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Interferons and their potential in the treatment of ocular inflammation

Authors Mackensen F, Max R, Becker MD

Published 16 October 2009 Volume 2009:3 Pages 559—566

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S3308

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 3



Friederike Mackensen,1 Regina Max,2 Matthias D Becker3

1Department of Ophthalmology, 2Department of Internal Medicine, Interdisciplinary Uveitis Center, University of Heidelberg, Germany; 3Department of Ophthalmology, Triemli Hospital Zürich, Switzerland

Abstract: Since their discovery in the 1950s interferons have been the scope of investigation in many diseases as therapeutic as well as pathogenetic factors. We know they have immune stimulatory and immune regulatory effects. This apparently counter-intuitive mechanism can be summarized as immunomodulatory action and seems to be very effective in a number of ocular inflammatory diseases. We review the current knowledge of interferons in immunity and autoimmunity and show their use in clinical ophthalmologic practice.

Keywords: interferon, uveitis, treatment, inflammation

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