IL-33 / ST2 Signaling Pathway Study Of Fungal Keratitis Immune Response

Objective To observe the expression of IL-33and associated cytokines in corneal epithelium of fungal keratitis and to investigate the role of IL-33/ST2in the innate immune stage of fungal keratitis.Materials and methods (1)30patients (30eyes) suffered from fungal keratitis that underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from September2011to July2013are composed as experimental group.30cases of healthy donor cornea that used as corneal graft were treated as control group. Immunostaining was applicated in the detection of the protein expression of IL-33in corneal epithelium of both groups.(2)The normal cultured primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were used as control group and the cells cultured in vitro with aspergillus fumigatus (Af) hyphae were experimental group. HCECs were treated with IL-33, S-ST2and inhibitor for MAPK/p38signaling pathway (SB203580) in order to evaluate the expression of associated cytokines.Results (1)The expressions of IL-33in corneal epithelium of patients with fungal keratitis are higher than normal persons at protein level.(2)The mRNA expressions of IL-33、TNF-aand IL-6were all increased after being stimulated with Af hyphae in a time-depended manner and a dose-depended manner.(3)Pretreated with IL-33,the expressions of TNF-αand IL-6are both increased while pretreated with S-ST2both decreased.(4)Pretreated with SB203580(a kind of inhibitor for MAPK/p38signaling pathway),the expressions of TNF-αand IL-6are both decreased.Conclusion (1)The expressions of IL-33in corneal epithelium of patients with fungal keratitis are higher than normal persons.(2) IL-33stimulated inflammatory mediators like TNF-α and IL-6via ST2.(3) MAPK/p38pathway take part in the immunoreaction of fungal keratititis...