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[Expression of integrin during the course of adhesion between fungi and corneal epithelial cells]

Ye Wang1, Xiao-jing Pan, Li-xin Xie

  • 1State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Qingdao 266071, China.

[Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi] Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 25, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fungal adhesion to corneal cells involves specific integrins, particularly with Aspergillus fumigatus. Integrin expression differs based on fungal species, highlighting their role in ocular infections.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Mycology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Fungal keratitis is a significant cause of vision loss.
  • Understanding fungal-corneal cell interactions is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate integrin expression during fungal adhesion to human corneal epithelial cells.
  • To differentiate the role of integrins in adhesion of different fungal species.

Main Methods:

  • Established an in vitro adhesion model using human corneal epithelial cells and Fusarium solani or Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • Quantified integrin gene expression via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus fumigatus adhesion significantly upregulated integrin alpha L (ITGAL), integrin alpha M (ITGAM), integrin alpha X (ITGAX), and integrin beta 2 (ITGB2).
  • Fusarium solani adhesion did not show significant changes in the expression of these 14 integrins.

Conclusions:

  • Integrins αLβ2, αMβ2, and αXβ2 are involved in Aspergillus fumigatus adhesion to corneal cells.
  • Integrin-mediated fungal adhesion mechanisms vary between fungal species.
  • Integrins play a critical role in fungal adhesion to human corneal epithelial cells.

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