Morphofunctional characteristics and immunological regulation of the orbital fibroblasts function in endocrine ophthalmopathy

Endocrine ophthalmopathy (EOP) is a chronic disease characterized by progressive autoimmune inflammation of the soft retrobulbar tissues in thyroid dysfunction. The orbital fibroblasts with their unique morphofunctional properties are very important in the pathogenesis of the infiltrative process and fibrosis of the extraocular muscles and/or retrobulbar tissue. They, unlike other localization fibroblasts, have not mesodermal, but neuro-ectodermal origin. The review acquaints with the immunological aspects of the regulation of these cells in different activity phases of disease. Intercellular interaction with T-lymphocytes (CD40-CD154) leads to orbital fibroblasts activation with increased expression of pathological receptors for thyroid-stimulating hormone, as well as production of intercellular matrix components, adhesion molecules, growth factors, cytokines and prostaglandins. Detailed morphofunctional characteristics of the orbit fibroblast subpopulations and mechanisms regulating their transdifferentiation into adipocytes and myofibroblasts are given. The analysis of literature data on the effect of T-helper type 17 on the functional activity of Thy1+/Thy1- (CD90+/CD90-) orbital fibroblasts is presented. The importance of the further study of the orbital fibroblasts characteristics in EOP and their intercellular interaction with various immune cells was noted, which may be able to uncover new pathogenetic mechanisms of this pathology.