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A Non-invasive Way to Isolate and Phenotype Cells from the Conjunctiva
Published on: July 5, 2017
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Immunomodulatory cross-talk between conjunctival goblet cells and dendritic cells
Laura Contreras-Ruiz1, Sharmila Masli1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.
Plos One
|March 21, 2015
Summary
Goblet cells in the eye express and activate TGF-ß2, a molecule that helps regulate immune responses. This finding suggests goblet cells play a role in maintaining ocular immune homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Goblet cells are crucial for mucosal protection but their role in immune regulation is unclear.
- Loss of goblet cells is linked to chronic mucosal inflammatory disorders.
- Previous studies showed goblet cells transfer antigens in the intestine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of goblet cells in ocular immune regulation.
- To determine if goblet cells express and secrete TGF-ß2.
- To explore the mechanism of TGF-ß2 activation by goblet cells.
Main Methods:
- Studied mouse ocular surface epithelia.
- Analyzed TGF-ß2 expression in goblet cells.
- Investigated TGF-ß2 activation via CD36 and TSP-1.
- Assessed the effect of goblet cell factors on dendritic cells (DCs).
Main Results:
- Mouse ocular surface epithelia express TGF-ß2, similar to other mucosal tissues.
- Goblet cells express and increase TGF-ß2 upon TLR4 stimulation.
- Goblet cells activate TGF-ß2 in a TSP-1 dependent manner via CD36.
- Goblet cell factors induce a tolerogenic phenotype in DCs.
Conclusions:
- Goblet cells are a source of active TGF-ß2 in the ocular mucosa.
- Goblet cells modulate dendritic cell phenotype, promoting immune tolerance.
- Goblet cells contribute to maintaining ocular mucosal immune homeostasis.
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