The eye is an immune-privileged tissue because of the need to keep blood vessels away from the central pathway of light and to restrict entry of inflammatory cells that could cause damage. This has prompted questions about how the eye manages inflammation when it occurs.

The researchers found that macrophages with an immunoregulatory phenotype and Tregs are the immune cells actively recruited to the lens surface during inflammation. These immunoregulatory cells help restore balance and reduce inflammation. They also found that these immune cells remain on the lens surface until the inflammation is resolved.

The study highlights the importance of understanding the eye’s natural defenses, which could eventually lead to more effective treatment strategies for autoimmune uveitis.