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Updated: Jun 1, 2025
Imaging CD4 T Cell Interstitial Migration in the Inflamed Dermis
Published on: March 25, 2016
Spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed dendritic cell-mediated inflammation in keratoconus
Shiqi Luo1, Jingying Li2, Yan Yang2
1Department of Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China; Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
Keratoconus (KC) involves regional inflammation, with central upregulation and peripheral downregulation. Targeting the IL-1β pathway with anti-inflammatory treatments shows promise for managing this corneal disorder.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Genomics
Background:
- Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal disease causing thinning and protrusion.
- Understanding KC's molecular and cellular basis is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate spatial molecular and cellular variations in KC.
- To elucidate the role of inflammation and cell interactions in KC pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) were utilized.
- In vitro and in vivo models were employed to study cell interactions and pathway inhibition.
Main Results:
- KC exhibits distinct regional inflammatory patterns: upregulation centrally and downregulation peripherally.
- Enhanced interactions between dendritic cells (DCs) and stromal cells, mediated by IL-1β, were identified.
- Corneal stromal cells produced increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and DC activation exacerbated matrix degradation.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation plays a central role in KC pathogenesis.
- IL-1β pathway inhibition effectively mitigated KC progression.
- Peripheral corneal inflammation may aid early KC diagnosis, and anti-inflammatory therapies offer potential adjuvant treatment options.
