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Kassumeh S, Brunner BS, Priglinger SG, Messmer EM. [New and future treatment approaches for allergic conjunctivitis]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2024; 121:180-186. [PMID: 38363381 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-024-01996-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In severe and recurrent ocular allergies conventional ophthalmic drugs can reach their limits, especially in chronic forms. The first novel immunomodulators and biologicals are already in clinical use and could provide relief. OBJECTIVE Based on the immunopathophysiological mechanisms of ocular allergies, possible targets for innovative treatment approaches are presented. An overview of promising new and future immunomodulators and biologicals and their modes of action is also given. MATERIAL AND METHODS Current reviews on ocular allergies and the treatment of systemic allergic diseases were screened. Case reports on the treatment of ocular allergy using immunomodulators and biologicals were analyzed. The clinical relevance and possible applications are presented. RESULTS In chronic forms of ocular allergies, complex ocular surface inflammatory responses mediated via immunoglobulin E (IgE), mast cells, CD4-positive type 2 T‑helper cells and eosinophilic granulocytes are predominant. Cyclosporine A 0.1% eyedrops have been approved in Europe since 2018 for children aged 4 years and older with severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). In addition, case reports present promising data on the systemic off-label use of biologicals, such as dupilumab or omalizumab, in refractory VKC or atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC). CONCLUSION A profound understanding of the immunopathophysiology of ocular allergies is necessary to detect further targets for future immunomodulators and biologicals. Currently, immunomodulatory therapy remains limited to cyclosporine A eyedrops. Other immunomodulatory agents, such as tacrolimus and biologicals can only be used off-label. Further studies on the controlled clinical use of these substances in the treatment of VKC or AKC are underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kassumeh
- Augenklinik und Poliklinik, LMU Klinikum, LMU München, Mathildenstr. 8, 80336, München, Deutschland.
| | - Barbara S Brunner
- Augenklinik und Poliklinik, LMU Klinikum, LMU München, Mathildenstr. 8, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Siegfried G Priglinger
- Augenklinik und Poliklinik, LMU Klinikum, LMU München, Mathildenstr. 8, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Elisabeth M Messmer
- Augenklinik und Poliklinik, LMU Klinikum, LMU München, Mathildenstr. 8, 80336, München, Deutschland
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Ali A, Bielory L, Dotchin S, Hamel P, Strube YNJ, Koo EB. Management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis: Navigating a changing treatment landscape. Surv Ophthalmol 2023:S0039-6257(23)00138-8. [PMID: 37890678 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, progressive, and potentially sight-threatening form of ocular inflammatory disease that primarily affects children and young adults. Prevalence varies by region, ranging from <2 per 10,000 in the United States to as high as 1,100 per 10,000 in parts of Africa. The rarity of VKC in developed countries can make differential diagnosis challenging, and treatment is often delayed until the disease is advanced, and symptoms are significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Although once viewed primarily as an immunoglobulin E-mediated condition, approximately 50% of patients with VKC do not exhibit allergic sensitization. It is now recognized that the immunopathology of VKC involves multiple inflammatory pathways that lead to the signs, symptoms, and conjunctival eosinophilic and fibroproliferative lesions that are a hallmark of the disease. We examine the evolution of our understanding of the immunopathology of VKC, the expanding VKC treatment armamentarium, the clinical implications of emerging treatment approaches, and future directions for VKC research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Leonard Bielory
- Departments of Medicine, Allergy, Immunology and Ophthalmology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Stephanie Dotchin
- Department of Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Patrick Hamel
- CHU Ste-Justine, Université de Montréal and McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Yi Ning J Strube
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's University/Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Euna B Koo
- Stanford Byers Eye Institute, Palo Alto, California, USA
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3
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Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis: Diagnosis and Treatment. CURRENT OPHTHALMOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40135-022-00299-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Foley P, Kerdraon YA, Hogden JP, Shumack S, Spelman L, Sebaratnam DF, Su CS, Katelaris CH. Dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease: An interdisciplinary decision framework for prescribers in the Australian setting. Australas J Dermatol 2022; 63:421-436. [PMID: 36125089 PMCID: PMC9826507 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.13924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease (DAOSD) is of particular relevance in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Guidance on DAOSD assessment and management in the Australian setting is needed to reduce its impact and minimise disruption to treatment. