[State of local immunity in keratoconus]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology
• Corneal Diseases

Background:

• Keratoconus is a progressive thinning of the cornea.
• The role of local ocular immunity in keratoconus pathogenesis is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate local immune responses in the tears of patients with keratoconus.
• To assess concentrations of various immune factors in relation to disease stage.

Main Methods:

• Tear samples were collected from 81 patients (146 eyes) with keratoconus.
• Concentrations of IgG, IgM, secretory IgA, lysozyme, immune complexes, C3, transferrin, and alpha 1-antitrypsin were measured.

Main Results:

• Elevated levels of IgG, IgM, secretory IgA, lysozyme, immune complexes, C3, transferrin, and alpha 1-antitrypsin were found in the tears of keratoconus patients.
• These findings suggest an activation of the local immune system.

Conclusions:

• Local ocular immunity is activated in patients with keratoconus.
• Tear immune markers may serve as indicators of disease activity.