title: Expression of MHC class II antigens by conjunctival epithelial cells in trachoma: implications concerning the pathogenesis of blinding disease.
abstract: In an attempt to understand the pathogenesis of corneal changes and conjunctival scarring in trachoma, which are responsible for blindness in some 7 million people worldwide, the surface expression of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens on conjunctival epithelial cells was sought in patients with different clinical features of the disease. Class II expression was significantly associated with active (inflammatory) trachoma, but an independent association with corneal pannus or conjunctival scarring could not be shown. Longitudinal data suggest that class II expression may antedate clinically active disease and persist after it has resolved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Mabey
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Whittle
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Ward
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000276:immunology; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000276:immunology*; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D014141:Trachoma / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens