Glaucoma neurodegeneration: targeted modulation of intraocular immune pathways – a review of novel therapeutic advances
- 1Wenzhou People’s Hospital
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading global cause of irreversible blindness, with its pathogenesis extending far beyond elevated intraocular pressure. Dysregulation of the intraocular immune system plays a central role in the progressive death of retinal ganglion cells. This review systematically examines the research progress on key intraocular immune pathways in glaucomatous neurodegeneration, with a primary focus on immune-inflammatory responses mediated by microglia, astrocytes, and T cells. It delves into the molecular mechanisms of various immunoregulatory networks, including the TLR4/nuclear factor kappa B (TLR4/NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), complement, and T-cell receptor signaling pathways. The review analyzes potential therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways. By integrating the latest evidence from basic research and translational medicine, this article aims to provide a theoretical foundation and directional guidance for developing neuroprotective immunomodulatory therapies that go beyond intraocular pressure reduction.
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BibTeX
@article{sun2026glaucoma,
title = {{Glaucoma neurodegeneration: targeted modulation of intraocular immune pathways – a review of novel therapeutic advances}},
author = {Yunyun Sun and Keyun Xue and Congqin Wen and Xinyan Ma and Xiaojie Hu},
journal = {Frontiers in Immunology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2026.1932850},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1932850/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Glaucoma neurodegeneration: targeted modulation of intraocular immune pathways – a review of novel therapeutic advances
AU - Yunyun Sun
AU - Keyun Xue
AU - Congqin Wen
AU - Xinyan Ma
AU - Xiaojie Hu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/15
JO - Frontiers in Immunology
DO - 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1932850
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1932850/full
AB - Glaucoma is the leading global cause of irreversible blindness, with its pathogenesis extending far beyond elevated intraocular pressure. Dysregulation of the intraocular immune system plays a central role in the progressive death of retinal ganglion cells. This review systematically examines the research progress on key intraocular immune pathways in glaucomatous neurodegeneration, with a primary focus on immune-inflammatory responses mediated by microglia, astrocytes, and T cells. It delves into the molecular mechanisms of various immunoregulatory networks, including the TLR4/nuclear factor kappa B (TLR4/NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), complement, and T-cell receptor signaling pathways. The review analyzes potential therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways. By integrating the latest evidence from basic research and translational medicine, this article aims to provide a theoretical foundation and directional guidance for developing neuroprotective immunomodulatory therapies that go beyond intraocular pressure reduction.
SN - 1664-3224
ER -