Local administration of interferon-beta promotes proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells in repairing process after laser photocoagulation

Trials of systemic administration of interferon (IFN) for treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) have been widely adapted1,2. We have demonstrated that IFN has a stimulating effect on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) proliferation in an experimental model of choroidal neovascularization3. Systemic administration of IFN, however, remains a problem with respect to side effects and a high cost. We therefore performed animal experiments to clarify the effect of local administration of human IFN-β on repair of the RPE after laser photocoagulation (PC).