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to identify data pertaining to the incidence, pathophysiology, risk factors and management of DAOSD. A critical review of this literature was used to inform a decision framework for dupilumab-prescribers and develop a graded severity scoring tool to guide appropriate management options. RESULTS DAOSD typically emerges within 4 months of commencing dupilumab and the occurrence of new events diminishes over time. The reported incidence varies widely depending on the nature and source of the data: 8.6-22.1% (clinical trials programme), 0.5-70% (real-world data; differences in study size, duration of follow-up, ophthalmologist intervention, use of prophylaxis). Occurrence increases with AD severity and in patients with prior history of ocular disease; pathophysiology is still to be fully characterised. Management options have evolved over time and include lubricants/artificial tears, corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents and antimicrobial agents. Current therapies aim to resolve symptoms or reduce severity to levels sufficiently tolerable to enable continuation of dupilumab therapy. CONCLUSIONS Recommendations for DAOSD assessment and management include identification of high-risk patients, vigilance for red flags (keratoconus, herpetic and bacterial keratitis), regular assessment of symptom severity (before and during dupilumab therapy), conservative management of mild DAOSD by the prescribing physician and ophthalmologist referral for collaborative care of moderate-severe DAOSD and high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Foley
- Department of DermatologySt Vincent’s Hospital MelbourneFitzroyVictoriaAustralia,Department of MedicineThe University MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia,Skin Health InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Yves A. Kerdraon
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical SchoolThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Stephen Shumack
- Sydney Medical SchoolUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia,Department of DermatologyRoyal North Shore HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Lynda Spelman
- Specialist Connect ServicesBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Queensland Institute of DermatologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Deshan F. Sebaratnam
- Department of DermatologyLiverpool HospitalLiverpoolNew South WalesAustralia,Faculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Charles S. Su
- Orbit, Plastic and Lacrimal UnitRoyal Victorian Eye and Ear HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia,Victoria Parade Surgery CentreMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Constance H. Katelaris
- Clinical Immunology and Allergy UnitWestern Sydney University, Campbelltown HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Fukuda K, Kishimoto T, Sumi T, Yamashiro K, Ebihara N. Biologics for allergy: therapeutic potential for ocular allergic diseases and adverse effects on the eye. Allergol Int 2022; 72:234-244. [PMID: 36333219 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologics applying antibodies against IgE, IL-5, IL-5 receptor α, IL-4 receptor α, and IL-13 have dramatically improved recent treatment outcomes in allergic diseases including asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. However, these drugs have not been approved for ocular allergic diseases such as allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Although the putative mechanisms suggest that these drugs should have beneficial effects in patients with ocular allergies and some studies have reported such beneficial effects, various adverse ocular symptoms have also been observed in clinical trials and off-label use studies. Since ocular allergic diseases have distinct pathogeneses, each biologic drug must be examined regarding specific effects on each ocular allergy. For example, IgE-mediated type 1 hypersensitivity plays a critical role in allergic conjunctivitis. By contrast, T cells and eosinophilic and non-IgE-mediated type 2 inflammation play important roles in vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Allergists must fully understand the effects of each drug on the eye. This review outlines both potential therapeutic and adverse effects of various biologics on allergic diseases of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Fukuda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan.
| | - Tatsuma Kishimoto
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Tamaki Sumi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Kenji Yamashiro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Ebihara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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6
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Executive summary: Japanese guidelines for allergic conjunctival diseases 2021. Allergol Int 2022; 71:459-471. [PMID: 36096976 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic conjunctival disease (ACD) is an inflammatory disease of the conjunctiva that is mainly caused by type I hypersensitivity response to allergens and accompanied by subjective symptoms and other findings induced by antigens. ACD is classified as allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. This article summarizes the third edition of the Japanese guidelines for allergic conjunctival diseases published in 2021 and outlines the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of ACD. Since the introduction of immunosuppressive eye drops, the treatment strategies for severe ACDs have significantly changed. To clarify the recommended standard treatment protocols for ACD, the advantages and disadvantages of these treatments were assessed using clinical questions, with a focus on the use of steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. This knowledge will assist healthcare providers and patients in taking an active role in medical decision making.
