Abstract
Purpose: :
Antimicrobial molecules are ancient and essential small cationic molecules of the host defense system found in a wide variety of species. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and Elafin are antimicrobial proteins and members of the innate immunity-associated protein family. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of SLPI and Elafin in infected, inflamed human and animal ocular tissues their ability to chemoattract a variety of inflammatory, immune and other cell types; and to determine their functions as antimicrobial and antiprotease agents.
Methods: :
Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, ELISA and RT-PCR were used to study the expression and regulation of SLPI and Elafin in a variety of infected and/or inflamed eye samples as follows: 1) Staphylococcus aureus endophthalmitis, 2) S. aureus keratitis, 3) HSV keratitis, 4) Photorefractive keratectomy, 5) keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The transcription levels of SLPI and Elafin mRNA and expression of both proteins from human patients (n=50) and animal eyes samples (n=50) were evaluated.
Results: :
Transcription of SLPI and Elafin mRA and expression of both proteins were up-regulated in specific sites of the eye affected by infection and/or inflammation.
Conclusions: :
SLPI and Elafin are induced by infection and inflammation, and they are up-regulated in the diseased eye. They may have a key role in development of alternative strategies to prevent ocular infections and regulate the inflammation process.
Keywords: inflammation • immunomodulation/immunoregulation • wound healing