The mean numbers of both IBA1+ and HLA-DR+ cells/mm2 were significantly higher in the submacula (P = 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively) and paramacula (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.002, respectively) of early/intermediate AMD eyes than in those of aged controls. The gene discussed is AIF1; the disease is age-related macular degeneration.