Interferons in vitreoretinal diseases; a review on their clinical application, and mechanism of action.

PURPOSE: This review investigates the therapeutic benefits of interferons (IFNs) in vitreoretinal diseases, focusing on their regulatory roles in innate immunological reactions and angiogenesis. The study aims to categorize the clinical outcomes of IFN applications and proposes a molecular mechanism underlying their action.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases to identify randomized clinical trials, case series, and case-control studies related to IFNs' impact on vitreoretinal diseases (1990-2022). The data synthesis involved an in-depth analysis of the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis effects of IFNs across various studies.

RESULTS: Our findings indicate that IFNs exhibit efficacy in treating inflammation-associated vitreoretinal disorders. However, a lack of sufficient evidence exists regarding the suitability of IFNs in angiogenesis-associated vitreoretinal diseases like choroidal neovascularization and diabetic retinopathies. The synthesis of data suggests that IFNs may not be optimal for managing advanced stages of angiogenesis-associated disorders.

CONCLUSION: While IFNs emerge as promising therapeutic candidates for inflammation-related vitreoretinal diseases, caution is warranted in their application for angiogenesis-associated disorders, especially in advanced stages. Further research is needed to elucidate the nuanced molecular pathways of IFN action, guiding their targeted use in specific vitreoretinal conditions.