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Updated: Jun 23, 2025

Induction of Ocular Surface Inflammation and Collection of Involved Tissues
Published on: August 4, 2022
Impact of inflammasomes on the ocular surface
Gwen S Stinnett1, Chuan-Hui Kuo2, Santa J Ono3
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
The ocular surface is prone to inflammation due to exposure to environmental irritants and pathogens. Inflammasomes are intracellular, multiprotein complexes that communicate potentially dangerous signals to the immune system. The identification of inflammasomes in various inflammatory ocular surface conditions can aid in the development of therapeutics to treat these chronic inflammatory conditions.
Recent Findings:
Several inflammasomes have been associated with ocular surface disorders including dry eye disease, keratitis, and allergies. Mechanisms for activation of these inflammasomes with regards to specific disorders have been explored in models to aid in the development of targeted treatments.
Summary:
Research efforts continue to characterize the types of inflammasomes and activators of these in inflammatory ocular surface conditions. Various therapies targeting specific inflammasome types or pyroptosis are being tested preclinically to assess effects on decreasing the associated chronic inflammation.
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