Retinal inflammation underlies multiple prevalent ocular and neurological diseases. Similar inflammatory processes are observed in glaucomatous optic neuropathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, posterior uveitis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. In particular, human and animal studies have demonstrated the important role microglia/macrophages play in initiating and maintaining a pro-inflammatory environment in degenerative processes impacting vision. On the other hand, microglia have also been shown to have a protective role in multiple central nervous system diseases. Identifying the mechanisms underlying cell dysfunction and death is the first step towards developing novel therapeutics for these diseases impacting the central nervous system. In addition to reviewing recent key studies defining important mediators of retinal inflammation, with an emphasis on translational studies that bridge this research from bench to bedside, we also highlight a promising therapeutic class of medications, the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Finally, we propose areas where additional research is necessary to identify mechanisms that can be modulated to shift the balance from a neurotoxic to a neuroprotective retinal environment.

Glaucomatous neurodegeneration, a blinding disease affecting millions worldwide, has a need for the exploration of new and effective therapies. Previously, the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist NLY01 was shown to reduce microglia/macrophage activation, rescuing retinal ganglion cells after IOP elevation in an animal model of glaucoma. GLP-1R agonist use is also associated with a reduced risk for glaucoma in patients with diabetes. In this study, we demonstrate that several commercially available GLP-1R agonists, administered either systemically or topically, hold protective potential in a mouse model of hypertensive glaucoma. Further, the resulting neuroprotection likely occurs through the same pathways previously shown for NLY01. This work contributes to a growing body of evidence suggesting that GLP-1R agonists represent a viable therapeutic option for glaucoma.

Purpose: To report a case of presumed teclistamab-associated sclerouveitis with hypopyon. Methods: Case report. Results: A 62-year-old female with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma presented with right eye pain and decreased vision one week after starting teclistamab, and was found to have sclerouveitis with hypopyon. She received intravitreal vancomycin and ceftazidime due to concern for infectious endophthalmitis, but cultures were negative. Systemic workup for infectious and inflammatory etiologies was unremarkable. Her signs and symptoms improved with topical steroids and a one-week pause in teclistamab. This case constituted a Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale score of 5, representing a “probable” association. Conclusion: Teclistamab, a novel bispecific antibody recently approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, may be associated with sclerouveitis with hypopyon.