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Updated: Jun 15, 2025
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Induction of Ocular Surface Inflammation and Collection of Involved Tissues
Published on: August 4, 2022
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Could Ocular Glands Be Infected by SARS-CoV-2?
Jinghua Bu1, Minjie Zhang1, Rongrong Zhang1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 28, 2024
Summary
The study found that Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) is present in ocular glands, including Meibomian glands. S protein binding to ACE2 in the eye causes inflammation and cell death.
Area of Science:
- Ocular Surface Science
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
- Understanding ACE2 expression in ocular tissues is crucial for assessing ocular involvement in viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine ACE2 expression levels in various ocular glands.
- To investigate the impact of the viral S protein on ocular tissues expressing ACE2.
Main Methods:
- Utilized male C57BL/6J mice for experimental models.
- Performed co-immunoprecipitation assays to confirm protein binding.
- Analyzed CD45+ cell infiltration and inflammation-related cytokine expression.
Main Results:
- ACE2 expression was highest in Meibomian glands, followed by conjunctiva, cornea, and lacrimal glands.
- Direct binding of S protein to ACE2 was confirmed in ocular surface epithelia and Meibomian glands.
- S protein treatment led to CD45+ cell infiltration, cytokine upregulation, and significant cell apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Meibomian glands, cornea, and conjunctiva express ACE2.
- The viral S protein can induce inflammation and apoptosis in ocular surface epithelial and Meibomian gland cells.
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