Dynamic Interplay of Innate and Adaptive Immunity During Sterile Retinal Inflammation: Insights From the Transcriptome.

The pathogenesis of many retinal degenerations, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is punctuated by an ill-defined network of sterile inflammatory responses. The delineation of innate and adaptive immune milieu among the broad leukocyte infiltrate, and the gene networks, which construct these responses, are poorly described in the eye. Using photo-oxidative damage in a rodent model of subretinal inflammation, we employed a novel RNA-sequencing framework to map the global gene network signature of retinal leukocytes. This revealed a previously uncharted interplay of adaptive immunity during subretinal inflammation, including prolonged enrichment of myeloid and lymphocyte migration, antigen presentation, and the alternative arm of the complement cascade involving Factor B. We demonstrate Factor B-deficient mice are protected against macrophage infiltration and subretinal inflammation. Suppressing the drivers of retinal leukocyte proliferation, or their capacity to elicit complement responses, may help preserve retinal structure and function during sterile inflammation in diseases such as AMD.

Introduction

Leukocyte activation and recruitment is a key process in the progression of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including those affecting the retina [reviewed in Ref. (1)]. Microglia are resident macrophages of the central nervous system, derived in early development from yolk sac myeloid cells (2, 3). Microglia contribute to the normal physiological state of the central nervous system through constant surveillance of the parenchyma. They control a variety of processes including phagocytosis of neurons during development (4), maintenance of healthy retinal synapses (5), and tissue repair (6). Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retinal disease whose hallmark is progressive loss of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), accompanied by inflammation and influx of leukocytes, including monocyte-derived macrophages (7). Recruited macrophages, as well as resident microglia contribute to the pathogenesis of the degenerating retina [reviewed in Ref. (8, 9)], includes AMD (10–13), retinitis pigmentosa (11, 14), retinal detachment (15, 16), glaucoma (17–19), and diabetic retinopathy (17, 20). The long-standing assumption, derived from rodent models of brain injury, is that resident microglia are the primary source of inflammatory mediators in the brain, and that recruited leukocytes do not play a long-term role in tissue repair [reviewed in Ref. (21)]. However, it is also clear from recent transcriptome studies that microglia derived from different parts of the CNS have distinct molecular and functional attributes (22).

Chemokine signaling mediates monocyte migration in several CNS disorders including AMD, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and brain ischemia and trauma [reviewed in Ref. (23–26)]. In the photo-oxidative damage (PD) model of focal retinal degeneration, we used a broad spectrum chemokine inhibitor and reduced subretinal macrophage accumulation and associated photoreceptor cell death (27), indicating the key role of chemokines in retinal degenerations. Studies of Ccl2 show that ablation of Ccl2 or the Ccr2 receptor reduces monocyte infiltration and retinal degeneration in experimental choroidal neovascularization (28) and in PD-treated Cx3cr1−/− mice (29). Further, we have shown that expression of Ccl2 is upregulated in Müller cells in PD (30), and that targeted knockdown of Ccl2 using siRNA reduces recruitment of microglia/macrophages, photoreceptor death, and complement deposition (31). The release of endogenous triggers like Ccl2 alerts monocytes and promotes proliferation, migration, enhanced phagocytosis, as well as secretion of cytokines, chemokines, and neurotoxins [reviewed in Ref. (32)]. This process of monocyte activation can promote CNS degeneration including phagocytosis of neurons that otherwise might survive (14, 33) and initiation of pro-apoptotic events (34). The detrimental effects of macrophage aggregation in the outer retina have been directly implicated in retinal models of neovascular-AMD (35), PD (36, 37), diabetic retinopathy (38, 39), and glaucoma (40).

Despite the growing understanding of the role of macrophages in retinal degenerations, little is known about the molecular profile of these cells nor of the contribution that other leukocytes types may have in progression of retinal disease. While macrophages are the predominant inflammatory cell in the retina, a growing body of evidence teases a broader contribution of immune responses in AMD [reviewed in Ref. (41)]. Here, we report an analysis of gene expression in CD45+ leukocytes isolated from retina following experimental PD in a rodent model. Our constructed functional networks reveal diverse transcriptional regulation of genes involved in leukocyte activation, chemokine signaling, and the complement cascade in retinal degenerations. We propose that the initial inflammatory response, which primarily involves the retinal microglia/macrophages, leads to a progression in inflammatory activity, including the activation of other leukocyte subsets, initiation of an adaptive immune response, and complement activation, which contribute to subretinal inflammation and progressive photoreceptor cell death.

Materials and Methods

Animals

All work was conducted using either young adult Sprague Dawley albino rats, or C57/Bl6J mice. Additionally, Cfb−/− mice (B6;129-Cfbtm1Hrc/Apb) were also obtained from the Australian Phonemics Facility (APF), and which were bred on the B6 background. All animal experimentation was conducted in accordance with the ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research and with the approval of the Animal Ethics Committee at the Australian National University, Canberra (Protocols—A2012/07 and A2014/56). Both the mice colonies were verified by genotyping to be free of the deleterious Crbrd8 mutation. Animals were raised and experiments were conducted in cyclic 5 lx light:dark (12 h:12 h), unless otherwise stated. All animals were culled using an overdose (60 mg/kg bodyweight) of barbiturate (Valabarb; Virbac, Australia) given as intraperitoneal injection. All culling was performed at 09:00 a.m. to control for possible circadian effects.

PD Model

For the rat PD model, animals, housed and exposed to bright (1,000 lx) light for 24 h in accordance with our previous protocols. Exposure began and ended at 09:00 a.m. on successive days. Rats were euthanized for tissue collection either immediately following PD (0 days), or after a further 3 or 7 days in cyclic dim light. Dim-reared animals were collected as non-light exposed controls for comparison.

The mouse PD model was performed following our previously established methodology (42). In brief, age-matched wild type (C57BL/6) and complement knockout animals were housed in Perspex boxes coated with a reflective interior, and exposed to 100 K lx of natural white LED for up to 7 days, with access to food and water ad libitum. Each animal was administered with pupil dilator eye drops (0.1% atropine sulfate, Bausch and Lomb, Australia) two times a day during light exposure. Animals were either euthanized or subjected to electroretinogram (ERG) recordings after 3, 5, 7 days of PD.

