Figure 1. Infiltration and destruction of the lacrimal gland and ocular epithelium in Aire-deficient mice. A: Immunohistochemical analysis of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells was negative in Aire^+/− while Aire^−/− mice showed intensive multifocal aggregates of both cell types. Of note, characteristic interlobular connective tissue that exists in the normal lacrimal gland (asterisks) disappears in the Aire^−/− lacrimal gland following lymphocytic infiltration. Bar, 100 μm. B: Time course of lissamine green staining in the corneas of Aire^+/− and Aire^−/− mice demonstrates a compromised epithelial integrity caused by Aire deficiency. Mild to severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) shown as punctate to confluent green staining were observed in Aire^−/− mice whereas corneas of Aire^+/− largely remained unstained. C: Progression of lissamine scores is shown on a chart. Data are shown as mean±SD. The asterisk in this panel indicates that p<0.05, Aire^+/− versus Aire^−/− at each time point.