title: Ocular Surface as Barrier of Innate Immunity.
abstract: Sight is one of the most important senses that human beings possess. The ocular system is a complex structure equipped with mechanisms that prevent or limit damage caused by physical, chemical, infectious and environmental factors. These mechanisms include a series of anatomical, cellular and humoral factors that have been a matter of study. The cornea is not only the most powerful and important lens of the optical system, but also, it has been involved in many other physiological and pathological processes apart from its refractive nature; the morphological and histological properties of the cornea have been thoroughly studied for the last fifty years; drawing attention in its molecular characteristics of immune response. This paper will review the anatomical and physiological aspects of the cornea, conjunctiva and lacrimal apparatus, as well as the innate immunity at the ocular surface.
authors.affiliation: Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Chimalpopoca 14, Obrera, CP 06800, Mexico City, México ; Ophthalmology Department, Regional Hospital, Adolfo López Mateos, ISSSTE, México City, México.
authors.forename: Rodrigo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bolaños-Jiménez
authors.affiliation: Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Chimalpopoca 14, Obrera, CP 06800, Mexico City, México ; Department of Cataract and refractive surgery, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Mexico City, México.
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Navas
authors.affiliation: Department of Cataract and refractive surgery, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Mexico City, México.
authors.forename: Erika Paulina
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: López-Lizárraga
authors.affiliation: Department of Retina, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Mexico City, México.
authors.forename: Francesc March
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: de Ribot
authors.affiliation: Ophthalmology Department, Regional Hospital, Adolfo López Mateos, ISSSTE, México City, México.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Peña
authors.affiliation: Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Chimalpopoca 14, Obrera, CP 06800, Mexico City, México ; Department of Cataract and refractive surgery, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Mexico City, México.
authors.forename: Enrique O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Graue-Hernández
authors.affiliation: Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde de Valenciana Foundation, Chimalpopoca 14, Obrera, CP 06800, Mexico City, México ; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510. Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Yonathan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Garfias
keywords: Cornea; innate immunity; mucins; neuropeptides; ocular surface; pattern recognition receptors