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Publications

Journal Article Review Epublish

PubMed: 40519267 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1574283

"Armed in-vitro retina"-generating microglial retinal organoids, where are we now?

Front Cell Dev Biol 13:1574283

Authors: Yaohong Liu, Lixiong Gao, Wenqian Chen, Yuhan Yan, Zi Ye, Zhaohui Li

Affiliations

  • Department of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China. School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
  • Department of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
  • Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing, China.
  • Department of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China. Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing, China.
  • Department of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China. School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China. Chinese People's Liberation Army Medical School, Beijing, China.

Abstract

The objective of organoid research is to develop in vitro models that accurately replicate the microenvironment of tissues and organs in vivo. Although techniques for culturing retinal organoids (ROs) have advanced significantly, they still fall short of incorporating all cell types necessary for maintaining retinal homeostasis, particularly immune cells like microglia. Standardizing the inclusion of immune cells in RO cultures would greatly enhance research into the mechanisms underlying retinal diseases and the discovery of therapeutic targets. This review examines recent advancements in co-culturing ROs with immune cells to mimic the physiological and pathological microenvironments of the retina, focusing on tissue structure and function. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of cutting-edge organoid technologies, such as microfluidics and organ-on-chip systems, in propelling research in this field. The goal is to equip researchers with a more profound understanding of microglial ROs and their potential applications in scientific investigations.

MeSH

Microglia, Cells, Immune Privilege, Retina, Organoids, Research, Tissues, Retinaldehyde