Animal Tissue Collection and Processing for Histology and RNA Extraction

Eyes from some animals were marked at the superior surface for orientation, then enucleated and immediately immersion-fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde in 0.1 M PBS (pH 7.3) for 3 h at room temperature, then processed for cryosectioning as previously described for histological analysis (43). From other animals (n ≥ 6), retinas were excised through a corneal incision and prepared for cell sorting and RNA extraction.

Analysis of Cell Death

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to quantify photoreceptor apoptosis in cryosections for each experimental group, using a previously published protocol (44). Counts of TUNEL-positive cells in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) were carried out along the full length of retinal sections cut in the parasagittal plane (superior–inferior), within the vertical meridian. The total count from each retina is the average of four sections at comparable locations.

ONL Thickness Measurements

Thickness of the ONL in each experimental group was measured in increments of 1 mm along the full length of retinal cryosections cut in the parasagittal plane (superior–inferior), which were in close proximity to the vertical meridian. The DNA-specific dye bisbenzimide (Sigma-Aldrich, MO, USA) was used to visualize the cellular layers. The ONL thickness ratio was calculated as the thickness of the ONL relative to the distance between the ganglion cell layer and ONL, to take into account any obliquely cut sections. The ONL thickness ratio for each retina is the average of two retinal sections at comparable locations.

Immunohistochemistry

To detect and localize CD45+ cells in retinal cryosections, immunohistochemistry was performed using a CD45 primary antibody (BioLegend, San Diego, CA, USA) or IBA1 (1:500, Wako, #019-19741), as described in our previous protocols with minor modifications (43, 45). Sections were counterstained with a DNA label (Bisbenzimide; Sigma-Aldrich) for visualization of the retinal layers. Fluorescence in retinal sections was visualized under a laser-scanning A1+ confocal microscope (Nikon, Tokyo, Japan), and images were acquired using the NIS-Elements AR software (Nikon). Images were processed using Photoshop CS6 software (Adobe Systems, CA, USA).

Flow Cytometry for Retinal Leukocyte Sub-Populations

Retinal cell and dissociation and flow cytometry were conducted as per our previous protocol (42), with some modifications. Retinas from each animal were pooled and immediately placed dissociation cocktail that included 0.2% papain and were then digested until a single cell suspension was obtained. Permeabilization was not conducted. The samples were then incubated in FC block, followed by an incubation antibody staining buffer for 45 min at 4°C, which contained the following cocktail of markers: CD11b-PE, 1:200, BioLegend; CD45-Alexa-647, 1:200, BioLegend; CD3-Pacific Blue, 1:400, BioLegend; CD45RA-FITC, 1:200, BioLegend; Gr1-PE, 1:200, BD Biosciences, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA. Samples were run through a BD Fortessa flow cytometer (BD Biosciences). The data were analyzed using FloJo software (version 10.4.1). Statistical analysis was performed using Prism 6 (GraphPad Software, CA, USA). Unless specifically stated either a two-way ANOVA with Tukey’s multiple comparison posttest or an unpaired Student’s t-test was utilized to determine the statistical outcome, with a P value of <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting of CD45+ Leukocytes

Retinas from each animal were pooled and immediately placed in chilled HBSS (n = 3 per time point) and then subjected to light mechanical separation using a razor blade. Samples were transferred into 0.2% papain digestion cocktail (45) and incubated at 8°C for 45 min, then 28°C for 7 min. The resulting homogenate was centrifuged at 250 g for 5 min at 4°C, and the pellet was resuspended in neutralization buffer. The homogenate was centrifuged again at 420 g for 5 min at 4°C, and the pellet resuspended in staining buffer containing 1.0% bovine serum albumin (BSA), and 0.1% azide. The samples were incubated in staining buffer containing anti-CD45-Alexa 647 (BioLegend) for 45 min at 4°C, then washed twice in HBBS and resuspended in staining buffer. The resultant CD45-stained samples were run through a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) (BD FACSAria II; BD Biosciences, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA). Viability of the sorted cells was assessed by labeling with DAPI. The isolated CD45+ cells were collected in staining buffer and kept chilled on ice until RNA extraction could be commenced. To prepare for RNA extraction, isolated samples were centrifuged at 420 g for 5 min at 4°C, and the supernatant removed. RNA extraction was performed with a combination of TRIzol Reagent (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA, USA) and an RNAqueous-small scale kit (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA, USA) utilized in tandem to extract and purify the RNA, respectively. Isolated total RNA was analyzed for quantity and purity with a ND-1000 spectrophotometer (Nanodrop Technologies, Wilmington, DE, USA).

RNA-Seq Sample Preparation

RNA samples were prepared for RNA-seq by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Biomolecular Resource Facility (John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, CAN, Australia). cDNA library preparation was performed using the SMARTer Low RNA Kit (Clontech, Mountain View, CA, USA) as per the manufacturer’s instructions, using 679 pg of RNA per sample was used as starting material for the preparation of the cDNA libraries. Following library preparation, DNA was simultaneously fragmented and tagged with sequencing adaptors using an adapted Nextera DNA Sample preparation protocol (Illumina Technologies, San Diego, CA, USA—Revision A), using Ampure beads for purification (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Concentrations of libraries were checked on the Agilent Bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies) and pooled to equimolar amounts. Fragmented samples were run on the HiSeq2500 (Illumina Technologies), using TruSeq® Rapid PE Cluster Kit 2500 (Illumina Technologies) and TruSeq® Rapid SBS Kit 2500—200 cycles—(Illumina Technologies). 100 bp paired end sequencing was performed on all samples (12 sample, 4 data points in triplicate—18.33 million reads per sample).

RNA-Seq Alignment and Analysis

All sequenced data was assessed for quality using FastQC software (46) followed by filtering of low quality data using Trimmomatic software (version 0.27, LEADING:15 TRAILING:15 SLIDINGWINDOW:4:20 MINLEN:60 trimming parameters) (47). All sequence data remaining as paired data after quality filter were mapped to the Rat genome (assembly version Rnor_5.0) using TopHat software (v2.0.10—b2-very-sensitive mapping parameter) (48) against gene annotations obtained from the Ensembl v75 database. Samtools (v0.1.19.0) was then used to remove unmapped reads and secondary alignments from TopHat output (fixmate-r parameters) (49). HTSeq was used for obtaining tag counts for each annotated gene using default parameters for non-strand specific library (50). Tag counts were normalized for library composition and library size using trimmed mean of M-values method as implemented in edgeR package to obtain counts per million (CPM) (51, 52). Sum of tag counts in each sample was used as the effective library. All RNAseq data for this project is available on NCBI Short Read Archive with the BioProject ID SRP133267.

