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Updated: Jun 15, 2025
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A Non-invasive Way to Isolate and Phenotype Cells from the Conjunctiva
Published on: July 5, 2017
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Complement Component C5a and Fungal Pathogen Induce Diverse Responses through Crosstalk between Transient Receptor
Loreena Rech1, Tina Dietrich-Ntoukas1, Peter S Reinach2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
Cells
|August 28, 2024
Summary
The complement factor C5a and Mucor racemosus (MR) impact eye immune cells by altering calcium signaling via TRPV1 and TRPM8 channels. This study reveals crosstalk between C5a and MR in regulating human conjunctival epithelial cell function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- The conjunctiva possesses immune functions to defend the eye against pathogens like fungi.
- The complement factor C5a is crucial for initiating immune responses.
- Transient receptor potential channels (TRPV1 and TRPM8) are implicated in immune reactions and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if C5a and Mucor racemosus (MR) modulate calcium signaling in human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCjECs) by altering TRP channel activity.
- To examine the crosstalk between C5a and MR in regulating calcium.
Main Methods:
- Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured using fluorescence calcium imaging.
- Whole-cell currents were recorded via the planar-patch-clamp technique.
- Purified Mucor racemosus (MR) extract was utilized.
Main Results:
- C5a application increased [Ca2+]i and whole-cell currents, which were inhibited by TRPV1 and TRPM8 blockers.
- The C5a-related peptide C5L2p inhibited C5a-induced [Ca2+]i increases.
- MR-induced calcium influx was reduced by TRPV1/TRPM8 blockers and low-dose C5a.
Conclusions:
- C5a and MR interact to regulate human conjunctival cell function.
- This regulation occurs through modulation of TRPV1 and TRPM8 channel activity.
- Crosstalk between C5a and MR influences immune responses in the conjunctiva.
