Alterations in corneal biomechanics underlie early stages of autoimmune-mediated dry eye disease.

ABSTRACT: Autoimmune-mediated dry eye disease is a pathological feature of multiple disorders including Sjögren's syndrome, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis that has a life-long, detrimental impact on vision and overall quality of life. Although late stage disease outcomes such as epithelial barrier dysfunction, reduced corneal innervation and chronic inflammation have been well characterized in both human patients and mouse models, there is little to no understanding of early pathological processes. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying the loss of cornea homeostasis and disease progression are unknown. Here, we utilize the autoimmune regulatory (Aire)-deficient mouse model of autoimmune-mediated dry eye disease in combination with genome wide transcriptomics, high-resolution imaging and atomic force m

SUBMITTER: Efraim Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8269964 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature