Oxidative stress induces Z-DNA-binding protein 1-dependent activation of microglia via mtDNA released from retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Oxidative stress, inflammation, and aberrant activation of microglia in the retina are commonly observed in ocular pathologies. In glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, the chronic activation of microglia affects retinal ganglion cells and photoreceptors, respectively, contributing to gradual vision loss. However, the molecular mechanisms that cause activation of microglia in the retina are not fully understood.