Exploring Immunotherapy, Gene Therapy, Cell Therapy, and Antiviral Therapy in Ocular Diseases

Ocular disease research encompasses a range of conditions that undermine vision and quality of life, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, infectious keratitis, hereditary retinal dystrophies, and autoimmune uveitis. While current therapeutic strategies such as anti-VEGF agents, corticosteroids, antiviral treatments, and laser interventions have improved clinical outcomes, their limited efficacy, variability in response, and inability to repair irreversible tissue damage highlight the urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Recent advances have revealed that immune dysregulation, persistent infection, genetic mutations, and cellular dysfunction are critical determinants of ocular pathogenesis. In parallel, developments in immunotherapy, gene editing, cell replacement, and antiviral technologies have transformed the therapeutic landscape, paving the way for interventions that can target the molecular roots of visual impairment. Despite significant progress, the integration of these modalities into routine practice remains an ongoing challenge, constrained by translational barriers, safety concerns, and the need for personalized application.This Research Topic aims to explore the latest advances and interdisciplinary strategies that harness immunotherapy, gene therapy, cell therapy, and antiviral approaches to treat ocular diseases. It seeks to elucidate how these innovative modalities can be combined with emerging tools such as exosome technology and artificial intelligence to facilitate early diagnosis, refine patient stratification, and optimize individualized treatment strategies. By bringing together basic sciences, translational research, and clinical innovations, this topic strives to address fundamental questions about the immune, genetic, and cellular mechanisms underlying ocular pathologies and how these insights can be converted into viable therapeutic solutions.To gather further insights into the molecular, cellular, and technological frontiers of ocular therapy development, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Immunopathogenesis of ocular autoimmune and inflammatory disorders• Gene therapy for inherited and acquired retinal diseases• Stem cell and regenerative strategies for retinal or corneal repair• Roles of exosomes in ocular diagnostics, intercellular communication, and therapeutic delivery• AI and computational models for precision ocular therapeutics• Identification of biomarkers and genotype-phenotype associations in ocular disorders• Next-generation therapeutics, including RNA-based drugs, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, and engineered immune or stem cells• Crosstalk among immune, vascular, and neural components in ocular health and degenerationThis Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Reviews, Case Reports, Perspectives, and Brief Communications that emphasize immunological, genetic, and cellular mechanisms and their relevance to ocular therapeutics. Topic editors: Wai Kit Chu, Wei Chi, Yalin Zheng, Jian LI, Wei Chen, Shusheng Wang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82307/exploring-immunotherapy-gene-therapy-cell-therapy-and-antiviral-therapy-in-ocular-diseases