The role of cytokines and pathogen recognition molecules in fungal keratitis - Insights from human disease and animal models

Cytokine. 2012 Apr;58(1):107-11. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2011.12.022. Epub 2012 Jan 26.

Abstract

Fungal infections of the cornea are an important cause of blindness and visual impairment worldwide, with contact lens wear being the main risk factor in the USA and other industrialized countries, and traumatic injury being the main risk factor in developing countries. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the understanding of the host response to Aspergillus and Fusarium species in infected human corneal tissue and in mouse models of fungal keratitis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Contact Lenses / adverse effects
  • Cornea / microbiology
  • Cytokines / physiology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / immunology
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / microbiology*
  • Fusarium / immunology
  • Humans
  • Keratitis / immunology
  • Keratitis / microbiology*
  • Lectins, C-Type / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mycoses / complications
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / physiology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4
  • dectin 1