Immunology of the eye

Abstract

The eye is an organ of sight characterized by unusual immunological properties, resulting from its anatomical structure and physiology, as well as the presence of specific elements that, through the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity, provide homeostasis of the eyeball. This article reviews the defensive elements of individual eye structures: conjunctiva, cornea, lacrimal gland, anterior chamber of the eye, uvea, retina and eye-associated lymphoid tissue (EALT), where we distinguish associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) and lacrimal drainage associated lymphoid tissue (LDALT). In addition, the immunity of eyes is conditioned by the difference between the front chamber, anterior chamber – associated immune deviation (ACAID) and also conditioned by the specific barriers of the vascular and retina. These characterized elements, determining the immunity of the eye, are the anatomical, physiological and immunological barrier of the eye, crucial to its immune privilege.