Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
06:38
Induction of Ocular Surface Inflammation and Collection of Involved Tissues
Published on: August 4, 2022
Immunotherapeutic approaches in ocular inflammatory diseases
1National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-1857, USA.
Archivum Immunologiae Et Therapiae Experimentalis
|January 13, 2006
Summary
This review covers immunotherapies for ocular inflammatory diseases, focusing on autoimmune uveitis. It details current and experimental treatments, highlighting the significant side effects of immunosuppressive therapies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ocular inflammatory diseases, particularly autoimmune uveitis, present significant challenges in clinical management.
- Current therapeutic strategies involve a range of medications with varying efficacy and side effect profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of immunotherapeutic approaches for ocular inflammatory diseases.
- To update existing literature and present clinical experiences with a focus on autoimmune uveitis.
- To discuss the pharmacology and treatment philosophies of various immunosuppressive agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immunotherapeutic strategies for ocular inflammatory diseases.
- Analysis of clinical experiences from the National Eye Institute, USA.
- Examination of current medical and surgical treatments, including corticosteroids, anti-metabolites, alkylating agents, calcineurin and purine synthesis inhibitors, biologics, and anti-infectious agents.
- Inclusion of novel and experimental therapeutic modalities.
Main Results:
- Immunotherapies encompass a broad spectrum of agents, from conventional immunosuppressants to targeted biologics.
- Most immunosuppressive therapies are associated with considerable adverse effects, necessitating careful patient monitoring.
- Newer experimental approaches are emerging for managing refractory cases.
Conclusions:
- Physicians require a thorough understanding of drug pharmacology and treatment principles to effectively manage ocular inflammatory diseases.
- Balancing therapeutic benefits against adverse effects is crucial in the long-term management of patients.
- Continued research into novel immunotherapies is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Pharmacologic...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...