Cytokines and chemokines in immune-based ocular surface inflammation

Altered levels of several cytokines and chemokines have been found in different types of inflammatory ocular surface diseases, such as allergy or dry-eye syndrome. It has also been demonstrated that epithelial cells play a key role in the persistence and even initiation of chronic mucosal inflammation. The recent development of 'multiplex detection' technologies has facilitated the identification of specific patterns of expression of these molecules in some ocular immune-based inflammatory disorders. Analysis of these molecules in tissues, cells (in vivo and in vitro) and tears has revealed that not only inflammatory cells but also epithelial and fibroblast resident cells are sources of these molecules. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent studies in this field.