Differential expression analysis compared the normalized CPM values of the light-treated groups to the control cohort (dim), over a time course of 0, 3, and 7 days in a pair-wise manner. Genes were considered differentially expressed if they had a P-value of <0.05 and false discovery rate (FDR) of <0.05 (one-way ANOVA); a fold change cut-off of 1.5 was also applied. The relatedness of the individual samples was assessed with principal component analysis (PCA) on the log2 cpm of the DEGs derived from each comparison, and which utilized the scatterplot3d package in R (v3.2.2). Venn diagrams were also created to illustrate overlap between data points in these gene sets (Venny, v2.1). Gene co-regulation across the time course was assessed by K-means clustering analysis on the log2 cpm of the DEGs using the Stats Bioconductor package in R (v2.15.0) (scripting available upon request). The data were further examined with heatmaps using hierarchical clustering via Euclidian distance, which was conducted with heatmapper (53).

Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis was performed using the online bioinformatics resource Panther (v13.0) to identify overrepresented biological processes (BP) at each time point. GO analysis was conducted using statistical overrepresentation, with a Bonferroni correction applied to account for multiple testing. Additionally, pathway analysis was performed using the Reactome online database (v62) to interrogate the data for statistically enriched pathways, as ranked by FDR (<0.05). To improve the interpretation of the GO terms obtained from Panther, an integrated network analysis was employed using ClueGO (v2.3.3), a plug-in for Cytoscape Software (v3.5.1) (54), using DEGs from each comparison. Networks were constructed using GO terms for biological process, and used enrichment/depletion hyper-geometric distribution tests with an adjusted P-value of <0.05 (Bonferroni) for terms and groups. Kappa-statistics score threshold was set to 0.5 to define the functional grouping, while the leading term for groups was selected based on highest significance. GO term fusion was applied to reduce the redundancy of the terms included in the networks.

ERG Recordings

Full-field scotopic ERG recording assessed the retinal function between CfB−/− and Wt mice, and used our previously published methodology (42). Briefly, a flash stimuli for mixed responses were provided by an LED-based system (FS-250A Enhanced Ganzfeld, Photometric Solutions International, Melbourne), over a stimulus intensity range of 6.3 log cd s m−2 (range −4.4 to 1.9 log cd s m−2). The a-wave amplitude was measured from the baseline to the trough of the a-wave response and the b-wave amplitude was measured from the trough of the a-wave to the peak of the b-wave. Data are expressed as the mean response amplitude ± SEM (microvolts). Two-way ANOVA, with Tukey’s multiple comparisons Post hoc test, was performed to compare the responses over the flash stimulus range.

Western Blotting for C3d

Whole retinas from euthanized Wt or C3b−/− mice were collected at 4°C in CellLytic M buffer (Sigma, Australia) containing protease inhibitor cocktail (Roche) and spun down at 13,000 g to obtain the extract protein. Concentration of samples was determined by Bradford assay (Bio-Rad), and equal amounts of total proteins were loaded onto 4–20% Mini-PROTEAN Tris-Glycine gels (Bio-Rad). Following electrophoresis (200 V for 35 min), proteins were transferred to nitrocellulose membranes (Bio-Rad) in semi-dry transfer system for 30 min to 2 h depending on the size of protein. Blots were blocked with 3% BSA, 0.01% Tween 20, and probed overnight at 4°C with antibodies for either C3d (1:500, #AF2655-SP, R&D Systems) or the loading control GAPDH (1:4,000, #G9545, Sigma-Aldrich). Immunoblots were incubated with HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies for 2 h at room temperature and developed using Clarity ECL Western Blotting Substrate (Bio-Rad). Visualization and imaging of blots was performed on ChemiDoc MP Imaging System (Bio-Rad).

Results

Photoreceptor Cell Apoptosis and Degeneration

Exposure to PD led to an increase in TUNEL-positive cells in the ONL (Figure 1A), and a subsequent decrease in ONL thickness (Figure 1B) compared to dim-reared controls. At 7 days post-exposure, persistent ONL thinning and photoreceptor cell death was observed, consistent with photoreceptor death, as described previously (45). Photoreceptor cell death was correlated with both increased numbers and altered distribution of CD45+ leukocytes in the retina (Figure 2). CD45+ cells in retinas of dim-reared control animals showed localization of ramified leukocytes predominantly in the inner retina, with some cells present in the choriocapillaris (Figure S1 in Supplementary Material). At 7 days post-PD, CD45+ cells had an activated/rounded in morphology and were distributed throughout all layers of the retina including the ONL and the subretinal space (Figure 2A). Quantification of total retinal leukocytes by flow cytometry showed increased numbers of CD45+ cells following PD, with highest numbers detected at 7 days (Figure 2B). In dim-reared control animals, the percentage of CD45+ cells in the total retinal population was 0.85% compared with 6.2% 7 days post-damage (P < 0.05, ANOVA).

Figure 1

Changes in photoreceptor apoptosis and degeneration following photo-oxidative damage (PD). (A) TUNEL + photoreceptors were quantified across retinal sections for each replicate in each group. There was immediately increase in TUNEL + photoreceptors following PD, at 0 days, which remained significantly elevated at 3 and 7 days post-exposure (P < 0.05). (B) ONL thickness was averaged across retinal sections and expressed as a ratio of the total retinal thickness, for each sample. There was a progressive decrease in ONL thickness from 0 to 7 days post-exposure (P < 0.05). Representative images are taken from the superior retina, approximately 500 µm from the optic nerve head. The data depict a sample size of n = 5 per group. Asterisks equates to P-value of <0.05, as determined by Tukey’s post hoc test. ONL, outer nuclear layer; OS, outer segments; INL, inner nuclear layer; C, choroid.

