Role of Oncostatin M in the Pathogenesis of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis: Focus on the Barrier Function of the Epithelium and Interleukin-33 Production by Fibroblasts

• DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.13.26
• Publication Date: 2022-12-29T16:31:24Z
• Authors: Ishin Ninomiya; Kenji Yamatoya; Keitaro Mashimo; Akira Matsuda; Ayumi Usui-Ouchi; Yoshihiko Araki; Nobuyuki Ebihara
• Keywords: Oncostatin M; Vernal keratoconjunctivitis; Barrier function

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a severe, recurrent allergic conjunctivitis. Previously, we found high concentrations of oncostatin M (OSM) in the tears patients with VKC. Here, investigated role OSM VKC by focusing on epithelial barrier function and IL-33 production.To assess effect human conjunctival cells (HConEpiCs), measured transepithelial electrical resistance dextran permeability. We also assessed expression tight junction-related proteins such as E-cadherin ZO-1 HConEpiCs Western blotting immunofluorescence. Then used immunohistochemistry to evaluate Ki-67, E-cadherin, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins, giant papillae (GPs) from In addition, blotting, microarray, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay examine whether activates signal transducer activator transcription 1 (STAT1) or STAT3 induces various genes fibroblasts (HConFs).OSM reduced HConEpiCs, indicating dysfunction. immunohistochemistry, Ki-67 was present lower layer GPs, superficial layers; double staining revealed that GPs had number expressing IL-33. HConFs, phosphorylated both STAT1 induced IL-33.OSM has important roles prolonged inflammation inducing dysfunction production fibroblasts.