Regulatory T cells and the eye

Immune-mediated inflammation can be tolerated in many organs, however in the eye it has devastating consequences, as many of the tissues in the visual axis have limited or no capacity for regeneration. Multiple mechanisms and anatomical adaptations limit the expression of immune-mediated inflammation in the eye. Among these is the generation of regulatory T (T_reg) cells, which act to prevent the induction and expression of T cell inflammation. At least four different pathways exist for the development of ocular T_reg cells. The redundancy in the generation of T_reg cells is a testament to their importance in restricting intraocular inflammation and preserving vision.