Purpose
To evaluate the expression and potential implication of NLRs and NODs in corneal diseases
Methods
We investigated the transcription levels of IL-1β, NLRs, and NODs in human cornea obtained from individuals undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for different underlying diseases. Whole human cornea (corneal buttons) removed during PKP were collected. Specimen were classified into four different groups depending on patients’ history and pre-operative clinical impression : 1) no inflammation (keratoconus), 2) infection, 3) allograft rejection, and 4) autoimmune inflammation. RNA were extracted from the tissue. cDNA was generated by reverse transcription and subjected to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression of NLR family members—Nod1, Nod2, NLRP1, NLRP3—and proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β were assessed and compared between the groups.
Results
In the corneas without inflammation, IL-1β was not expressed. There were no increase in Nod1, Nod2, NLRP1 expression compared to normal controls. In contrast, in the three groups of infection, allograft rejection, and autoimmune inflammation, there were a marked increase in NLRP3 and Nod2, while a small increase in NLRP1 and no increase in Nod1 was noted.
Conclusions
These data suggest that NLRP3-Nod2 axis may be involved in the pathogenesis of corneal disease.
Keywords: 480 cornea: basic science