Acute Inflammation Drives Corneal Pathological Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology
• Genomics

Background:

• Acute inflammation significantly impacts corneal tissue.
• Understanding cellular and molecular responses is key to managing corneal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize transcriptional and epigenetic remodeling in the cornea during acute inflammation.
• To create a single-cell atlas of the inflamed cornea.

Main Methods:

• Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-cell Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) were employed.
• Limbal-corneal tissues were analyzed at 5 and 10 days post-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration.
• Immunofluorescence assessed corneal epithelial markers and immune cell infiltration.

Main Results:

• Identified 16 cell clusters, including epithelial subpopulations, stromal cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells.
• LPS induced infiltration of neutrophils, macrophages, T cells, and NK cells.
• Characterized cell-type-specific gene expression, chromatin accessibility, regulatory elements, and intercellular communication.

Conclusions:

• Provides a comprehensive, time-resolved single-cell atlas of the inflamed cornea.
• Defines cellular heterogeneity, regulatory networks, and communication in corneal pathological regeneration.
• Offers insights into corneal pathology and potential therapeutic targets.