Protective Effect of a bi-specific Fc-fusion protein on the barrier of hRPE cells

To evaluate the protective effects of IBI302, a bi-specific Fc-fusion protein that theoretically can bind vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), complement C3b and C4b in the cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells. Primary hRPE cells were isolated and cultured to monolayer barrier. hRPE monolayers were divided into control group, VEGF-Trap group, complement receptor 1 (CR1) group, and IBI302 group. Identification of hRPE cells, barrier function, inflammation factors and immune response products were tested by immunofluorescent staining, transepithelial resistance (TER) and ELISA. IBI302 treatment significantly improved TER of hRPE cells after complement-activated oxidative stress compared with control group, VEGF-Trap group, and CR1 group. The maximum effect of IBI302 on protecting hRPE cell viability was observed at the concentration of 1 μg/ml. Elevated expression of VEGF, CCL2, C3a, C5a and MAC were inhibited by IBI302. IBI302 could protect the barrier function of hRPE cells. IBI302 might be a potentially effective drug for the RPE barrier-associated ocular diseases.

Source: Ophthalmic Research - February 4, 2021 Category: Opthalmology Source Type: research