Autoimmune biomarkers in glaucoma patients.

There is growing evidence showing an autoimmune involvement in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, and that alterations in natural occurring autoantibody levels play a key role. The upregulation of autoantibodies can be associated with fatal conditions, but several studies demonstrate that natural autoantibodies entail also protective characteristics and influence the protein expression of neuroretinal cells. A disbalance of natural occurring autoantibodies may shift the physiological equilibrium of protective immunity leading to a predisposition for developing glaucoma. This article highlights recent advances in understanding of autoimmune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.