Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central retinal vision loss worldwide. Estimated prevalence of AMD in Ireland is 7% with an annual cost >€130 million. Wet AMD involves the unwanted growth of blood under the retina causing instant vision loss. We have shown that Interleukin-18 (IL-18) has useful effects that block blood vessel growth when administered by injection, with promising results in animal models of wet AMD. Administration of another interleukin, IL-4, has also demonstrated beneficial effects in preclinical models of AMD. Cytokines such as IL-18 and IL-4 appear to hold huge potential for improving the treatment of wet AMD, however their progression into clinical trial is being hampered due to the fact that they are pro-inflammatory molecules. Although the weight of evidence indicates that direct injection of these cytokines into the eye has no significant adverse effects, immunotherapy for retinal disease is a novel idea in ophthalmology and fears that introduction of these cytokines could induce inflammation-mediated cell death, causing further vision loss persist. We now wish to organise an intensive and specific two-day workshop focusing specifically on facilitating transitioning our basic research findings to clinical implementation of immunotherapy. This workshop will involve both clinicians and scientists from Ireland, Europe and the US to discuss 1) the potential benefits of immunotherapy for AMD and 2) inflammation-mediated cell death. The objective is to provide a space to encourage debate and to outline measures that will result in meaningful research into the use of immunotherapy for retinal disease.
