Ocular inflammation in infectious and degenerative eye diseases: from pathogenesis to emerging therapies

Inflammation is a critical component of the immune response, serving as a barrier against invading pathogens, clearing dead cells and debris, and initiating the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. However, inflammation can be a double-edged sword: its improper initiation, regulation, or resolution can inflict detrimental effects on cells and tissues, ultimately undermining the very physiological outcomes it is meant to support.Although the eye is considered an immune-privileged organ, this status does not render it exempt from inflammatory processes—whether beneficial or harmful. Ocular surface infections affecting the cornea, sclera, and conjunctiva are relatively common and can be triggered by bacterial, viral, or eukaryotic pathogens, leading to acute or chronic inflammatory responses. In contrast, intraocular infections, frequently caused by opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised individuals, provoke devastating inflammation that can result in permanent vision loss. Degenerative eye diseases affecting the anterior segment, posterior segment, or both are often characterized by a sustained pro-inflammatory state or arise as a consequence of uncontrolled chronic inflammation. Retinal degenerative diseases are particularly notable in this regard: diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma foster an unfavorable pro-inflammatory environment, while atrophic age-related macular degeneration is partly driven by chronic low-grade inflammation that develops gradually over a lifetime.Regardless of its origin, mitigating harmful inflammation before irreversible damage occurs to sensitive ocular tissues remains a priority. With the rise of therapy-resistant pathogens and the projected increase in ocular degenerative diseases accompanying an aging global population, there is a pressing need for safe and effective therapeutic strategies.The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight novel findings in the realm of ocular inflammation research, encompassing studies on infectious and degenerative eye diseases, as well as emerging immunomodulatory therapies in the pipeline to preserve ocular health. We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to the following themes:o Innate and adaptive immune mechanisms in ocular surface and intraocular infectionso Inflammatory pathways in corneal, retinal, and uveal diseaseso The role of chronic low-grade inflammation in age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathyo Immune privilege and its breakdown in ocular pathologyo Host–pathogen interactions driving ocular inflammationo Animal models and in vitro systems for studying ocular inflammatory diseaseso Novel immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies for eye diseaseso Drug delivery systems and emerging biologics targeting ocular inflammationo Biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response in inflammatory eye diseasesPlease note that manuscripts without a focus on immunological mechanisms of inflammation are out of scope for this journal.Also note that Dr. T.J. Hollingsworth is the co-owner and stock holder of Tavo Biotherapeutics, Inc.; and holds provisional patents on topical formulations. Tavo is a bio-tech startup but has not yet filed INDs or other regulatory documents with the FDA. Topic editors: T.J. Hollingsworth, Sneha Singh, Katie Bales Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80974/ocular-inflammation-in-infectious-and-degenerative-eye-diseases-from-pathogenesis-to-emerging-therapies