The role of cytokines in corneal immunopathology

Abstract

Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of various corneal diseases and during corneal graft rejection. Furthermore, cytokines may also play a role in the maintenance of the integrity of the normal cornea. This review focuses on the effects of several cytokines in corneal immunopathology, including the type of the corneal immune response, angiogenesis, chemotaxis, apoptosis, wound healing, corneal disease, and transplantation. It may provide clues for the future treatment of corneal disease and corneal transplantation rejection.

Cathelicidin-Deficient (Cnlp−/−) Mice Show Increased Susceptibility toPseudomonas aeruginosaKeratitis

“…6,7 Angiogenesis associated with neovascularization observed in PA-induced corneal infection is a complicated and tightly regulated process and is known to be mediated by both proangiogenic and antiangiogenic growth factors and certain cytokines and chemokines. 8,9 During an active PA corneal infection, bacterial toxins can stimulate cytokine, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, production in the cornea which synergize to elicit further inflammatory events including the induction of chemokine (IL-8) expression, which in turn facilitate recruitment of additional immune cells to defend the infected cornea. 5,10 Thus, these chemokines and cytokines play an important role in determining the resolution or exacerbation of the inflammatory response induced by PA.…”

Ophthalmic light sensitive nanocarrier systems

“…Effective PDT is dependent upon an abundant supply of molecular O 2, which ensures its usefulness in living tissue [1]. When treating corneal angiogenesis associated with transplant rejections, destruction of neovascular vessels is often needed [4]. Thus, it can be envisioned that the photosensitizer formulation can be administered either intravenously or as a topical drop, followed by activation.…”

Trafficking of Immune Cells in the Cornea and Ocular Surface

“…These Th0 cells mature into Th1 or Th2 cells depending upon the type of cytokines, prostaglandins and costimulatory molecules released by LCs and cells of the innate immune system. (Torres & Kijlstra, 2001) The extent of stromal damage in HSK is affected by the density of LCs in the cornea. (Asbell & Kamenar, 1987;Hendricks et al, 1992a;Jager et al, 1991;Jager et al, 1992;Miller, J. K. et al, 1993) Virally-induced migration or maturation of LCs in the cornea precedes the development of HSK.…”

“…(Torres & Kijlstra, 2001) They are responsible for recruiting inflammatory and immune cells via cell-to-cell signalling through autocrine, paracrine and endocrine pathways, thus promoting tissue damage. (Balkwill & Burke, 1989) As the disease course changes, expression profiles of cytokines follow suit.…”