# Proteomics analysis of aqueous and vitreous humor in uveitis: a systematic literature review

## TL;DR

This paper reviews proteomic studies of eye fluids in uveitis patients, identifying key proteins linked to inflammation and disease mechanisms.

## Contribution

The study systematically summarizes proteomic findings in uveitis, highlighting consistently upregulated proteins and their biological roles.

## Key findings

- Complement C1q subcomponent subunit B and C were upregulated in five studies, indicating complement activation in uveitis.
- Alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, apolipoprotein A-I, and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin were upregulated in four studies, showing inflammatory modulation.
- Ceruloplasmin and other proteins were upregulated, pointing to acute-phase responses and increased vascular permeability.

## Abstract

Uveitis is an inflammatory ocular disease with diverse etiologies and pathogeneses. It potentially leads to significant visual impairment and socioeconomic burden. Proteomic analysis can provide insights into protein-driven mechanisms that may improve diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and identify therapeutic targets. Here, we summarize the proteomic results from studies investigating the aqueous and vitreous humor in eyes with uveitis versus non-inflammatory controls.

A comprehensive search of 15 databases was conducted on January 26, 2024. Studies were included if they performed proteomic analyses using mass spectrometry on aqueous or vitreous humor from uveitis patients. The selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by multiple reviewers, with a third reviewer consulted in case of disagreement. Six studies met the eligibility criteria, comprising 176 eyes of uveitis patients and 105 control eyes.

Two proteins, complement C1q subcomponent subunit B and C1q subcomponent subunit C, were consistently upregulated in five studies, underscoring the role of complement activation in uveitis pathogenesis. Three additional proteins − alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, apolipoprotein A-I, and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin − were upregulated in four studies, highlighting the significance of inflammatory modulation. Ceruloplasmin, an acute-phase reactant, was upregulated in four studies. Gelsolin kininogen-1, and alpha-1-antitrypsin were upregulated in three studies, indicating a pro-inflammatory shift towards increased vascular permeability and recruitment of inflammatory cells.

The identified proteome changes highlight central biological processes in uveitis, notably complement activation, acute-phase response, pro-inflammatory shift, and increased vascular permeability. The identified proteins can potentially support future diagnostic and therapeutic advances in uveitis.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12014-025-09564-2.