The Immune System and AMD

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration is a complex, multifactorial disease that has yet to be completely understood. Significant efforts in the basic and clinical sciences have unveiled numerous areas that appear to be critical in the pathogenesis of this disease. The alternative complement pathway, immune cell activation, and autoimmunity are all emerging as important themes in the suspected immunological origins of this disease. Advancement toward a complete understanding of these processes is important in the development of new techniques for disease monitoring and treatment.