Advances in pathogenesis and treatment of ocular involvement in Behcet's disease

Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic multi-systemic disease characterized by relapsing-remitting oral ulcers, genital ulcers, ocular inflammatory involvements, and numerous other systemic features. Ocular involvements are quite common in BD and may cause severe tissue damage and potentially blindness. Even though the pathogenesis of BD remains ambiguous, growing evidences have shown that genetic factors, environmental triggers and immunological abnormalities play significant roles in its development and progression. Novel biotherapies targeting IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and interleukins have been used in recent years. In this review, we mainly pay attention to the ocular involvement of BD, and discuss the current understanding of mechanisms and advances in therapeutic approaches, especially novel biologics. Finally, we discuss the management in patients with pregnancy.

Automated summary

Behcet's disease is a chronic multi-systemic disease characterized by oral ulcers, genital ulcers, ocular inflammatory involvements, and other systemic features. Ocular involvements are common and can cause severe tissue damage and potential blindness. The pathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood, but genetic factors, environmental triggers, and immunological abnormalities play important roles. Novel biotherapies targeting specific proteins have shown promise in recent years. This review focuses on ocular involvement, mechanisms, and advances in therapeutic approaches, particularly novel biologics. Management during pregnancy is also discussed.