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Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Induction of Ocular Surface Inflammation and Collection of Involved Tissues
Published on: August 4, 2022
A review of the influence of aqueous humor on immunity
1The Schepens Eye Research Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Abstract:
Regulation of immunity within the immune-privileged ocular microenvironment is a dynamic interaction of anatomical features, factors, and cells that work toward suppressing the induction inflammation. Immunosuppressive neuropeptides found in aqueous humor are central to this immunoregulation. These neuropeptides are alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, vasoactive intestinal peptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and somatostatin. Along with transforming growth factor-beta2, the neuropeptides target specific cells and pathways in innate and adaptive immunity. These aqueous humor factors prevent pathogen-induced inflammation and activation of Th1 cells, while promoting induction of regulatory T cells. Therefore, the ocular microenvironment, through the constitutive production of immunosuppressive factors found in aqueous humor, maintains immune privilege by manipulating regional innate and adaptive immunity away from inflammatory responses.
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