The role of cytokines in corneal immunopathology.

Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of various corneal diseases and during corneal graft rejection. Furthermore, cytokines may also play a role in the maintenance of the integrity of the normal cornea. This review focuses on the effects of several cytokines in corneal immunopathology, including the type of the corneal immune response, angiogenesis, chemotaxis, apoptosis, wound healing, corneal disease, and transplantation. It may provide clues for the future treatment of corneal disease and corneal transplantation rejection.