[Immunology of the inner ear]

Immunological mechanisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of such inner ear disorders as sudden or rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss. As the human inner ear remains unaccessible for immunological studies in clinical practice, the pathogenesis of a possible immune-mediated disease affecting the inner ear still is unclear. Most immunological studies are performed in animal models or concentrate on clinical laboratory tests with patients' blood samples. Experimental data from animal models has shown that the inner ear is capable of immunoprotection by recognizing and processing antigen. Its answer to a local antigen challenge is an immune response with immunoglobulin synthesis. Clinical data from systemic disease have revealed that immune-mediated processes are involved in the pathogenesis of vestibulocochlear disorders. However, a specific testing system for identifying possible antigens or antibodies involved in inner ear diseases is still not available.