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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
05:56
Manipulating the Murine Lacrimal Gland
Published on: November 18, 2014
Lacrimal gland-derived lymphocyte proliferation potentiating factor
S H Liu1, D H Zhou, R M Franklin
1Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins, University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Researchers identified a lacrimal gland factor that enhances T lymphocyte proliferation. This discovery suggests lacrimal gland cells play a role in modulating local immune responses through secreted factors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Lacrimal gland acinar cells are crucial for ocular surface health.
- The role of lacrimal gland cells in modulating local immune responses is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of lacrimal gland acinar cells in immune response modulation.
- To isolate and characterize a novel factor from the lacrimal gland with biological activity on T lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- Purification of a protein factor from lacrimal gland extracts using ion exchange and gel-filtration chromatography.
- Characterization of the factor's molecular weight (approx. 65,000 daltons) via gel-filtration and SDS-PAGE.
- Assessing the factor's effect on T lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by mitogens (Con A) and antigens (OA).
Main Results:
- The purified factor, termed lacrimal gland-derived lymphocyte proliferation potentiating factor (LG-F), enhances T lymphocyte proliferation.
- LG-F's potentiating effect on proliferation appears mediated by Interleukin-2 (IL-2) production.
- LG-F demonstrates antigen-dependent enhancement of T cell proliferation, augmenting responses when co-applied with specific antigens.
Conclusions:
- Lacrimal gland cells may modulate local immunity by secreting factors that influence lymphocyte proliferation.
- The identified LG-F is a key player in augmenting lymphokine production and local immune responses within the lacrimal gland.
- This factor's presence is significant for understanding the generation and regulation of ocular immune responses.
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