Diabetes retinopathy (DR) is a common ocular complication of diabetes, characterized by a complex pathological process involving multiple cells and inflammatory factors. Müller cells, as the primary supporting cells of the retina, not only produce interleukin-17 (IL-17) but also serve as a primary target in DR. They participate in the pathological process of DR by contributing to abnormal glutamate metabolism, increased secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and regulatory functions, thereby exacerbating the inflammatory response. IL-17 is primarily secreted by T helper cell 17 (Th17) cells and enhances the inflammatory response by promoting the secretion of various inflammatory mediators (such as cytokines, chemokines, and metalloproteinases), leading to retinal microvascular damage and neuronal apoptosis, which accelerates the progression of DR. In a high-glucose environment, Müller cell function is impaired, and IL-17 further exacerbates this dysfunction, creating a vicious cycle. Studies have shown that blocking the IL-17 and Act1/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathways can mitigate the pathological changes associated with DR, providing new insights for the treatment of this disease. Therefore, conducting in-depth research on the interaction mechanism between IL-17 and Müller cells in DR is of great significance for exploring the pathogenesis of this disease and developing precise and effective treatment strategies.
