Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), also known as Münchmeyer disease, is an extremely rare connective tissue disease. It is a severe, disabling disorder with no current cure or treatment. It is the only known medical condition where one organ system changes into another.Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva is caused by a mutation of the gene ACVR1. The mutation affects the body's repair mechanism, causing fibrous tissue including muscle, tendons, and ligaments to be ossified, either spontaneously or when damaged as the result of trauma. In many cases, otherwise minor injuries can cause...

The ocular immune system protects the eye from infection and regulates healing processes following injuries. The interior of the eye lacks lymph vessels but is highly vascularized, and many immune cells reside in the uvea, including mostly macrophages, dendritic cells, and mast cells. These cells fight off intraocular infections, and intraocular inflammation can manifest as uveitis (including iritis) or retinitis. The cornea of the eye is immunologically a very special tissue. Its constant exposure to the exterior world means that it is vulnerable to a wide range of microorganisms while its moist...