Therapeutics: p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75 NTR); nerve growth factor (NGF)

Mouse studies suggest inhibiting p75 NTR or the precursor form of NGF could help treat diabetic retinopathy and other types of retinopathy. In a mouse model of diabetic retinopathy, intravitreal injection of a p75 NTR antagonist tool compound or an antibody against the NGF precursor increased the number of retinal ganglion cells and structural integrity of the nerve fiber layer/ganglion cell layer/inner plexiform layer compared with vehicle. In a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy, intravitreal injection of the p75 NTR antagonist tool compound decreased the vaso-obliteration and neovascularization phases of retinopathy development. Next steps could include identifying other inhibitors of p75 NTR in models of diabetic retinopathy...