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Published on: July 10, 2018
Immune Cells Localize to Sites of Corneal Erosions in C57BL/6 Mice
Phuong M Le1, Sonali Pal-Ghosh2, A Sue Menko1
1Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Abstract:
Recurrent epithelial erosions develop in the cornea due to prior injury or genetic predisposition. Studies of recurrent erosions in animal models allow us to gain insight into how erosions form and are resolved. While slowing corneal epithelial cell migration and reducing their proliferation following treatment with mitomycin C reduce erosion formation in mice after sterile debridement injury, additional factors have been identified related to cytokine expression and immune cell activation. The relationship between recruitment of immune cells to the region of the cornea where erosions form and their potential roles in erosion formation and/or erosion repair remains unexplored in the C57BL/6 mouse recurrent erosion model. Here, high resolution imaging of mouse corneas was performed at D1, D7, and D28 after dulled-blade debridement injury in C57BL/6 mice. Around 50% of these mice have frank corneal erosions at D28 after wounding. A detailed assessment of corneas revealed the involvement of M2 macrophages in both frank and developing erosions at early stages of their formation.
Insights
Recurrent corneal erosions involve M2 macrophages. These immune cells play a role in the early stages of both developing and frank corneal erosions in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Recurrent epithelial erosions are a common corneal condition, often stemming from prior injury or genetic factors.
- Existing research in mouse models shows that inhibiting cell migration and proliferation can reduce erosion formation.
- The role of immune cell involvement in corneal erosion development and repair is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of immune cells, specifically macrophages, in the C57BL/6 mouse model of recurrent corneal erosion.
- To explore the potential roles of immune cell recruitment in the formation and repair of corneal erosions.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution imaging of C57BL/6 mouse corneas at 1, 7, and 28 days post-debridement injury.
- Assessment of corneal tissues to identify and characterize immune cell involvement in erosion development.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of mice developed frank corneal erosions by day 28 after injury.
- M2 macrophages were identified in corneas exhibiting both developing and frank erosions.
- Evidence suggests M2 macrophage involvement during the early stages of corneal erosion formation.
Conclusions:
- M2 macrophages are implicated in the pathogenesis of recurrent corneal epithelial erosions.
- This study highlights a potential link between specific immune cell activity and corneal erosion development.
- Further research into macrophage function could reveal new therapeutic targets for corneal erosion treatment.
