Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor as a Treatment Option for Retinal Degeneration.

This review discusses the therapeutic potential of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for retinal degeneration. BDNF, nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) and NT-4/NT-5 belong to the neurotrophin family. These neuronal modulators activate a common receptor and a specific tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) receptor. BDNF was identified as a photoreceptor protectant in models of retinal degeneration as early as 1992. However, development of effective therapeutics that exploit this pathway has been difficult due to challenges in sustaining therapeutic levels in the retina.