Ocular immunosuppressive microenvironment
Abstract
Over the past 30 years, it has become evident that within the ocular microenvironment there are active mechanisms of immunoregulation and immunosuppression. The immunoregulation and immunosuppression are mediated by the constitutive presence of neuropeptides found in aqueous humor. Each of these immunosuppressive neuropeptides contributes in its own way to suppress induction of delayed-type hypersensitivity and to induce regulatory immunity. Collectively, the neuropeptides in aqueous humor suppress the activation of Th1 cells while promoting the induction of CD25+ CD4+ regulatory T cells. The central mediator of aqueous humor regulation of immunity is the neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). This ocular system of immunoregulation and immunosuppression through alpha-MSH not only suppresses immunogenic inflammation, but also actively manipulates immunity to make the immune response itself immunosuppressive.
Key Biomarkers
Symptom Clusters
Cited By (8)
- In vitro induction of CD25+ CD4+ regulatory T cells by the neuropeptide alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH)Immunology and Cell Biology · 2001
- Neuropeptide Regulation of Immunity: The Immunosuppressive Activity of Alpha‐Melanocyte‐Stimulating Hormone (α‐MSH)Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 2000
- Endogenous Cortisol and TGF-β in Human Aqueous Humor Contribute to Ocular Immune Privilege by Regulating Dendritic Cell FunctionThe Journal of Immunology · 2011
- Melanocortin 5 Receptor Expression and Recovery of Ocular Immune Privilege after UveitisOcular Immunology and Inflammation · 2021
- “Corneal Nerves, CD11c+ Dendritic Cells and Their Impact on Ocular Immune Privilege”Frontiers in Immunology · 2021
- Immunity and pain in the eye: focus on the ocular surfaceClinical & Experimental Immunology · 2021
- Challenges to Gene Editing Approaches in the Retina
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