CCR 4 and CCR 5 expression in conjunctival specimens as differential markers of T(H)1/ T(H)2 in ocular surface disorders

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005 Sep;116(3):614-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2005.05.033.

Abstract

Background: Accurate inflammatory mechanisms in chronic ocular surface diseases (OSDs) cannot routinely be assessed. New techniques for investigating ocular surface inflammatory pathways are of major importance.

Objective: To investigate the expressions of CCR 4 and CCR 5, known to be related to the T(H)2 and T(H)1 systems, respectively, and HLA-DR in conjunctival impression cytology specimens from patients with chronic OSDs.

Methods: In this case-controlled study, impression cytology specimens were taken in a series of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (n=21), giant papillary conjunctivitis (n=6), or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS; n=17), or receiving topical antiglaucoma treatments (n=31), and from 20 normal subjects. Conjunctival cells were incubated with mAbs to CCR 4, CCR 5, CD45, and HLA-DR to quantify conjunctival inflammation in a masked manner using flow cytometry.

Results: HLA-DR was higher in the glaucoma and KCS groups than in allergic and normal eyes. CCR 4 was overexpressed in allergy and glaucoma, whereas CCR 5 was higher in the KCS and glaucomatous groups. CD45 was expressed by only few cells in all groups, with almost no significant differences. CCR 4 expression was negatively correlated with CCR 5 and HLA-DR, whereas CCR 5 was positively correlated with HLA-DR.

Conclusion: This study confirms the overexpression of chemokine receptors by the conjunctival epithelium in OSDs. CCR 4 and CCR 5 expression may vary according to the immune pathway involved. Accurate mechanisms in ocular surface inflammatory reactions-that is, those related to the T(H)1 or T(H)2 systems-could be differentiated by CCR 4/CCR 5 profiles. Our results also suggest that long-term use of topical treatments may stimulate both systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Conjunctival Diseases / immunology*
  • Conjunctival Diseases / metabolism
  • Flow Cytometry
  • HLA-DR Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptors, CCR4
  • Receptors, CCR5 / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Chemokine / biosynthesis*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • CCR4 protein, human
  • HLA-DR Antigens
  • Receptors, CCR4
  • Receptors, CCR5
  • Receptors, Chemokine
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens