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Updated: May 18, 2026
Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK
Published on: December 18, 2012
Topical use of rapamycin in herpetic stromal keratitis
Gustavo Zapata1, Lourdes Racca, Julia Tau
1Laboratorio de Investigaciones Oculares, Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. zapatagu@fcv.unlp.edu.ar
Purpose:
To evaluate and compare the efficacy of rapamycin used topically in a mouse model of herpetic stromal keratitis.
Methods:
The corneas were infected with herpes simplex virus type-1 strain KOS. Animals were divided into: control (CG), rapamycin (RAPA), cyclosporine (CsA), and dexamethasone (DEXA). The evolution of the disease was assessed clinically and histologically.
Results:
On day 10 postinfection (pi), the RAPA group showed only a significantly lower angiogenic development than the CG. On day 14 pi, the treated groups had significantly lower scores for angiogenesis and necrosis than the CG. Also, on day 14 pi, the RAPA and DEXA groups showed significantly lower histopathological scores compared to the CG.
Conclusions:
The topical application of 0.05% rapamycin showed greater efficacy than 0.5% cyclosporine and similar efficacy to 0.1% dexamethasone to minimize the immuno-inflammatory process. Also, rapamycin showed early inhibition of the formation of new vessels.
Insights
Topical rapamycin effectively reduced inflammation and blood vessel growth in a mouse model of herpetic stromal keratitis. It demonstrated comparable efficacy to dexamethasone and superior results to cyclosporine.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) is an inflammatory eye disease caused by herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1).
- Current treatments like cyclosporine and dexamethasone have limitations.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to manage HSK effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the efficacy of topical rapamycin in a mouse model of HSK.
- To assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects of rapamycin.
Main Methods:
- Mice corneas were infected with HSV-1.
- Treatment groups included control, rapamycin (0.05%), cyclosporine (0.5%), and dexamethasone (0.1%).
- Clinical and histological assessments were performed post-infection.
Main Results:
- Rapamycin significantly reduced angiogenesis and necrosis compared to controls by day 14 post-infection.
- Rapamycin and dexamethasone showed similar efficacy in reducing histopathological scores.
- Rapamycin demonstrated early inhibition of new blood vessel formation.
Conclusions:
- Topical rapamycin is a promising treatment for HSK, showing efficacy comparable to dexamethasone.
- Rapamycin effectively minimizes the immuno-inflammatory process and inhibits neovascularization in HSK.
- Further research into topical rapamycin for ocular inflammatory diseases is warranted.
