Involvement of N-formyl peptide receptors in modulating the pro-angiogenic/pro-inflammatory activity of human vitreous in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)

PDR is characterized by neovascularization and a persistent grade of inflammation. N-formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) belong to a transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor superfamily able to modulate angiogenic and inflammatory responses. However, their involvement in PDR remains to be elucidated. Here, we examined FPR expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We further assessed the capacity of vitreous fluid obtained from PDR patients after pars plana vitrectomy to induce pro-angiogenic/pro-inflammatory responses in endothelium and the contribution of FPR inhibitors to abrogate these responses.