ovalbumin and Keratitis

Trafficking of corneal antigen-presenting cells (APC) to draining lymph nodes (LN) is critical in triggering immune responses. However, very little is known about the molecular regulation of this pathway. We investigated the expression and function of the chemokine receptor CCR7 in mediating corneal APC migration in inflammation.. Expression of CCR7 and its ligands, CCL21 and CCL19, in the normal and inflamed corneas was analyzed by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. The phenotype of CCR7-expressing cells was identified by double-staining with different cell surface markers. To trace the trafficking of APC to draining LN, we injected corneal grafts with Alexa488-conjugated ovalbumin (OVA) and transplanted to syngeneic recipients. CCR7 expression on the Alexa488-conjugated OVA+ cells in the ipsilateral draining LN was analyzed by flow cytometry. To determine the functional role of CCR7, we injected anti-CCL21 neutralizing antibody subconjunctivally after corneal transplantation and analyzed changes in numbers of OVA+ cells in the draining LN. Each experiment was repeated at least three times.. Both CCR7 and its ligand CCL21 were significantly upregulated in inflamed corneas as measured by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. CCR7+ cells were detected especially in the corneal periphery near LYVE-1+ lymphatic vessels. CCR7+ cells were universally CD11b+CD11c+, and a majority were major histocompatibility complex class II positive, suggesting a monocytic dendritic cell lineage and a relative state of maturation. Forty-eight h after syngeneic transplantation with OVA-loaded grafts, CCR7 expression was detected on the OVA+ cells in both the host corneal beds and the draining LN. Local administration of anti-CCL21 led to a significant suppression in the flow of OVA+CD11c+ cells to the draining LN.. These data suggest that in inflammation, APC expressing CCR7 on their cell surface interact with CCL21 to facilitate their migration from the cornea to draining LN via afferent lymphatics.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Antigen-Presenting Cells; Bone Marrow Cells; Cell Differentiation; Cell Movement; Chemokine CCL21; Chemokines, CC; Cornea; Corneal Stroma; Corneal Transplantation; Dendritic Cells; In Vitro Techniques; Injections; Keratitis; Lymph Nodes; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ovalbumin; Receptors, CCR7; Receptors, Chemokine; Sutures; Up-Regulation

We performed an immunohistochemical study on the development of interstitial keratitis in a rabbit model sensitized by ovalbumin (OA).. A mixture of OA (5 micrograms/ml) and Freund's complete adjuvant was initially injected subcutaneously (0.4 ml) into the rabbits' back and footpad (0.2 ml). After a week, the rabbits were sensitized by an injection of the same solution into the back (0.5 ml) again. After 4 weeks the rabbits underwent the same treatment as a booster shot. Then a week later OA solution (0.05 ml) was injected into the corneal stroma. We observed the cornea on days 1-3, 7, and 10 after the corneal treatment. Corneas on days 3 and 10 were examined by immunohistological methods using hematoxylin-eosin stain, methylgreen pyronin stain, and by immunohistochemical methods with anti-CD 4, anti-CD 8, and anti-OA antibodies. The localization of specific antibodies was identified by fluorescent-antigen method. Electron-microscopic observation was also done.. Rabbits developed corneal opacity and edema on day 1, corneas had on immune ring with a peak intensity on day 3, and vascularization on day 7 after corneal treatment. Microscopic examination revealed infiltration of neutrophils in to the area of the immune ring on day 3 and many plasma cells at the limbus and stroma on day 10. CD 4 positive cells were found at the limbus and stroma on days 3 and 10. CD 8 positive cells were found at the limbus and stroma only on day 10. OA positive findings were observed at the immune ring and its inner area. In the fluorescent-antigen method, specific antibodies were found in plasma cells at the limbus on days 3 and 10.. In our experimental model of interstitial keratitis with immune ring and vascularization, the Arthus reaction was dominant. Infiltration of antigen specific plasma cells in the stroma with vascularization caused a modification of pathologic reaction in keratitis.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Cornea; Disease Models, Animal; Immunohistochemistry; Keratitis; Ovalbumin; Rabbits

Topics: Acacia; Animals; Antibodies; Conjunctiva; Conjunctivitis; Cornea; gamma-Globulins; Germ-Free Life; Guinea Pigs; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Inflammation; Iris; Iritis; Keratitis; Ophthalmic Solutions; Ovalbumin; Plant Extracts

Topics: Animals; Cholinesterases; Glutathione; Hypersensitivity; Keratitis; Ovalbumin; Rabbits