Susceptibility of ocular tissues to autoimmune diseases

摘要: The orbital tissues may form a unique immunological environment, as evidenced by autoimmune disorders that specifically target tissues, particularly myasthenia gravis (MG) and Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). reasons for the preferential susceptibility are likely to be multiple, based on interplay of molecular physiological properties extraocular muscles (EOM), requirements ocular motor system, specific pathology. Of general importance, even minor loss EOM force generation will sufficiently misalign visual axes produce dramatic symptoms, proprioceptive feedback is limited overcome such deficit. Particular MG, synapses appear susceptible neuromuscular blockade, pathology differs between generalized MG patients, influence complement regulatory factors less prominent in preventing damage at junctions. GO pathogenesis poorly understood, but shared epitopes fibroblasts, EOM, thyroid could lead targeting these tissues. differential response fibroblasts cytokines key factor disease development. Greater appreciation immunologic environment therapies designed diseases.