Perturbations of the ocular surface microbiome and their effect on host immune function

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• The ocular surface hosts a unique, stable microbiome.
• Commensal microbes play a role in regulating ocular immune responses.
• Disruptions to this microbiome may increase susceptibility to ocular surface disease.

Approach:

• Review of current literature on the ocular surface microbiome and host immunity.
• Analysis of experimental studies on microbiome perturbations.
• Exploration of the hypothesis linking microbiome disruption to ocular inflammation and infection.

Key Points:

• Healthy ocular surfaces are colonized by pauci-microbial communities, primarily Corynebacterium, Propionibacterium, and Staphylococcus.
• Ocular commensal microbes interact with toll-like receptors to regulate immune homeostasis.
• Contact lens wear, solutions, and preserved medications can disrupt the ocular microbiome.

Conclusions:

• The ocular surface microbiome provides protection against pathogenic colonization and immune dysregulation.
• Exogenous factors disrupting the microbiome may compromise ocular surface resistance to infection.
• Further research is needed to understand the interplay between the human ocular microbiome and local immune responses.