Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Retina

The retina is composed of neural networks that are responsible for visual function, and vascular networks that support the tissue. Although vascular targeting therapies for retinal diseases have recently been developed, therapies directly targeting the neuronal component of these diseases have yet to be developed. Here, we review recent studies describing the pathological signaling that occurs within the neuronal cells of retinal disease models. The molecular changes caused by endogenous or exogenous factors in the retinal neural cells and the molecular events involved in neuroinflammation are illustrated. These underlying molecular mechanisms reveal promising targets for new therapeutic approaches for retinal neural disorders.