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IL-16 in Vitreoretinal Lymphoma: First Vitreous Detection and a Preliminary Longitudinal Observation
Maria Carmela Saturno1, Danilo Iannetta1, Alessandro Lambiase1
1Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation
|April 3, 2026
Summary
Interleukin-16 (IL-16) is detected in vitreous fluid of patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL), suggesting it may serve as a novel biomarker. IL-16 levels persist longer than IL-10 during treatment, offering insights into disease activity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a rare intraocular malignancy with diagnostic and management challenges.
- Elevated intraocular interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a known biomarker, but vitreous sampling limitations exist.
- Interleukin-16 (IL-16) influences the tumor microenvironment (TME) in systemic lymphoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first detection of vitreous IL-16 in VRL.
- To explore IL-16 as a potential adjunctive biomarker for VRL.
- To analyze the dynamic changes of IL-16 during VRL treatment.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal vitreous cytokine analysis in a patient with biopsy-proven VRL.
- Serial sampling during intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) and dexamethasone (DEX) therapy.
- Analysis of IL-6, IL-10, and IL-16 levels.
Main Results:
- Baseline vitreous showed elevated IL-16 with an IL-16/IL-6 ratio >1.
- IL-10 levels decreased significantly post-treatment, while IL-16 remained detectable longer.
- The distinct kinetic profiles suggest persistent TME modulation.
Conclusions:
- Vitreous IL-16 is documented for the first time in VRL, indicating potential as an adjunct biomarker.
- Co-expression of IL-10 and IL-16 may reflect immune modulation and treatment resistance.
- Longitudinal IL-16 monitoring could offer insights into VRL activity and response, pending further validation.
