Retinal Pericytes Inhibit Activated T Cell Proliferation

Abstract

RPCs are highly immunosuppressive and they protected RECs from inflammation-mediated apoptosis. Hyperglycemic conditions impaired the T cell inhibitory activity of RPCs. These results reveal a new function of RPCs, and its regulation under hyperglycemic conditions. This may represent a novel mechanism by which RPCs contribute to preservation of retinal integrity in diseases, including DR.