The nature of the immunological response of the cornea in keratoconus (literature review)

Keratoconus (КC) is a bilateral and symmetrical disease that leads to progressive thinning of the cornea, followed by the development of abnormal astigmatism and decreased visual acuity. The etiology of КC has not been fully studied, but in recent years it has been associated with inflammation of the eye, which is confirmed by the revealed increase in the local level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in anti-inflammatory levels. A change in the production of transforming factors β, an increase in the content of IgE, as well as the induction of apoptic processes in corneal cells were found. Studying the nature of the immunological response of the cornea can help in understanding the mechanisms of pathogenesis of this eye disease and contribute to its more effective treatment. Key words: keratoconus, cytokines, transforming growth factor, keratocyte apoptosis