Figure 2

Characterization of major CD45 leukocyte subsets in the retina following photo-oxidative damage. (A) Representative labeling of CD45+ cells (green) by immunohistochemistry on retinal sections, with DAPI (blue) as the background stain. At 7 days post damage, there were numerous CD45+ cells distributed in the ONL and subretinal space following damage (B,D). (B) Graphing and representative plots for florescence activated cell sorting (FACS) of CD45+ cells, which show progressive increases over time, relative to the retinal population (P < 0.05, ANOVA). (C–E) Categorization of CD45 subpopulations in the retina over the timecourse, using flow cytometry. (C) The proportion of CD11b+ macrophages comprised the bulk of the CD45+ population (F, left, P < 0.05, ANOVA), and continually increased throughout the timecourse relative to the retinal population (F, right, P < 0.05, ANOVA). (D) Graphing and representative plots showcase CD11b and Gr1 staining among CD45 cells, relative to the retinal population. CD11b+Gr1+ granulocytes were found exhibit late increase at 3 and 7 days (ANOVA P < 0.05), comprising a smaller proportion than the CD11b+Gr1− macrophage subset. The representative SSC/FSC plots at 3 and 7 days show increased SSC of CD11b+Gr1+ granulocytes compared to CD11b+Gr1−. (E) Staining for CD3+ T cells and C45RA+ B cells is presented in graphs and representative plots as a proportion of the CD45+CD11b− parent population. The subset of CD3+ cells displayed progressive increase over time, and peaking at 7 days (P < 0.05 ANOVA); CD45RA+ cells in contrast showed no appreciable change across the timecourse. All datasets represent a sample size of n = 4 per group. C, choroid; FACS, fluorescence-activated cell sorting; INL, inner nuclear layer; ONL, outer nuclear layer; OS, outer segments.

Temporal Profiling of Retinal CD45+ Leukocytes and Subpopulations

Common lineage markers for macrophages (CD11b), granulocytes (Gr1), T cells (CD3), and B cells (CD45RA) were used to investigate the major subsets of CD45+ leukocytes in the retina over the damage time course (Figures 2C–E). The CD11b+ macrophages were found to increase relative to the retinal population over the experimental time course. This peaked at 7 days post-exposure (P < 0.05, ANOVA) and detected on 5.1% of the retinal cell population (Figure 2C). In control samples, 57% of CD45+ cells positive for CD11b, while at 7 days, 85% of the CD45+ cells were also CD11b+, indicating that changes in the CD45+ population broadly reflects the changes present in the CD11b+ population. The subset of GR1+CD11b+ granulocytes, broadly encompassing neutrophils and eosinophils, were shown to increase from near zero in dim-reared controls to ~1.5% of the retinal population at 7 days post-damage (P < 0.05 ANOVA) (Figure 2D). The subset of CD3+ T cells displayed progressive increase over time, and by 7 days comprised 20% of the CD45+CD11b− population, which was almost quadruple the proportion in the dim-reared controls (P < 0.05 ANOVA) (Figure 2E). CD45RA+ B cells in contrast were barely dateable and showed no appreciable change across the PD time course (Figure 2E).

Transcriptome Profile of Isolated CD45+ Retinal Leukocytes

RNAseq was performed on CD45+ cells isolated from the retinas over 0, 3, and 7 days post-PD to construct a temporal transcriptional fingerprint of immune modulation. PCA was performed on the individual samples for all expressed genes (Figure S2 in Supplementary Material). The scree plot demonstrated that most of the variance was observed in the first three principle components (Figure S2A in Supplementary Material). The PCA indicated a strong correlation between sample replicates and highlights a rapid divergence in transcriptional profile between dim-reared control leukocytes, and those isolated at the point of initial injury at 0 days (Figure 3B). Though distinct, the 3- and 7-day groups appeared more closely clustered together than 0 days, and the 7-day grouping appeared the most similar to the control cluster (Figure S2B in Supplementary Material).

Figure 3

Functionally grouped network analysis of enriched GO terms for CD45 Population over the timecourse. (A) The top 100 DEGs from each timepoint were used to generate enriched GO terms for biological process, which were then integrated into a functionally grouped network. GO:BP terms are represented as nodes, while their size illustrates the significance of the term enrichment; the edges reflect the degree of connectivity and grouping between the terms. The leading term in each functional grouping is selected based on the highest significance (Bonferroni adj. P < 0.05). (B) The network is overlayed with the enrichment of the timepoints across the functional groupings; nodes in which more than 50% of the genes are attributed to a given timepoint are color-coded accordingly. BP, biological process; DEG, differentially expressed gene; GO, gene ontology.

When compared to control samples, 2,193 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed in the light-treated groups (adjusted P < 0.05, Table S1 in Supplementary Material) with 1,818 DEGs identified at 0 days, and progressive decline to 656 genes at 3 days, and 155 genes at 7 days. As this variance in number of DEGs has the potential to heavily bias downstream comparisons, we took the top 100 most significant DEGs for each time point, as illustrated in the volcano plots and PCA in Figure S3 in Supplementary Material to take forward for comparative functional enrichment analysis. These were representative of the trend in both Venn and PCA analyses that were drawn from entire DEG list (Figure S4 in Supplementary Material). Of the combined total of 300 DEGs, relatively few genes were identified in more than one time point, resulting in a final representative snapshot of 246 unique DEGs (Figure S2C in Supplementary Material). Of these, 82 (33.3%) were found exclusively at 0 days, compared to 58 (23.6%) and 61 (24.8%) for 3- and 7-day groups, respectively. The 3- and 7-day groups were also found to share the most DEGs (27, 11%), as opposed to a total of only 9 (3.7%) with the 0 days group. These patterns indicate the greatest transcriptional changes in retinal leukocytes occurring within the first 24 h, and most of these are acutely resolved within a week after injury.

Network Analysis of CD45+ Leukocyte Transcriptome

To gain insight into the BP, which mark the temporal shift in the CD45+ transcriptome over the course of pathology, GO analysis was performed on the list of Top 100 DEGs at each point (Table S2 in Supplementary Material). Lists of GO:BP terms to showcase the Top 10 terms ranked by significance for each point (Table 1, adj. P < 0.05). A striking observation from this analysis, however, was the extent to which these enriched BP were being driven by small clusters of genes (Table 1, network genes). This was particularly evident at the 0-day point, wherein a subset of chemokines (Ccl2, Cxcl16, Cxcl11, Ccl12, Ccl7, Ccl22, and Ccl17) was shown to underscore almost all the biology illustrated by the top ranked terms.

Table 1

Functional overrepresentation of gene ontology (GO):BP terms in panther.

