The Ohio State University was awarded a $665,243 Project Grant under the National Eye Institute's Vision Research program (CFDA 93.867) to conduct research aimed at enhancing the survival and regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and the optic nerve following injury or degeneration. The research will focus on elucidating the factors secreted by interleukin-4 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor polarized bone marrow myeloid cells that promote neuroprotection and axon regrowth, as well as characterizing the mechanisms by which these cells modulate glial cells in the eye to support a pro-regenerative environment. The goal is to develop autologous myeloid cell therapies and combination therapeutic approaches to restore visual function in individuals with optic neuropathies. The Project Grant has an award period from March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2029.