Furthermore, P2X7-null mice models demonstrated reduced blood-borne macrophage phagocytosis activity resulting in thickening of Bruch’s membrane, RPE dysfunction, and retinal stress at 12 months of age (Vessey et al., 2017), followed by Bruch’s membrane thickening, RPE cell loss, retinal functional deficits, and signs of inflammation between the RPE and photoreceptors at 18 months of age – phenotypic characteristics consistent with early AMD (Vessey et al., 2017). Here, P2RX7 is linked to age-related macular degeneration.