Granulocytes in Ocular HSV-1 Infection: Opposing Roles of Mast Cells and Neutrophils.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The contributions of mast cells (MCs) to immunologic defense against pathogens in the eye are unknown. We have characterized pericorneal MCs as tissue-resident innate sentinels and determined their impact on the immune response to herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), a common ocular pathogen.

Methods

The impact of mast cells on the immune response to HSV-1 infection was investigated using MC-deficient Kit(W-sh) mice. Virus titers, inflammatory cytokine production, eicosanoid profiles, cellular immune responses, and ocular pathology were evaluated and compared with C57BL/6J mice during an acute corneal HSV-1 infection.

Results

Corneas of Kit(W-sh) mice have higher viral titers, increased edema, and greater leukocyte infiltration following HSV-1 infection. Follo

SUBMITTER: Royer DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4468912 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature