Microbiome and immune-mediated dry eye: a review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• The gut microbiome modulates immune responses, influencing inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways relevant to autoimmune diseases.
• Alterations in the gut microbiome composition are observed in various autoimmune conditions.
• The role of the ocular surface microbiome (OSM) in dry eye disease is less understood but increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on the interplay between the gut microbiome, OSM, and immune-mediated dry eye.
• To highlight the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies for dry eye management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of key articles.
• Analysis of studies investigating gut microbiome alterations in autoimmune diseases.
• Exploration of research on the OSM and its association with dry eye.

Main Results:

• The gut microbiome's influence on systemic immunity is established, with implications for autoimmune disease severity.
• Specific gut microbiome profiles are linked to certain autoimmune diseases.
• Emerging evidence suggests a connection between the OSM and dry eye, though further research is needed.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome plays a role in immune regulation and may influence immune-mediated dry eye.
• Targeting the microbiome through interventions like diet, prebiotics, probiotics, or fecal microbial transplantation is a promising therapeutic avenue for autoimmune diseases, including dry eye.