Abstract
The unique paucity of Ia+ Langerhans cells (LCs) in the central cornea contributes to the immunological privilege of corneal allografts. A variety of stimuli can induce the centripetal migration of peripheral LCs. At least one of these stimuli (i.e. latex bead instillation) induces interleukin-1 (IL-1) secretion by corneal cells which acts as a potent chemoattractant for LCs. Within 30 minutes of intracorneal injection of IL-1, centripetal migration of LCs can be detected. The presence of donor-derived LCs in corneal allografts doubles the incidence of rejection of fully allogeneic corneal allografts as well as MHC matched, multiple minor H mismatched corneal allografts. Although the presence of donor-specific LCs greatly jeopardises corneal allograft survival, migration of host-derived LCs into corneal allografts does not appear to increase the risk of rejection.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 215-218 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Eye (Basingstoke) |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1995 |
Keywords
- Corneal allograft
- Cytokine
- Keratoplasty
- Langerhans cells
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ophthalmology
- Sensory Systems