Abstract: As the cornea is a part of “immune privilege,” the eye exhibits unique immunological characteristics. Even with constant exposure to the external environment, this immune-privileged status enables the ocular surface to maintain a stable immunological equilibrium, limiting infections while preserving corneal transparency and visual function. The ocular surface immune microenvironment is shaped by mucosal physical barriers, diverse immune cell populations, and intricate regulatory mechanisms. This review primarily focuses on the latest research progress in the immune regulation mechanisms of the ocular surface, aiming to comprehensively understand the pathological mechanisms of ocular surface diseases and provide a theoretical basis for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies by thoroughly exploring the interactions among these factors.

Key words: Immune microenvironment, Immunoregulation, Ocular surface