Advances in basic immunology and implications for ocular immunology

Immune homeostasis is among the mechanisms of keeping organisms healthy and capable of responding to unfavorable insults either from exogenous or endogenous environments. In recent years, major progress has been made in basic immunology as spotlighted by innate immunity, characterization of novel subclasses of dendritic cells, T or B lymphocytes, and modulation by microRNA(miRNA), long non-coding RNA(LncRNA) and epigenetics. Meanwhile, the eye poses an organ with complex structure and function with specific requirement for immune processes. Pathogenesis or treatment of major ocular disorders involves transplantation immunology, infection immunology, autoimmunity, hypersensitivity, etc. Hence progression in basic immunology lends valuable insights to scientists or ophthalmologists, helping them to understand ocular immunology concerning eye diseases. This review briefs recent updates and future directions in the basic immunology, aiming to provide more reference to the society of ocular immunology.