The observations suggest that hematopoietic cell markers are constitutively expressed on RPE cells and that functions governed by these molecules are not influenced by pro-inflammatory signals. Expression of hematopoietic molecules by RPE cells may influence the macrophage-like properties of these cells and may also aid in the identification of RPE cells during pathological processes, particularly in the proliferative retinopathies, where these cells undergo phenotypic and functional changes.
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