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Immunological mechanisms in glaucoma

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Abstract

Glaucoma is one of the most frequent causes of blindness worldwide. The elevated intraocular pressure does not explain glaucoma in all patients but can be considered as a risk factor of the disease. There are some evidences that autoimmune mechanisms may be involved in this disorder. This review attempts to demonstrate the findings about autoimmune mechanisms in glaucoma patients. Consistent up- and down-regulations in the autoantibody profiles against ocular antigens are present in glaucoma patients. These changes in natural autoimmunity could be found in independent study populations and might be a promising tool for glaucoma detection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany

    F. Grus

  2. Department Of Ophthalmology and Vision Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA

    D. Sun

  3. Langenbeckstr. 1, 55101, Mainz, Germany

    F. Grus

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  1. F. Grus
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  2. D. Sun
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Correspondence to F. Grus.

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Grus, F., Sun, D. Immunological mechanisms in glaucoma. Semin Immunopathol 30, 121–126 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-008-0105-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-008-0105-8

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