The Communication between Ocular Surface and Nasal Epithelia in 3D Cell Culture Technology for Translational Research: A Narrative Review

Abstract

There is a lack of knowledge regarding the connection between the ocular and nasal epithelia. This narrative review focuses on conjunctival, corneal, ultrastructural corneal stroma, and nasal epithelia as well as an introduction into their interconnections. We describe in detail the morphology and physiology of the ocular surface, the nasolacrimal ducts, and the nasal cavity. This knowledge provides a basis for functional studies and the development of relevant cell culture models that can be used to investigate the pathogenesis of diseases related to these complex structures. Moreover, we also provide a state-of-the-art overview regarding the development of 3D culture models, which allow for addressing research questions in models resembling the in vivo situation. In particular, we give an overview of the current developments of corneal 3D and organoid models, as well as 3D cell culture models of epithelia with goblet cells (conjunctiva and nasal cavity). The benefits and shortcomings of these cell culture models are discussed. As examples for pathogens related to ocular and nasal epithelia, we discuss infections caused by adenovirus and measles virus. In addition to pathogens, also external triggers such as allergens can cause rhinoconjunctivitis. These diseases exemplify the interconnections between the ocular surface and nasal epithelia in a molecular and clinical context. With a final translational section on optical coherence tomography (OCT), we provide an overview about the applicability of this technique in basic research and clinical ophthalmology. The techniques presented herein will be instrumental in further elucidating the functional interrelations and crosstalk between ocular and nasal epithelia.

All Trans-Retinoic Acids Facilitate the Remodeling of 2D and 3D Cultured Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts

“…In recent decades, to replicate pathophysiological conditions closer to in vivo states, several 3D models of various tissues, including ocular tissues, have been developed [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Since the eye and periocular tissues are comprised of a large variety of heterogeneous tissues, most of which are spatially distributed within the 3D ocular cone area, 3D culture models would be expected to be more desirable for collecting more valid information in related research fields [ 52 , 53 , 54 ].…”

“…In recent decades, to replicate pathophysiological conditions closer to in vivo states, several 3D models of various tissues, including ocular tissues, have been developed [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Since the eye and periocular tissues are comprised of a large variety of heterogeneous tissues, most of which are spatially distributed within the 3D ocular cone area, 3D culture models would be expected to be more desirable for collecting more valid information in related research fields [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Quite recently, our group independently established in vitro 3D models using human orbital fibroblasts (HOFs), human corneal stromal fibroblasts (HCSFs) [ 16 , 19 , 21 , 55 ], human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells [ 17 , 20 , 56 , 57 , 58 ], and human retinal pigment epithelium (HRPE) cells [ 59 ], in addition to HconF cells [ 11 ], and found that the biological natures of those 3D cell culture models were all quite different from those of their 2D culture cells.…”