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Interferons in vitreoretinal diseases; a review on their clinical application, and mechanism of action

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Abstract

Purpose

This review investigates the therapeutic benefits of interferons (IFNs) in vitreoretinal diseases, focusing on their regulatory roles in innate immunological reactions and angiogenesis. The study aims to categorize the clinical outcomes of IFN applications and proposes a molecular mechanism underlying their action.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases to identify randomized clinical trials, case series, and case-control studies related to IFNs’ impact on vitreoretinal diseases (1990–2022). The data synthesis involved an in-depth analysis of the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis effects of IFNs across various studies.

Results

Our findings indicate that IFNs exhibit efficacy in treating inflammation-associated vitreoretinal disorders. However, a lack of sufficient evidence exists regarding the suitability of IFNs in angiogenesis-associated vitreoretinal diseases like choroidal neovascularization and diabetic retinopathies. The synthesis of data suggests that IFNs may not be optimal for managing advanced stages of angiogenesis-associated disorders.

Conclusion

While IFNs emerge as promising therapeutic candidates for inflammation-related vitreoretinal diseases, caution is warranted in their application for angiogenesis-associated disorders, especially in advanced stages. Further research is needed to elucidate the nuanced molecular pathways of IFN action, guiding their targeted use in specific vitreoretinal conditions.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the directors of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences for supporting this research. The authors would like to thank Ms. A. Keivanshekouh at the Research Consultation Center (RCC) of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences for her invaluable assistance in improving the use of English in the manuscript.

Funding

This study was supported by Shiraz University of Medical Science (Grant# 22323).

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  1. Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Zand Boulevard, Poostchi Street, Shiraz, Iran

    Mehrdad Afarid, Ali Azimi, Aidin Meshksar & Fatemeh Sanie-Jahromi

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  1. Mehrdad Afarid
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  2. Ali Azimi
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  3. Aidin Meshksar
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F.SJ. and M.A. designed the project. F.SJ., A.A., and A.M. were involved in obtaining the data. All authors were involved in writing the manuscript and revising the final version.

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Correspondence to Fatemeh Sanie-Jahromi.

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Afarid, M., Azimi, A., Meshksar, A. et al. Interferons in vitreoretinal diseases; a review on their clinical application, and mechanism of action. Int Ophthalmol 44, 223 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-024-03144-3

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