Air Pollution and Meteorological Conditions Significantly Associated with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (Vkc) Exacerbations

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Unfolded Protein Response in Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

“…In fact, multiple non-specific environmental factors such as sunlight, heat, pollutants, and ultraviolet exposure can trigger inflammation in VKC due to poorly characterized mechanisms. 4 We previously reported a possible role of autophagy in VKC pathogenesis with increased expression of autophagy markers 23 and an overexpression of several HSPs in VKC conjunctival tissues, 8 possibly as a non-specific response to a wide variety of unfavorable physiological and environmental conditions. In the present study, we suggest that initial pro-inflammatory stimuli in VKC may induce ER stress, misfolded protein formation, and a UPR, 24 leading to inflammation rather than apoptosis.…”

“… 3 Signs and symptoms are typically exacerbated by specific allergen exposure but, more frequently, by exposure to environmental non-specific conditions such as heat, pollution, sun, and hot wind, all considered conditions that can stress the ocular surface. 4 In fact, the cornea is frequently involved in the clinical aspects of epithelial punctate keratopathy, erosions, ulcers, and corneal neural inflammation. 5 We recently demonstrated in VKC significantly higher gene expression signatures related to innate and adaptive immunity, antigen presentation, T helper 2 (Th2) and Th17 priming, and inflammatory cell chemotaxis and activation compared to normal subjects.…”