Animal models in vision research

Doubtless, inflammatory processes are involved in the pathogenesis of various ocular diseases. Autoimmunity, inflammation and infection may initiate a large spectrum of pathologic processes or contribute to their progression. In light of the recent introduction of novel therapeutic interventions in ophthalmic disorders, it is necessary to revisit experimental models of ocular inflammation and discuss the relevance of each of them to human diseases. This publication presents the contributions made during the workshop on animal models of ocular inflammation held by the International Ocular Inflammation Society in Paris in 2007. The presence of expert immunologists, molecular biologists, geneticists and physicians, dealing with specific aspects of diseases, was a major step towards a multidisciplinary and translational approach. This special issue provides validated animal models addressing pathogenesis which are the starting point of developing novel therapies based on immune mechanisms learned from these models. Ophthalmologists, immunologists, pathologists and pharmacologists interested in drug delivery for intraocular disorders will find it valuable reading.