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Role of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs/Alarmins) in Severe Ocular Allergic Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11061051. [PMID: 35326502 PMCID: PMC8946931 DOI: 10.3390/cells11061051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe ocular allergic diseases, such as atopic keratoconjunctivitis and vernal keratoconjunctivitis, cause severe allergic inflammation in the conjunctiva and corneal epithelial damage, resulting in visual disturbances. The involvement of damage (danger)-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs/alarmins) in the pathogenesis of these diseases has been recognized. Alarmins released from damaged corneal epithelial cells or eosinophils play a critical role in the induction of corneal lesions, vicious loop of corneal injury, and exacerbation of conjunctival allergic inflammation. Alarmins in the conjunctiva also play an essential role in the development of both allergic inflammation, based on the acquired immune system, and type 2 inflammation by innate immune responses in the ocular surface. Therefore, alarmins may be a potentially important therapeutic target in severe refractory ocular allergic diseases.
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Wu D, Daniel BS, Lai AJX, Wong N, Lim DKA, Murrell DF, Lim BXH, Mehta JS, Lim CHL. Dupilumab-associated ocular manifestations: A review of clinical presentations and management. Surv Ophthalmol 2022; 67:1419-1442. [PMID: 35181280 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Dupilumab is a first-in-class biologic approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for the treatment of multiple atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis. Since gaining traction as an effective treatment modality, multiple reports have highlighted the many ocular side effects associated with dupilumab usage. These range from mild diseases such as conjunctivitis, dry eyes, and blepharitis, to more severe manifestations such as intraocular inflammation and cicatrising conjunctivitis. The pathogenesis behind these manifestations remains controversial but are likely multi-factorial. We review the current evidence surrounding ocular manifestations of dupilumab-associated disease and proposed treatments to provide an overview of this unique disease entity. With increasing usage of dupilumab, formal recommendations regarding the treatment of dupilumab-associated ocular disease are warranted to provide standardised clinical guidance. Furthermore, it is important for healthcare practitioners to remain abreast with existing literature to adequately counsel and empower patients with the knowledge surrounding contemporary treatments for atopic diseases and their associated side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duoduo Wu
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
| | - Benjamin S Daniel
- St George Hospital, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andre J X Lai
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
| | - Nathan Wong
- Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dawn K A Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Dedee F Murrell
- St George Hospital, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Blanche X H Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Chris H L Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology, National University Health System, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Neagu N, Dianzani C, Avallone G, Dell'Aquila C, Morariu SH, Zalaudek I, Conforti C. Dupilumab ocular side effects in patients with atopic dermatitis: a systematic review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36:820-835. [PMID: 35122335 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder that most frequently occurs in children, but it can also affect adults. Even though most AD cases can be managed with topical treatments, moderate-to-severe forms require systemic therapies. Dupilumab is the first human monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of AD. Its action is through IL-4 receptor alpha subunit inhibition, thus blocking IL-4 and IL-13 signaling pathways. It has been shown to be an effective, well tolerated therapy for AD, as well as for asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). However, an increasing incidence of Dupilumab-induced ocular surface disease (DIOSD) has been reported in patients treated with Dupilumab, as compared to placebo. The aim of this study was to summarize scientific data regarding DIOSD in AD patients treated with Dupilumab. A search of PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov databases was performed. There was no limit to study design. All AD cases were moderate-to-severe. DIOSD was either dermatologist-, allergist-, or ophtalmologist-assessed. Evidence shows that DIOSD occurs most frequently in patients with atopic dermatitis and not in other skin conditions, neither in patients with asthma, CRSwNP, nor EoE who are on Dupilumab treatment. Further studies are warranted in order to establish a causal relationship between Dupilumab and ocular surface disease. Nevertheless, ophtalmological evaluations prior to Dupilumab initiation can benefit AD patients with previous ocular pathology or current ocular symptomatology. Also, patch testing for ocular allergic contact dermatitis might be advantageous in patients with a history of allergic conjunctivitis. Furthermore, TARC, IgE and circulating eosinophils levels might be important biomarkers for a baseline assessment of future candidates to Dupilumab treatment. However, TARC measurements should be resumed for research purposes only.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Neagu
