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[Changes in expression level of TLR9 and BD-2 genes in cornea of mice with viral keratitis]
Aim:
Study of innate immunity genes expression (TLR9 and BD-2) in epithelial cells of mice cornea on the model of viral keratitis during the application of immunotherapy.
Materials And Methods:
RNA isolation from cornea cells was performed by using RNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen) and "RIBO-sorb" (ILS, Russia) reagent kits. "Kit for performing PCR-RT in the presence of intercalating dye SYBR Green I" (Syntol, Russia) was used for performing PCR. Data on gene expression is presented in decimal logarithms (relatively to 1 million of beta-actin gene copies).
Results:
In C57B1/6 mice line at day 1 post infection the virus was detected in 33% of animals, at 3 days - in 90%, at 7 days the number of infected mice started to decline. In cornea of the mice infected with HSV-1 a significant decrease of TLR9 gene expression was observed. Administration of a complex of natural cytokines and antimicrobial peptides (Superlimf preparation) caused statistically significant increase of expression levels of the studied TLR9 and BD-2 genes.
Conclusion:
The model of viral keratitis and expression analysis of recognizing receptor TLR9 and defensin (BD-2) genes can be used to study mechanism of action of various preparations during infection in eye tissues and evaluation of possibility of their use in complex therapy of ophthalmic herpes.
Insights
Immunotherapy increased the expression of innate immunity genes, Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and beta-defensin 2 (BD-2), in mouse corneas during viral keratitis. This suggests potential for treating ocular herpes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Viral keratitis, a common ocular infection, involves complex immune responses in the cornea.
- Innate immunity plays a crucial role in controlling viral infections, with specific genes like TLR9 and BD-2 being key players.
Purpose:
- To investigate the expression of innate immunity genes (TLR9 and BD-2) in mouse corneal epithelial cells during viral keratitis.
- To evaluate the effect of immunotherapy (Superlimf preparation) on the expression of these genes.
Summary:
- Viral keratitis in C57B1/6 mice showed a significant decrease in Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) gene expression.
- Treatment with Superlimf, a complex of cytokines and antimicrobial peptides, led to a statistically significant increase in TLR9 and beta-defensin 2 (BD-2) gene expression.
Impact:
- The study establishes a model for viral keratitis and gene expression analysis to assess therapeutic interventions for ocular infections.
- Findings support the potential use of immunotherapy in managing ophthalmic herpes by modulating innate immune responses.