Methods and Compositions for Preserving the Viability of Photoreceptor Cells

Abstract

Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of photoreceptor cells following retinal detachment. The viability of photoreceptor cells can be preserved by administering an apoptosis inhibitor to a mammal having an eye with retinal detachment. The apoptosis inhibitor maintains the viability of the photoreceptor cells until such time that the retina becomes reattached to the underlying retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. The treatment minimizes the loss of vision, which otherwise may occur as a result of retinal detachment.

1 . A method of preserving the viability of photoreceptor cells disposed within a retina of a mammalian eye following retinal detachment, the method comprising:
 administering to a mammal's retina, the mammal having an eye in which a region of the retina has been detached, an amount of an apoptosis inhibitor sufficient to preserve the viability of photoreceptor cells disposed within the region of the detached retina, wherein the apoptosis inhibitor comprises an agent that inactivates, reduces or inhibits at least one of FAS-ligand or FAS-receptor.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitor is administered to the mammal prior to reattachment of the region of detached retina. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitor is administered to the mammal after reattachment of the region of detached retina. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of apoptosis inhibitors are administered to the mammal. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one apoptosis inhibitor is administered by intraocular, intravitreal, or transcleral administration. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitor reduces the number of photoreceptor cells in the region that die following retinal detachment relative to the number of photoreceptor cells that die in the absence of the apoptosis inhibitor. 
     
     
         8 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the retinal detachment occurs as a result of a retinal tear, retinoblastoma, melanoma, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, choroidal neovascularization, retinal ischemia, pathologic myopia, or trauma. 
     
     
         16 . A method of preserving the viability of photoreceptor cells disposed within a retina of a mammalian eye following retinal detachment from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or choroid, the method comprising:
 administering to a mammal's retina, the mammal having an eye in which a region of the retina has been detached, an amount of an apoptosis inhibitor sufficient to preserve the viability of photoreceptor cells disposed within the region of the detached retina.   
     
     
         17 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of a protein, a peptide, a nucleic acid, a peptidyl nucleic acid, a small organic molecule, and a small inorganic molecule. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the protein is selected from the group consisting of a cytokine, an antibody or an antigen binding fragment thereof, and a genetically engineered biosynthetic antibody binding site(s). 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the peptide comprises an amino acid sequence of less than about 25 amino acids in length. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the peptide comprises an amino acid sequence of less than about 15 amino acids in length. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the peptide comprises a synthetic peptide or a derivative thereof. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the nucleic acid comprises a deoxyribose nucleic acid, a ribose nucleic acid, an antisense oligonucleotide, and an aptamer. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the deoxyribose nucleic acid comprises an antisense oligonucleotide and/or an aptamer. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the retinal detachment occurs secondary to an underlying degenerative retinal disorder. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the apoptosis inhibitors are administered concurrently or sequentially. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the detachment of the retina from the RPE is caused by apoptosis of the RPE or cell death of the RPE.