αβ TCR⁺T Cells, but Not B Cells, Promote Autoimmune Keratitis in B10 Mice Lacking γδ T Cells

γδ T Cell–Dependent Regulatory T Cells Prevent the Development of Autoimmune Keratitis

“…Approximately ~80% of female B10.TCRδ−/− mice show overt keratitis by 18 weeks of age, whereas the rate among males of this age is only ~15%. Despite the large difference between genders, we found no evidence that female hormones promote keratitis (17), or that male hormones protect against it (16). αβ T cells in contrast promoted the development of the disease, suggesting that it is autoimmune-mediated, whereas adoptive transfer of wildtype γδ T cells into B10.TCRδ−/− hosts decreased its incidence (16).…”

“…We noted in previous studies that spontaneous keratitis develops at a high rate in female C57BL/10 (B10) mice that lack γδ T cells (B10.TCRδ−/− mice), implying that γδ T cells normally promote immune regulation in the cornea of B10 mice (16, 17). Approximately ~80% of female B10.TCRδ−/− mice show overt keratitis by 18 weeks of age, whereas the rate among males of this age is only ~15%.…”

“…We failed to detect any infectious component contributing to the disease, and rederived B10.TCRδ−/− mice developed keratitis at a rate similar to that of the original strain, supporting the interpretation that the disease arises from an autoimmune attack (16). B cells do not appear to contribute to the development of keratitis (17). However, the disease can be adoptively transferred to keratitis-resistant B10.TCRβ/δ−/− hosts by αβ T cells from keratitic B10.TCRδ−/− donors (16, 17).…”

“…B cells do not appear to contribute to the development of keratitis (17). However, the disease can be adoptively transferred to keratitis-resistant B10.TCRβ/δ−/− hosts by αβ T cells from keratitic B10.TCRδ−/− donors (16, 17). Overall, our previous work suggested that B10 wildtype mice rarely develop spontaneous keratitis because autoaggressive αβ T cells specific for corneal antigens are either suppressed or fail to develop in γδ T cell-sufficient animals.…”

Combined Anterior Chamber Washout, Amniotic Membrane Transplantation, and Topical Use of Corticosteroids for Severe Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis

“…It can invade the limbus and even become crescent-shaped because of the local immune response induced by antigens. 11 Severe local inflammatory responses may damage the corneal basal membrane and disturb the normal repair process of the epithelial cells, which cannot be managed with mere antiinfection medication. 12,13 Corneal perforation frequently results in devastating complications.…”