[Immune reactions in the eye]

Abstract

The immunological status of the eye, like the one of the brain, is generally considered as an "immune privilege" site because of the presence of a strong blood-ocular barrier, the lack of lymphatic drainage and, last but not the least, the absence of professional antigen-presenting cells. This dogma is now challenged by recent studies indicating that presentation of endogenous (as in autoimmune uveitis) or exogenous (like in ocular cysticercosis) antigens occurs. The local immune response seems regulated by active immunosuppressive mechanisms, in order to limit the destructive effect of inflammatory reactions.