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Adenovirus infection of the cornea causes histopathologic changes in the lacrimal gland
R L Wood1, M D Trousdale, D Stevenson
1Department of Cell and Neurobiology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033, USA.
Purpose:
To explore the effects on the lacrimal gland of adenovirus infection of the cornea.
Methods:
Rabbit corneas were inoculated with human adenoviruses Ad5, Ad14, or a rabbit adapted form of Ad 5, and in some instances booster inoculations were given. Sections of lacrimal glands removed 21-59 days post-inoculation were immunostained using antibodies against rabbit Class I and Class II MHC molecules, CD4, CD8, CD18, and rabbit thymic lymphocyte antigen (RTLA). Relative numbers of positively stained cells were quantified with a Metamorph image analysis system.
Results:
RTLA and CD18 antigens were expressed on many interstitial cells in the normal lacrimal gland, but few expressed CD4 or CD8. The number of RTLA+ cells increased by 60-100% after inoculation of Ad5 and after boosting, and CD18+ cells increased from 33-100% after inoculation of Ad5 and after boosting. Booster inoculations also caused focal lymphocytic infiltration. MHC Class I was expressed on interstitial cells and duct epithelium, but not acinar cells, and there was no detectable difference after viral infection. In controls, MHC Class II was localized to a population of interstitial cells and a few acinar cells. A single inoculation of the Ad5 virus did not result in an increase in the total number of MHC Class II-positive cells at 21 days, but inoculation with the rabbit-adapted Ad 5 and booster inoculations caused a 30% increase.
Conclusions:
Ad5 and rabbit-adapted Ad5 infection of the cornea induce lymphocytic infiltration in the lacrimal gland, and the effect is enhanced by boosting. There is also an increase in expression of MHC Class II after inoculation with rabbit-adapted Ad5 and with booster inoculations.
Insights
Adenovirus infection of the cornea triggers immune responses in the lacrimal gland, including lymphocytic infiltration and increased MHC Class II expression, especially with booster inoculations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Adenovirus infections can affect ocular tissues.
- The lacrimal gland plays a crucial role in maintaining ocular surface health.
- Understanding the immune response within the lacrimal gland during viral infections is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of adenovirus corneal infection on the rabbit lacrimal gland.
- To characterize the immune cell infiltration and molecular changes in the lacrimal gland post-infection.
Main Methods:
- Rabbit corneas were inoculated with adenoviruses (Ad5, Ad14, or rabbit-adapted Ad5), with some receiving booster doses.
- Lacrimal gland tissues were collected and immunostained for various immune markers (MHC Class I/II, CD4, CD8, CD18, RTLA).
- Image analysis quantified positively stained cells to assess immune cell populations and expression levels.
Main Results:
- Adenovirus infection, particularly with Ad5 and booster inoculations, led to increased numbers of RTLA+ and CD18+ cells in the lacrimal gland.
- Booster inoculations induced focal lymphocytic infiltration.
- MHC Class II expression increased by 30% following inoculation with rabbit-adapted Ad5 and booster doses.
Conclusions:
- Corneal adenovirus infection (Ad5) induces lymphocytic infiltration in the lacrimal gland.
- Booster inoculations enhance this inflammatory response.
- Increased MHC Class II expression in the lacrimal gland is associated with specific adenovirus strains and boosting.