Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and HLA-DR antigens in herpes keratitis.
OBJECTIVE
Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a cell surface glycoprotein that binds leukocyte function antigen-1 receptor on leukocytes, thereby regulating leukocyte trafficking and function at sites of inflammation. Recently, the authors demonstrated ICAM-1 in human corneas exposed to proinflammatory cytokines, but ICAM-1 has not been reported in corneal disease. In this study, the presence of ICAM-1 in human disciform herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is investigated.


METHODS
Immunohistochemistry was performed for ICAM-1 on 4 keratoplasty specimens from patients with corneal scarring due to disciform HSV keratitis and 1 corneoscleral biopsy of a patient with active HSV keratoscleritis using specific, characterized monoclonal antibody to ICAM-1. Negative immunohistochemical controls included monoclonal antibodies to other vascular endothelial adhesion molecules or mouse serum.


RESULTS
All 5 specimens demonstrated intense ICAM-1 immunoreactivity of keratinocytes, stromal keratocytes, and endothelial cells, predominantly in regions of leukocytic infiltration. Diffuse, intense HLA-DR positivity was detected throughout the corneas. The specimens failed to react with control antibodies.


CONCLUSIONS
These results are the first to demonstrate ICAM-1 in human corneal disease and suggest important roles for ICAM-1 and HLA-DR co-expression in generating immune responses in HSV keratitis. Increased ICAM-1 expression in regions of leukocytic infiltration may regulate leukocyte-corneal cell binding, thereby promoting immune responses and damage by activated leukocytes.
W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48105.
V M
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Elner
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Dutt
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Pavilack
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Sugar
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Foster
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Elner
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000032:analysis*; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000276:immunology; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D016849:Keratitis, Herpetic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1