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Immune mediators of host defence at the Ocular surface and Cornea
Author(s) -
DUA Harminder
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2019.8179
Subject(s) - immune system , innate immune system , biology , immunology , cornea , complement system , microbiology and biotechnology , neuroscience
Vision is of paramount importance for survival of sighted species. The cornea, the clear ‘window’ of the eye is a key component in both transmission and focusing of light. Being at the interface with the environment, it constantly interacts with allergens, chemicals and microbes. Its challenge is to maintain functionality despite its avascularity. This is achieved by the cornea being part of the ocular surface (OS) unit. The OS is endowed by a wide range of cellular and humoral immune mediators that constitute ‘host defence’. The mononuclear (and polymorphonuclear) cells of the conjunctival substantia propria provide the full range of cellular immune responses of the afferent and efferent limbs. Lysozyme, complement, lactoferrin, complement and immunoglobulins are mediators of innate and acquired immune responses. Another key family of molecules are the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs are ubiquitous natural effectors of innate immunity conserved across plants and animals. The have broad spectrum of microbicidal activity and serve several other non‐immune functions related to wound healing and metabolism. Over a dozen AMPs have been identified at the OS. Their characteristics and functions will be presented and their therapeutic potential in corneal defence will be discussed.