The role of cytokines in corneal immunopathology

Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of various corneal dis eases and during corneal graft rejection. Furthermore, cytokines may also p lay a role in the maintenance of the integrity of the normal cornea. This r eview focuses on the effects of several cytokines in corneal immunopatholog y, including the type of the corneal immune response, angiogenesis, chemota xis, apoptosis, wound healing, corneal disease, and transplantation. It may provide clues for the future treatment of corneal disease and corneal tran splantation rejection.