UK eye research charity, Fight for Sight, has partnered with the chief scientist office (CSO) to support research into developing a treatment for autoimmune uveitis, a condition that can cause blindness.
Dr Heather Wilson and Professor John Forrester from the University of Aberdeen and Dr Lucia Kuffova from NHS Grampian have received £200,000 to investigate the use of T regulatory cells as a potential treatment.
Uveitis, inflammation within the eye, is usually managed with therapies such as steroids and immunosuppressants, which can come with damaging side effects.
The research hopes to provide evidence for a personalised therapy, which could ‘reset’ the patient’s immune system and prevent future recurrence.
Dr Neil Ebenezer, director of research, policy and innovation at Fight for Sight, said: ‘We are delighted to be working in partnership with the CSO to support vital sight saving research in Scotland. This exciting research project could potentially prevent the future recurrence of uveitis, which will have a significant impact on the lives of those living with this condition.’