GO biological process complete	Background set	Network set	Network fold enrichment	AdjustedP-value	Network genes
Control vs 0 days
Lymphocyte chemotaxis (GO:0048247)	34	8	69.26	5.14E−09	Adam8, Ccl2, Cxcl16, Cxcl11, Ccl12, Ccl7, Ccl22, Ccl17
T cell migration (GO:0072678)	19	4	61.97	6.73E−03	Ccl2, Cxcl16, Cxcl11, Itgb7
Lymphocyte migration (GO:0072676)	45	9	58.87	7.12E−10	Adam8, Ccl2, Cxcl16, Cxcl11, Ccl12, Ccl7, Itgb7, Ccl22, Ccl17
Monocyte chemotaxis (GO:0002548)	30	6	58.87	1.24E−05	Anxa1, Ccl2, Ccl12, Ccl7, Ccl22, Ccl17
Mononuclear cell migration (GO:0071674)	33	6	53.52	2.18E−05	Anxa1, Ccl2, Ccl12, Ccl7, Ccl22, Ccl17
Granulocyte chemotaxis (GO:0071621)	65	7	31.7	3.38E−05	Anxa1, Ccl2, Spp1, Ccl12, Ccl7, Ccl22, Ccl17
Neutrophil chemotaxis (GO:0030593)	58	6	30.45	6.00E−04	Ccl2, Spp1, Ccl12, Ccl7, Ccl22, Ccl17
Granulocyte migration (GO:0097530)	71	7	29.02	6.17E−05	Anxa1, Ccl2, Spp1, Ccl12, Ccl7, Ccl22, Ccl17
Chemokine-mediated signaling pathway (GO:0070098)	61	6	28.95	8.05E−04	Ccl2, Cxcl11, Ccl12, Ccl7, Ccl22, Ccl17
Neutrophil migration (GO:1990266)	63	6	28.03	9.72E−04	Ccl2, Spp1, Ccl12, Ccl7, Ccl22, Ccl17
Control vs 3 days
Regulation of chromosome segregation (GO:0051983)	86	6	19.99	6.93E−03	Ube2c, Dusp1, Pttg1, Knstrn, Bub1b, Spag
Mitotic sister chromatid segregation (GO:0000070)	95	6	18.1	1.23E−02	Aurk, Pttg1, Knstrn, Kiff22, Cxc20, Spag5
Mitotic nuclear division (GO:0140014)	131	8	17.5	2.38E−04	Ube2c, Aurkb, Pttg1, Knstrn, Tpx2, Kiff22, Cdc20, Spag5
Sister chromatid segregation (GO:0000819)	119	7	16.86	2.42E−03	Ube2c, Pttg1, Knstrn, Bub1b, Kif22, Cdc20, Spag5
Spindle organization (GO:0007051)	122	7	16.44	2.86E−03	Ube2c, Cep72, Knstrn, Stmn1, Tpx2, Cdc20, Spag5
Nuclear division (GO:0000280)	263	11	11.99	2.35E−05	Ube2c, Aurkb, Rad51, Pttg1, Knstrn, Bub1b, Tpx2, Kiff22, Cdc20, Spag5
Regulation of nuclear division (GO:0051783)	170	7	11.8	2.55E−02	Ube2c, Tnf, Dusp1, Pttg1, Bub1b, Cdc20, Ifg1
Mitotic cell cycle process (GO:1903047)	395	16	11.61	5.61E−09	Ube2c, Aurkb, Iqgap3, Rad51, Kif20a, Pttg1, Knstrn, Bub1b, Stmn1, Cdkn3, Tpx2, Kiff22, Ier3, Cdc20, Spag5
Mitotic cell cycle (GO:0000278)	457	18	11.29	2.58E−10	Ube2c, Aurkb, Iqgap3, Nuf1, Rad51, Kif20a, Pttg1, Cenpw, Knstrn, Bub1b, Stmn1, Cdkn3, Tpx2, Kiff22, Ier3, Cdc20, Spag5
Organelle fission (GO:0048285)	294	11	10.72	7.35E−05	Ube2c, Aurkb, Rad51, Pttg1, Knstrn, Bub1b, Tpx2, Kif22, Cdc20, Spag5
Control vs 7 days
Antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen via MHC class I (GO:0002474)	29	4	46.22	2.11E−02	RT1-T24-4, RT1-CE10, RT1-CE5, RT1-CE5
Antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen (GO:0048002)	47	6	42.78	7.93E−05	RT1-T24-4, RT1-CE10, RT1-CE5, Cd74, RT1-CE5, RT1-Da
Antigen processing and presentation (GO:0019882)	79	6	25.45	1.66E−03	RT1-T24-4, RT1-CE10, RT1-CE5, Cd74, RT1-CE5, RT1-Da
Cell adhesion (GO:0007155)	654	11	5.64	3.79E−02	Itgae, Tnf, Gpnmb, Axl, Rom1, Cd63, Mfge8, Cldn1, Lgals3bp, Cdh17, Cd96
Biological adhesion (GO:0022610)	663	11	5.56	4.32E−02	Itgae, Tnf, Gpnmb, Axl, Rom1, Cd63, Mfge8, Cldn1, Lgals3bp, Cdh17, Cd96
Immune response (GO:0006955)	798	13	5.46	6.23E−03	Fut7, Tnf, RT1-T24-4, Cfb, Cxcl13, Cldn1, RT1-CE5, Cd74, Cdh17, RT1-CE5, Skap1, RT1-Da
Cell surface receptor signaling pathway (GO:0007166)	1,591	18	3.79	6.48E−03	Itgae, Tnf, Card14, Axl, Csf2ra, Sulf1, Evc, Rom1, Cd63, Adgre5, Cxcl13, PLxnc1, Cxcr6, Cxcr3, Cd74, Cdh17, Cd3e, Skap1
Immune system process (GO:0002376)	1,607	18	3.75	7.50E−03	Ctnnbl1, Fut7, Tnf, Axl, RT1-T24-4, Cfb, Ifitm1, Cxcl13, Cldn1. RT1-CE10. Cxcr3, RT1-CE5, Cd74, Cdh17, RT1-CE5 Cd3e, Skap1, RT1-Da

To facilitate a better understanding of the biological significance of the data, we used ClueGO to integrate enriched GO:BP terms from each point and organize them into a combined functional network (Figure 3). This enabled us to explore functional interrelationships across a broad biological network, while also understanding redundancy of terms between related functions. Figure 3A represents the global functional network of retinal CD45+ population using GO:BP terms constructed from the combined Top 100 DEGs from each time point, and showcase functional grouped clusters such as lymphocyte migration, positive regulation of hemopoiesis, and nuclear division. In Figure 3B, enrichment of specific points across the network is displayed as proportion (%) of associated genes (complete readout of GO terms and gene are tabulated in Table S3 in Supplementary Material). Here, the data reveal a shift in enrichment over the course of PD. The 0 days point was most represented in the lymphocyte migration functional group (69.2%), as well as networked terms for monocyte and neutrophil migration (61.4, 66.7%), extravasation (100%) interleukin 1 (80%), conversely, there was pronounced enrichment of functional groups that underscore cellular proliferation and metabolism, including nuclear division (89.4%) and glycolytic process (68.3%). After 7 days, there was a shift toward adaptive immune response, with pronounced representation of terms relating to antigen processing and presentation (74%), including MHC class I (100%), and T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway (77.4%). Individual functional networks were also constructed for the individual time points (Figure S5 in Supplementary Material), though were found to explain the data in a largely similar fashion to the combined network.

