Mechanisms underlying autoimmune inner ear disease

Animal models for autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) have been developed and a typical clinical picture of patients with AIED has been characterized. Both humoral as well as cell-mediated mechanisms for autoimmune injury have been proposed. Cytokines, in particular IL-1β, IL-2 and TNF-α, play crucial roles in the regulation of immune response of the inner ear. This article reviews the current theoretical mechanisms of injury occurring in AIED based on animal models, current research investigations and clinical analysis of patients.

Section editor:Richard Smith – University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA