow transplant patients.
Recognising her career dedicated to understanding the complexities of the immune system, including those that effect the eye, Professor Degli-Esposti was recently elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. This is Australia’s most prestigious honour for those who have made significant contributions to science.
Professor Mariapia Degli-Esposti
