Research progress in optogenetic therapy for retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal diseases characterized by progressive loss of photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelium function. Its treatment has long been a focus and challenge in ophthalmic research. Despite advances in therapies such as stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, and retinal prosthetic implants, many difficulties remain. Optogenetic technology, an emerging biological technique combining optics and genetics, holds promise for treating RP by inducing the expression of light-sensitive proteins in degenerated retinal cells, thereby partially restoring patients' vision and light sensitivity. However, limitations such as difficulties in selecting target cells, potential risks of viral transfection, and uncertainties in visual restoration still exist. With the continuous improvement of light sensitivity of optogenetic proteins and the development of viral vectors with higher transfection efficiency, it is believed that optogenetic therapy will help more patients regain vision.