Who (what) pays toll for the development of herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK).
In the herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK), HSV DNA fragments and HSV-IgG immune complexes (HSV-IC) are present in most of the corneas long after infective virus has disappeared. These viral components are highly immunogenic and potentiate production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) expressed on the corneal cells and macrophages. In addition angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) and the tissue damaging enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) deeply involved in the pathogenesis of HSK, are also induced by corneal cells and macrophages through the recognition of these viral components. These processes elicited by residual viral DNA and HSV-IC are likely one of the sustained driving force in the development of HSK. Hence, strategies developed to alter these pathways should lead to new preventative and therapeutic measures.
Hayashi
Kozaburo
K
Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. hayashik@nei.nih.gov
Hooper
Laura C
LC
Hooks
John J
JJ
D000818:Animals; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000821:virology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D016849:Keratitis, Herpetic / Q000209:etiology*; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000502:physiology
D004279:DNA, Viral; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors