title: In vivo production of interferon beta by human Tenon's fibroblasts; a possible mediator for the development of chronic conjunctival inflammation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic inflammation may develop from failure of the immune system to deactivate itself during resolution of the wound healing response, and is recognised as a major risk factor for trabeculectomy failure. Fibroblast/T cell interactions may contribute to aggressive scarring. Our previous research showed that in vitro human Tenon's fibroblast produced interferon beta was responsible for preventing T cell apoptosis, suggesting that this interaction could contribute to the development of chronic inflammation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Immunohistological techniques were used to investigate the in vivo components of this particular fibroblast/T cell interaction in conjunctival biopsies from glaucoma patients undergoing filtration surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fibroblast produced interferon beta and T lymphocytes were identified in human conjunctiva.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The components of fibroblast mediated prevention of T cell apoptosis were identified in vivo, suggesting that the development of this interaction is possible and that it may contribute to the development of chronic inflammation and excessive scarring.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Siriwardena
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Wilkins
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Crowston
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Akbar
authors.forename: P T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Khaw
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology; D002450:Cell Communication; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000276:immunology*; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000276:immunology*; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology; D014130:Trabeculectomy
chemical_list: D016899:Interferon-beta