The pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba produce a progressive, blinding infection of the corneal surface. The pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis involves parasite-mediated cytolysis and phagocytosis of corneal epithelial cells and induction of programmed cell death. Acanthamoeba spp. elaborate a variety of proteases which may facilitate cytolysis of the corneal epithelium, invasion of the extracellular matrix, and dissolution of the corneal stromal matrix.
Niederkorn
J Y
JY
Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75235-9057, USA.
Alizadeh
H
H
Leher
H
H
McCulley
J P
JP
D000048:Acanthamoeba / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D015823:Acanthamoeba Keratitis / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology*; D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice