Novel aspects of corneal angiogenic and lymphangiogenic privilege.
In this article, we provide the results of experimental studies demonstrating that corneal avascularity is an active process involving the production of anti-angiogenic factors, which counterbalance the pro-angiogenic/lymphangiogenic factors that are upregulated during wound healing. We also summarize pertinent published reports regarding corneal neovascularization (NV), corneal lymphangiogenesis and corneal angiogenic/lymphangiogenic privilege. We outline the clinical causes of corneal NV, and discuss the angiogenic proteins (VEGF and bFGF) and angiogenesis regulatory proteins. We also describe the role of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2, -7, and MT1-MMP, anti-angiogenic factors, and lymphangiogenic regulatory proteins during corneal wound healing. Established and potential new therapies for the treatment of corneal neovascularization are also discussed.
Ellenberg
David
D
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855W. Taylor Street, Chicago, IL, USA.
Azar
Dimitri T
DT
Hallak
Joelle A
JA
Tobaigy
Faisal
F
Han
Kyu Yeon
KY
Jain
Sandeep
S
Zhou
Zhongjun
Z
Chang
Jin-Hong
JH
D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D042583:Lymphangiogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases