Pathogenesis of herpes stromal keratitis--a focus on corneal neovascularization.
The cornea is a complex sensory organ that must maintain its transparency for optimal vision. Infections such as with herpes simplex virus can result in blinding immunoinflammatory reactions referred to as herpes stromal keratitis (HSK). In this review we discuss the pathogenesis of HSK referring to work mainly done using animal model systems. We briefly discuss the role of multiple cell types and soluble mediators but focus on the critical role of corneal vascularization (CV) in contributing to corneal damage. We describe how VEGF and other angiogenic molecules are induced following infection and discuss the many ways by which CV can be controlled. Speculations are made regarding future approaches that could improve the management of HSK.
Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
Fernanda
F
Giménez
Amol
A
Suryawanshi
Barry T
BT
Rouse
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D016849:Keratitis, Herpetic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A