Gene Co-Regulation Using K-Means Clustering

The co-regulation of DEGs over the damage time course was assessing using K-means clustering, which was performed on the combined list of 246 unique DEGs. The analysis identified four major clusters as shown in heat maps and graphs in Figure 4; more detailed heat-maps showing the specific genes in each cluster are located in Figure S6 in Supplementary Material. Based on their temporal expression profile, the clusters were variously classed as Early Up (A), Mid Up (B), Late Up (C), and Global Down (D), and GO:BP and reactome pathway analysis were performed on each to identify significantly enriched terms and pathways. The top 10 entries for each analysis (ranked by adj. P value) are listed in Figures 4A–D (the complete list is available in Table S4 in Supplementary Material).

Figure 4

Analysis of co-regulated DEGs within the CD45 population following photo-oxidative damage. (A–D) K-means clustering was performed on the log2 cpm of 246 DEGs that were derived from the combined top 100 DEGs in each timepoint. Four major clusters were identified, as illustrated in the heat maps and box and whiskers plots, and variously termed (A) Early Up, (B) Mid Up, (C) Late Up, and (D) Global Down, based on their temporal expression pattern. The DEGs in each cluster were assessed for enriched terms and pathways using GO:BP and Reactome, respectively; the top entries for each are displayed, which were ranked according to the adjusted P value. Abbreviations: BP, biological process; DEG, differentially expressed gene; GO, gene ontology.

The Early Up cluster (Figure 4A) identified DEGs that exhibited peak upregulation at 0 days, and mainly comprised GO terms associated with recruitment, including leukocyte migration (GO:0050900), monocyte chemotaxis (GO:0002548), and granulocyte chemotaxis (GO:0071621). These consisted of many overlapping chemokines such as Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl7, Ccl12, as well as the pro-inflammatory regulators Anxa1 (Annexin A1) and Spp1 (Osteopontin), and the immune suppressor lgals1 (Galectin-1). Pathway analysis, conversely, identified many apoptosis-related entries such as caspase-mediated cleavage of cytoskeletal proteins (R-RNO-264870) and apoptotic execution phase (R-RNO-75153). These enriched chemokine pathways are representative of the entire DEG list at the 0 days timepoint (Figure S7 in Supplementary Material).

Mid Up (Figure 4B) correlated with peak upregulation at 3 days. Both GO terms and pathways associated with this time point were dominated by proliferative responses, including mitotic cell cycle (GO:0000278) and Mitotic Spindle Checkpoint (R-RNO-69618). Also enriched, however, was lymphocyte chemotaxis (GO:0048247), consisting of the Adam8 and the chemokines Cxcl9, Cxcl11, Ccl22, and Ccl17. Other chemokines in this cluster also include the Xcl1-Xcr1 signaling axis (Figure S6A in Supplementary Material). Late up (Figure 4C) clustered DEGs that exhibited peak upregulation and 7 days and revealed terms for antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen (GO:0048002), and pathways associated with T-cell activation, including translocation of ZAP-70 to immunological synapse (R-RNO-202430), phosphorylation of CD3 and T cell receptor (TCR) zeta chains (R-RNO-202427). Strikingly, the complement activator Factor B (cfb) was also present in the Late-up cluster, alongside an enrichment of pathways associated with Alternative complement activation (R-RNO-173736) and Activation of C3 and C5 (R-RNO-174577); these are further illustrated in pathway diagrams depicted in Figure 5. The Global-DOWN Cluster (Figure 4D), unlike the other groupings, did not return any significantly enrich terms for GO:BP.

Figure 5

Enrichment of the complement pathway in the CD45 transcriptome. (A,B) Reactome pathway diagrams showcase overrepresentation [false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05] of complement interactions in the Late UP K-means Cluster. Yellow-coloring in the nodes denotes a gene in the expression list that matches a protein within the pathway diagram, while the degree of coloring represents the coverage. (A) Pathway diagram depicts the entire complement cascade, which are broadly classified subcomponents for initial triggering of complement (blue), terminal pathway of complement (green), activation of C3 and C5 (red), and regulation of the complement cascade (gray). (B) Activation of C3 and C5 was found to show significant enrichment Factor B (cfb) in the expression list (yellow-coloring). (C) Heat maps with hierarchical clustering on significant complement DEGs derived from the full gene expression list (2,193). Asterisks denote significant differential expression (FDR < 0.05) compared to control (dim). Abbreviation: DEG, differentially expressed gene.

Effect of Factor B Ablation on Subretinal Inflammation Following PD

The pronounced enrichment of alternative complement pathway and Factor B within the K-means data led us to further explore its role in subretinal inflammation and photoreceptor degeneration after PD. Interrogation of the full list of 2,193 DEGs revealed further significant differences in the complement genes, including alternative Factor D (Cfd), and classical components C1qa, C1qb, and C1qc (Figure 6C). Hierarchical clustering on the genes revealed an early decrease (0 days) in the cluster of C1q components, while both the alternative pathway Factors B and D showed increased expression at 7 days, in agreement with the K-means pathway analysis.

Figure 6

Effect of Cfb ablation on retinal degeneration complement activation, and macrophage infiltration following PD. (A) Temporal relation of retinal cfb expression and TUNEL + photoreceptor counts PD was assessed in Wt mice after 3, 5, and 7 days PD. The expression of Cfb showed continual upregulation following PD, compared to dim-reared (P < 0.05) and was in concert with increase in TUNEL + photoreceptors (P < 0.05). Representative florescent images showcase TUNEL staining (red) over the timecourse of PD. (B–D) Change in TUNEL-photoreceptor counts and ONL thickness in Wt vs Cfb−/− mice, after 7 days PD. TUNEL+ across the full length of retinal sections were quantified and found to be reduced in Cfb−/− mice [(B), P < 0.05]; these are depicted in representative images. ONL thickness was extrapolated on the same sections as function of the number of photoreceptor rows (C,D). When quantified over sections (C), there were more surviving photoreceptors in Cfb−/− mice, compared to Wt (P < 0.05), and was particularly pronounced in mid-periphery [~1 to 1.5 mm eccentricity (D)]. (E–H) ERGs recordings capture a flash intensity series (−4.4 to 1.9 cd.s/ms2) conducted on Wt and Cfb−/− cohorts after 7 days PD. The trend for both analyzed b- and b-waves across this series was higher Cfb mice than Wt (E,F), in addition to highest flash intensity [(G), P < 0.05]. The cone-derived b wave was analyzed at from a twin-flash stimulus at 1.9 cd.s/ms2 and was also significantly higher in the Cfb−/− cohort [(H), P < 0.05]. (I) Representative immunoblots illustrate bands for complement C3d protein and loading control GAPDH in whole retinas, from CfB−/− and WT cohorts after 7 days PD. Densitometry quantified C3d levels, normalized to GAPDH, and indicated reduced C3d levels in the Cfb−/− cohort (P < 0.05). (J) Immunohistochemistry for IBA1 + macrophages/microglia (green) in retinal sections of Wt vs Cfb−/− mice after 7 days PD, as shown in representative images. The graph illustrates the quantification of IBA1+ cells in the ONL and subretinal space across retinal sections and show a significant decrease in the Cfb−/− cohort, compared to Wt (P < 0.05). Statistical significance was determined by Student’s t-test or ANOVA accompanied with post hoc multiple comparison (*P < 0.05). (A–H): N = 5 per group; (I–J): N = 4 and 11 per group. Abbreviations: ERG, electroretinogram; INL: inner nuclear layer; ONL: outer nuclear layer; PD, photo-oxidative damage. Scale bars equal to 50 µm.

To investigate a possible functional role, we utilized a Cfb−/− knockout strain and a murine PD model that we had previously shown exhibits a similar magnitude of photoreceptor death and sterile inflammation to the rat model, over a 7-day time course of bright-light exposure (42). We examined the expression of Factor B in whole mouse retinas after 3, 5, or 7 days’ PD, and observed its persistent upregulation compared to dim-reared retinas (Figure 6A; P < 0.05). This correlated with increased number of TUNEL + photoreceptors, following PD over the same period (Figure 6A; P < 0.05).

The link between photoreceptor viability and complement factor B was further examined in Wt and Cfb−/− mice using TUNEL, ONL thickness, and ERG recordings (Figures 6B–H). After 7 days’ exposure to PD, fewer TUNEL + photoreceptors and more surviving photoreceptor rows were observed in Cfb−/− mice, compared to Wt (Figures 6B–D; P < 0.05). In conjunction, ERG analysis indicated significantly better retinal function in the Cfb−/− cohort, which had higher mixed a- and b-wave flash responses than the Wt group (Figures 6E–H; P < 0.05). The status of complement within retinas of CfB−/− and Wt was inferred by Western blotting for C3d (Figure 6I), a relatively long-lived by-product of C3 proteolysis whose accumulation infers activation of the cascade (55). After 7 days PD, there were significantly lower levels of C3d in retinas of CfB−/− mice, compared to Wt (P < 0.05), accompanied by fewer infiltrating IBA1-immunoreactive macrophages in the ONL/subretinal space (P < 0.05, Figure 6J). IBA1 + macrophages in the Wt cohort more frequently exhibited a reactive amoeboid-type morphology (Figure 6J, representative images), indicative of an activated state.

Discussion

In this study, we provide the first detailed characterization of the functional dynamic of the retinal leukocyte population in sterile retinal inflammation, combining flow-cytometry analysis with RNA-seq of retinal CD45+ transcriptome. Whole-genome transcriptional profiling has been used previously to facilitate high-resolution analysis of the host gene response to cellular changes in the retina (56–58), though these studies have lacked the necessary resolution to dissect the leukocyte populations driving tissue damage after sterile injury. Here, we show that the major leukocyte cell type and associated molecular changes are consistent with a mononuclear phagocyte subpopulation, most likely tissue-resident microglia and macrophages. PD induced an early pro-inflammatory and chemokine-driven response that laid the foundation for progressive and varied migration of myeloid cells, granulocytes, and T lymphocytes at later stages, which was coincident with photoreceptor cell loss. In assessing the gene expression changes using a functional network approach, we uncovered shifts in the retinal leukocyte transcriptome following sterile injury, predicting that the major drivers of the degenerative process are mediated by a sustained inflammatory response. Specifically, early myeloid-driven, acute pro-inflammatory responses preceded any later involvement of complement, T-cell activation, antigen presentation.

Network analysis predicted a role for alternative complement pathway during the late stage of degeneration and indicated that this was driven by leukocytes at 3–7 days post injury. Factor B is crucial to the assembly of the alternative pathway C3-convertase, which promotes the rapid and prodigious accumulation of C3b/C3d, and ultimately, the assembly of the membrane attack complex, which in turn may trigger cytolysis or apoptosis of target cells (59, 60). Factor B expression is increased in retinal macrophages/microglia in aged mice (61), though the implications of this expression, particularly in the context of sterile inflammation, has not previously been assessed. Here, we present several lines of evidence indicating that increased expression of Factor B promotes local activation of the alternative complement pathway, including deposition of complement C3, and that this is mediated by subretinal macrophage infiltration.

Age-related macular degeneration is considered a chronic inflammatory disease exacerbated by dysfunction and dysregulation of the complement cascade [reviewed in Ref. (62, 63)]. Much attention has been placed on the regulation of Complement Factor H (Cfh), and thus the alternative pathway [reviewed in Ref. (64)], due to the strong genetic link between Cfh dysregulation and AMD pathogenesis (65–68). The alternative pathway has been implicated in complement activation and retinal pathology in several animal models [reviewed in Ref. (69)]. This relates favorably to our previous observations, showing that C3 is expressed by infiltrating mononuclear phagocytes following PD, and that this expression is integral to the pathogenic activation of complement within the retina (70).

