Immune checkpoints and immunotherapy for ocular tumors
10.3980/j.issn.1672-5123.2025.11.01
- VernacularTitle:免疫检查点与眼肿瘤免疫疗法
- Author:
Yannian HUI
1
Author Information
1. Eye Institute of PLA;Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
immune checkpoint;
immune checkpoint inhibitor;
immune checkpoint therapy;
T cells;
ocular tumor
- From:
International Eye Science
2025;25(11):1717-1720
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Immune checkpoints refer to a class of receptors or ligand molecules expressed on the surface of immune cells, mainly T cells, as multiple inhibitory pathways in the immune system. Their crucial roles in immune regulation were gradually revealed in 1990s. The clinical application, namely immune checkpoint therapy(ICT), has achieved revolutionary breakthroughs in the field of tumor immunotherapy since 2010. However, ICT in the treatment of eye tumors is relatively complex and full of challenges. Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICI)have brought new hope for the treatment of ocular tumors, especially metastatic uveal melanoma and certain ocular adnexal lymphomas, but ICI application is severely restricted by ocular immune privilege, the blood-ocular barrier and potential ocular toxicity. At present, the main role of ICT for ocular tumors is for metastatic lesions, especially liver metastases. The treatment of primary intraocular tumors is still in the exploration stage of local administration. ICT treatment decisions must be highly individualized, with a strict assessment of the risk-benefit ratio, and priority should be given to clinical trials. Future research needs to focus on overcoming delivery barriers, accurately identifying beneficiary populations, developing safer and more effective combined strategies, and exploring novel immunotherapies, in order to ultimately improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients with ocular tumors.
