T-cell characterization in chronic allergic eye disease

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2003 Jul;3(4):358-62. doi: 10.1007/s11882-003-0099-1.

Abstract

Chronic allergic eye disease encompasses several disorders, but it is vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) that have sight-threatening sequelae. T cells, eosinophils, and mast cells are all found in the conjunctiva, and are thought to play a role in disease pathogenesis. Recently, the conjunctival epithelium has also been considered to play a key role. New and effective therapeutic strategies for the future for these patients depend on achieving a greater understanding of the roles and interactions of the cell populations in these sight-threatening disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Eosinophils / classification
  • Eosinophils / immunology
  • Eye Diseases / classification*
  • Eye Diseases / immunology*
  • Eye Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / classification*
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / immunology*
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / therapy
  • Mast Cells / classification
  • Mast Cells / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / classification*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*