- State Clinic of Dermatology, Mureș County Hospital, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
| | - C Dianzani
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Medico University of Rome, Campus Bio, Rome, Italy
| | - G Avallone
- Medical Sciences Department, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - C Dell'Aquila
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Health, Eye Clinic, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - S-H Morariu
- State Clinic of Dermatology, Mureș County Hospital, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
| | - I Zalaudek
- Dermatology Clinic, Maggiore Hospital of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - C Conforti
- Dermatology Clinic, Maggiore Hospital of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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10
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Nakajima I, Taniguchi Y, Tsuji H, Mizobuchi T, Fukuda K. Therapeutic potential of the interleukin-4/interleukin -13 inhibitor dupilumab for treating IgG4-related disease. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:e151-e153. [PMID: 34962989 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isana Nakajima
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku City, Kochi, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Taniguchi
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nephrology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku City, Kochi, Japan
| | - Hideki Tsuji
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoka Mizobuchi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku City, Kochi, Japan
| | - Ken Fukuda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku City, Kochi, Japan
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Chigbu DI, Labib BA. Immunopharmacology in Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis: Current and Future Perspectives. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070658. [PMID: 34358085 PMCID: PMC8308551 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a complex and chronic, multifactorial Th2 cell-mediated chronic ocular surface inflammatory condition that typically affects predominantly male children in hot or warm climates. The primary symptom is intense ocular pruritus, often significant enough to affect activities of daily living. Clinical features differ from simple forms of allergic conjunctivitis in that they are more-or-less confined to the superior tarsus and limbus. There is also a risk of corneal involvement, which leads to irreversible vision loss in approximately 6% of patients. Right now, there is no standardized treatment protocol, and many of the currently available options are not effective in severe and recurrent cases. As such, it is imperative to understand this complex allergic immune response in order to identify future therapeutic targets. This review will focus on potential drug targets in VKC, with particular emphasis on immunomodulators and immunobiologic agents.
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12
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Fukuda K. Corneal fibroblasts: Function and markers. Exp Eye Res 2020; 200:108229. [PMID: 32919991 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Corneal stromal keratocytes contribute to the maintenance of corneal transparency and shape by synthesizing and degrading extracellular matrix. They are quiescent in the healthy cornea, but they become activated in response to insults from the external environment that breach the corneal epithelium, with such activation being associated with phenotypic transformation into fibroblasts. Corneal fibroblasts (activated keratocytes) act as sentinel cells to sense various external stimuli-including damage-associated molecular patterns derived from injured cells, pathogen-associated molecular patterns of infectious microorganisms, and inflammatory mediators such as cytokines-under pathological conditions such as trauma, infection, and allergy. The expression of various chemokines and adhesion molecules by corneal fibroblasts determines the selective recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells in a manner dependent on the type of insult. In infectious keratitis, the interaction of corneal fibroblasts with various components of microbes and with cytokines derived from infiltrated inflammatory cells results in excessive degradation of stromal collagen and consequent corneal ulceration. Corneal fibroblasts distinguish between type 1 and type 2 inflammation through recognition of corresponding cytokines, with their activation by type 2 cytokines contributing to the pathogenesis of corneal lesions in severe ocular allergic diseases. Pharmacological targeting of corneal fibroblast function is thus a potential novel therapeutic approach to prevention of excessive corneal stromal inflammation, damage, and scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Fukuda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Oko-cho, Nankoku City, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan.
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