Inhibiting HMGB1/AGER/NF-κB pathway prevents pro-inflammatory microglia polarization and protect photoreceptors in retinitis pigmentosa

Our findings showed that HMGB1 secreted by photoreceptors activated the microglia through the HMGB1/AGER/NF-κB pathway and the polarized microglia accelerates the degeneration of photoreceptors. Glycyrrhizin reversed the polarization caused by HMGB1 in vitro and delayed the progression of RP in vivo, presenting a potential novel approach for treating retinitis pigmentosa.