Targeting RORγ to Boost Regulatory T cells and Ameliorate Diabetic Retinopathy in Mice

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness, features damage to the retinal vasculature, where T-cell–mediated inflammation is increasingly recognized as an important contributor. Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ) plays a key role in regulating the balance between anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 and proinflammatory Th17 cells. It was hypothesized that inhibiting RORγ with SR2211, targeting both RORγ and its isoform RORγt, increases Tregs and reduces Th17 cells, resulting in reduced inflammation and vasculopathy in a streptozotocin-induced model of diabetic retinopathy. Mice expressing Foxp3 as a red fluor..