Selective Gamma-Secretase Inhibition by CHF5074 Attenuates Inflammation and Neovascularization in a Murine Model of Choroidal Neovascularization

Purpose: Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). This study aimed to investigate the effect of the CHF5074, a γ-secretase inhibitor, on angiogenesis in a laser-induced CNV model and elucidate its possible molecular mechanism.

Methods: Male C57/BL6J mice aged between 6 to 8 weeks were employed to set up a laser-induced model of CNV. Then, CHF5074 was injected intraperitoneally on the day after laser modeling, as well as on the second, third, and fourth days. Immunofluorescence staining was used to evaluate the retinal and choroidal complex. The markers used were CD31 for neovascularization and IBA1 for microglia staining in ocular tissue slices. Fundus fluorescein angiography on days 3d, 7d, and 14d analyzed neovascularization and leakage areas. Inflammatory indicators were examined by Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). High-throughput whole-tissue sequencing of retinal choroids identified relevant cell pathways. Key regulatory factors modulated by CHF5074 were identified via WB. Co-culture of BV2 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used to explore the function of CHF5074 on the inhibition of tube formation.

Results: CHF5074 significantly decreased CD31 expression in the choroid on 3d, 7d, and 14d post-laser modeling (p < 0.05) and decreased both neovascularization and leakage areas (p < 0.05). Additionally, CHF5074 significantly lowered TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-1β expression levels in the choroid (p < 0.05), as demonstrated by WB analysis and ELISA. High-throughput whole-tissue sequencing identified P38-MAPK, JNK, and Wnt signaling pathways associated with neovascularization. CHF5074 decreased P38 protein phosphorylation (p < 0.05) as confirmed by WB analysis. CHF5074 inhibited the tube formation of HUVECs co-cultured with LPS and ATP-treated BV2 cells.

Conclusion: CHF5074 significantly suppresses angiogenesis in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization models, suggesting its potential as a novel agent for preventing and treating CNV.