It is well known that the major leukocytes in the central nervous system are microglia, the resident macrophages [reviewed in Ref. (71)]. Previous studies have used CD11b+ as a leukocyte marker for isolating retinal macrophage populations (72) and have shown that this population accounts for 5–20% of the glial population (73). Despite CNS microglia being classed as CD45lo expressed (74, 75), in the current study, we found that CD45 labeling produced a similar profile to CD11b, but comprise a broader pool of cells, therefore, providing a better perspective on the leukocyte expressome. Our data show that while in control animals (reared in dim light) CD11b+ cells are ~0.495% (±0.09 SEM) of the retinal population, CD45+ cells comprise ~0.853% (±0.23 SEM). However, at 7 days after light damage, CD11b+ cells were 5.07% (±0.530 SEM) while CD45+ cells 6.21% (±0.730 SEM) of the retinal cell population, respectively. These data indicate that the molecular profile of the CD45+ cell population changes with retinal degeneration. Moreover, the early expression of chemokines suggests that the increase in the proportion of CD45+ cells is due to a recruitment of monocytes as well as a change in the local retinal environment.

Previous studies have demonstrated that recruited macrophages do not contribute to the microglial pool under normal physiological conditions (76). However, recent evidence from Ma and colleagues in an NaIO3-induced model of RPE loss indicates that recruited macrophages may aid in replenishing the microglial pool of the inner retinal during injury. In that study, recruited macrophages were found to seed the inner retina in a Ccr2-dependant fashion following RPE degeneration and adopt a long-lived phenotype synonymous with resident microglial cells (77). Our gene expression data support this finding in showing that microglia-associated markers transmembrane protein 119 (Tmem119), P2Y purinoceptor 12 (P2ry12), and Sal-like protein 1 (Sall1) are all transiently downregulated in the CD45+ population, at 0 days (Table S1 in Supplementary Material), suggestive of a dilution of the microglial pool with the rapid recruitment of non-resident mononuclear phagocytes. Despite these collective findings, the dissection of the respective functional roles of resident vs recruited macrophage populations in the retina remains elusive. Fate mapping strategies, such as that reported recently by O’Koren and colleagues (75) may further assist in contrasting the roles these populations in future studies.

Network analysis of leukocyte gene expression also highlighted waves of chemokine-mediated cell recruitment. Chemokines play a pivotal role in leukocyte migration and activation (78) and are implicated in experimental models of retinal degeneration (45, 79) and in AMD disease progression (29, 80). These small molecules are grouped according to the relative position of their first N terminal cysteine residues, into C (γ chemokines), CC (β chemokines), CXC (α chemokines), and CX3C (δ chemokines) (23, 81, 82). Many of the receptors show a degree of redundancy, although generally interactions are restricted to within chemokine family subclasses (23). We find significant changes in expression of a number of chemokines by CD45+ cells in retinal degeneration, covering the gamut of myeloid and T lymphocyte chemotaxis. The significant increases in Ccl2, Ccl3, and Ccl7 at 0 days corroborate findings from our previous studies of whole retinas (30, 45). Here, we show in addition that Ccl12, Ccl17, Ccl22, as well as Cxcl4, Cxcl10, Cxcl11, Cxcl13, Cxcl16 are expressed by leukocyte subsets in the retina at early stage of degeneration. The chemokine expression profile at 3–7 days also indicated some striking novel patterns, including strong upregulation of Cxcl9, Xcl1, and Xcr1 axis. In a previous study, a downregulation of Cxcl9 was observed in IFN-β-treated RPE cells, and suggested to be an immune-suppressive mechanism that protects the retina from excessive inflammation (83). The ligand Xcl1 is expressed primarily by activated CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood, while its cognate receptor Xcr1 is present mainly on dendritic cells [reviewed in Ref. (84)]. This signaling axis augments T cell survival and promotes cytotoxic immune responses (85, 86).

Our network analysis showed that CD45+ expression profile at the later stage of sterile inflammation heavily skewed toward antigen-presentation and processing via MHCI and MHCII, as well as activation and signaling through the T cell receptor. In human forms of sterile retinal inflammation, such as AMD, the evidence linking disease progression to the adaptive immune system has been poorly investigated, even though the presence of anti-retinal antibodies in AMD patients has been reported (87–89). Others have suggested that AMD should be considered an autoimmune disease [reviewed in Ref. (90)], noting that evaluations of AMD lesions demonstrate the presence of both mast cells and lymphocytes (91). Because the retina is not routinely surveyed by B- and T-cells under physiological conditions, any involvement of the adaptive immune system to retinal degenerations will most likely involve retinal antigen presentation and indirect autoantibody function (41). T-cells and neutrophil participation in RPE degenerations has also been reported (92, 93), while others have implicated the complement system as the bridge between the adaptive and innate immune system (94, 95), leading to the recruitment of γδ T-cells (96). A study that induced AMD-like retinal degeneration through the use of carboxyethylpyrrole-modified albumin (CEP) (97) suggests that an antibody-mediated response to CEP is required to initiate degeneration and implicates T-cells and B-cells. Further, this CEP-immunized AMD-like model demonstrates macrophage recruitment to the site of injury and complement activation in the Bruch’s membrane, also suggesting activation of the classical pathway (97). The study also shows that CEP-immunized Rag−/− mice, which lack intact adaptive immunity and mature T-cells and B-cells, produced no anti-CEP.

Conclusion

Sterile inflammation punctuates the degenerative process of many ocular pathologies, though despite this, the breadth and scope of this response in the context of the retinal environment are poorly characterized. Though mononuclear phagocytes comprise the bulk leukocyte infiltrate, profiling the CD45+ subset did reveal an early and pronounced enrichment of terms pertaining to T-cell chemotaxis and migration, while proliferation, T-cell activation, antigen presentation, and complement dominated ontologies at the later time points. Finally, our mechanistic data strongly support a key role of leukocytes, and in particular, mononuclear phagocytes, in propagating the subretinal inflammation and complement deposition via the activation of the alternative pathway. Together, these data greatly extend our understanding of the factors that shape the course of sterile retinal inflammation, which has relevance to the therapeutic targeting of these pathways in diseases such AMD.

Ethics Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research. The protocol was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee at the Australian National University, Canberra (Protocols—A2012/07 and A2014/56).

Author Contributions

MR, RN, and JP designed the study and wrote the paper. MR, HJ, and NF designed and performed animal experiments. AC and HP performed processing and alignment of the RNA-seq dataset. MR, EM, CW, JP, KV, and RN analyzed the RNAseq data and interpreted the results. All authors reviewed, revised, and approved the final manuscript.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.