Hyalocytes in proliferative vitreo-retinal diseases
Charlotte H. Jones, Wei Gui, Ricarda G. Schumann, Stefaniya Boneva, Clemens Lange, Koen A. van Overdam, Toco Yuen Ping Chui, Richard B. Rosen, Michael Engelbert, J. Sebag
Abstract
Introduction: Hyalocytes are sentinel macrophages residing within the posterior vitreous cortex anterior to the retinal inner limiting membrane (ILM). Following anomalous PVD and vitreoschisis, hyalocytes contribute to paucicellular (vitreo-macular traction syndrome, macular holes) and hypercellular (macular pucker, proliferative vitreo-retinopathy, proliferative diabetic vitreo-retinopathy) diseases. Areas covered: imaging of human hyalocytes. Expert opinion: Hyalocytes are important in early pathophysiology, stimulating cell migration and proliferation, as well as subsequent membrane contraction and vitreo-retinal traction. Targeting hyalocytes early could mitigate advanced disease. Ultimately, eliminating the role of vitreous and hyalocytes may prevent proliferative vitreo-retinal diseases entirely.