CHRONIC TLR9 ACTIVATION AS A MECHANISM FOR GRANULOMATOUS REACTION IN THE CORNEA
Grant number: 1042612 | Funding period: 2013 - 2017
Completed
Abstract
Corneal opacities due to microbial infections are a major cause of blindness globally. Our novel data show that the presence of viral/bacterial DNA in the cornea induces formation of multinucleated giant cells, which are hallmarks of granulomatous reaction commonly seen in viral-induced corneal disease. Understanding the mechanisms and kinetics of macrophage differentiation in the inflamed cornea may lead to novel treatments for chronic inflammatory conditions in the eye and in other organs.