RPE: elevated IL-18, NLRP3, activated caspase-1 (evidence of inflammasome activation) [99].RPE cells lose CD46 (regulator of complement activation) early in GA development [137].Majority of complement MAC occurs in domains surrounding the choriocapillaris, not the RPE or retina [138].SPARCL1 gene enriched in choriocapillaris endothelial cells in early atrophic AMD eyes [98]. The gene discussed is CD46; the disease is age-related macular degeneration.