Manfred Zierhut

The innate immune system comprises the cells and mechanisms that are the first line of defence against infection by other organisms. This book provides a comprehensive synopsis of eye diseases, their immunological mechanisms and the role of the immune cells and mediators. Beginning with an introduction to the role of the innate immune system, the following chapters discuss the different types of immune cells in the eye and their role in the etiopathogenesis of various diseases including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Edited by Manfred Zierhut, recognised expert from the University of Tuebingen Germany, this book is presented in an easy to read format, enabling practitioners to understand even the most sophisticated eye disorders from an immunological perspective. Key points Comprehensive synopsis of the role of the innate immune system in eye diseasesCovers different types of immune cellsEdited by internationally recognised specialist in Germany

Ocular allergy is the most frequently diagnosed immune disorder of the eye. This book examines the immunologic reactions of ocular allergy in comparison to allergic skin diseases, reviews recent advances in the pathophysiology of ocular allergy and summarizes current clinical knowledge and treatment strategies. It explains the epidemiology of ocular allergy, the role of the environment in allergy, and the clinical manifestation of dermal and ocular allergic disorders. In-depth coverage of vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis, seasonal conjunctivitis, urticaria, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, hypersensitivity vasculitis, contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis is also included.

Behçet's Disease (BD) is one of the most-studied systemic disorders characterized by an occlusive vasculopathy of multiple organs. The etiology and pathogenesis of BD are still unclear, but there is evidence for genetic, immunologic and infectious factors in the onset and throughout the course of the disease. Immunology of Behçet's Disease highlights various aspects of BD. After an epidemiological overview, the clinical presentation of ocular and non-ocular symptoms of BD are summarized. The immunopathological changes reflect a chronic vasculitis of arterioles, venules and capillaries. The role of T-cells, but also of NK-T-cells, secreted cytokines and neutrophils is covered. For years microorganisms have been under investigation as initiating BD and, in particular, immune reactions against various microbial heat shock proteins could be an important etiological factor. It has been shown that the pathogenic gene involved in the development of BD is pinpointed to HLA-B51. Finally, the treatment of BD is discussed in detail, including new options like anti-TNF-alpha-antibodies and interferon-alpha. Immunology of Behçet's Disease summarizes our knowledge regarding the most important factors that induce or trigger BD and will stimulate research in the field and help to initiate new ideas.