The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) induces FasL and reduces iNOS and Cox2 in primary monocytes.

Purpose: Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells may alter the phenotype of monocytes by soluble factors that may be influenced by stimulation of the RPE. Since RPE cells carry the toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3) that detects and reacts to viral infection through binding of dsRNA we investigated the effects of RPE cells with or without TLR3 stimulation on blood-derived monocytes with respect to regulation of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines, anti-angiogenic factors and migratory properties.

Methods: Primary RPE cells were prepared from porcine eyes; monocytes were prepared from porcine blood.