[Abnormal expression of HLA class II antigens in conjunctival epithelia in peripheral corneal ulcers]

Inflammatory mediators originating at the limbus seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of peripheral corneal ulcers. In this paper, the immunohistological results of conjunctival biopsies of patients with corneal ulcers are reported. The most important result was that an abnormal HLA class II expression was found. The expression of HLA-DR was stronger than that of HLA-DQ and HLA-DP. A model of ulcer formation involving T-cells and lymphokines is presented.