The Intriguing Role of Neuropeptides at the Ocular Surface

In recent decades, the role of neuropeptides in physiology and pathology has been elucidated. Various neuropeptides are expressed at the ocular surface, where they facilitate the crosstalk between immune and nervous systems. They actively regulate trophic and immune functions and orchestrate neuroinflammation. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the expression of the neuropeptides SP, VIP, CGRP, and NPY at the ocular surface, focusing on their role in tropism and immunity, and to summarize their functions in ocular immune privilege, infection, dry eye, and allergic eye disease.