Search

Conjunctiva-associated tissue (CALT) is assumed to play a crucial role in the immune system of the ocular surface. Its function in several ocular surface diseases (OSD) is still not fully understood. This study investigates the function of CALT in mouse models of dry-eye disease and ocular allergy. Since antigen-presentation is the central similarity in the pathologies, this study focuses on antigen-presentation in CALT Morphology and the expression of CALT, which was investigated in mice after induction of dry-eye, ocular allergy, topical antigen-stimulation, and after local depletion of phagocytic cells. Antigen uptake was investigated after the application of fluorescent ovalbumin (OVA). OSD influences the appearance and morphology of CALT in a disease-dependent manner. Ocular allergy leads to an increase and dry-eye disease to a decrease in number and size of CALT. The development of CALT is dependent on the presence of APCs. Professional APCs are present in CALT, and soluble antigen is transported into the follicle. CALT appearance is disease-specific and indicative of differing functions. Although the specific involvement of CALT in OSD needs further study, the existence of functional APCS and antigen-uptake supports the hypothesis that CALT is an immunological key player at the ocular surface.

Purpose: Conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) is thought to play a key role in initiating ocular surface related immune responses. This study was planned to get first profound insights into the function of CALT related to development, cellular dynamics and morphological alteration using a novel mouse model., Methods: Expression and morphology of CALT were investigated using BALB/c mice kept under different housing conditions, after topical antigen-stimulation and following lymphadenectomy and splenectomy. Particles and bacteria were applied topically to study antigen-transport. Intravital visualization was performed using two-photon microscopy., Results: Postnatal development and ultrastructure of CALT in the mouse is similar to humans. Topical antigen-challenge significantly alters CALT expression. Bacterial translocation is demonstrated via lymphoepithelium whereas cellular velocities within follicles were approximately 8 µm/min., Conclusions: CALT in the mouse is an immunological interface of the ocular surface, featuring dynamic processes such as morphological plasticity, particle/bacteria transport and cellular migration.