Molecular immunology of allergic conjunctivitis

Purpose of review: Successful treatment of allergic eye disease depends on understanding the pathophysiology of ocular allergy. Thus, in this review, recent experimental and clinical research that has provided significant information about the immunopathology of allergic eye disease will be discussed. Recent finding: Recently, role of various cells, cytokines and chemokines has been scrutinized in the immunopathogenesis of ocular allergy. In this respect, current research highlights contribution of special molecules and cells in the development and clinical features of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and T-cell-mediated eye allergies. Summary: Recent findings in molecular immunology of ocular allergy, which comprise complex inflammatory conditions of the conjunctiva, have enabled us to better understand the pathophysiology of these diseases and have aided in the potential development of new therapeutic agents. © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.