Figure 3. Anakinra restores normal goblet cell mucin glycosylation. Anakinra treatment significantly decreased the number of goblet cells (GCs) containing sialylated mucins in mice with autoimmune-mediated aqueous tear deficiency. A: Sialylated mucins were labeled using Maackia amurensis leukoagglutinin-1 (MAL-1) lectin. MAL-1-positive GCs were counted throughout the conjunctival epithelium of autoimmune regulator (Aire) knockout (KO) mice treated with anakinra or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) vehicle control. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining of the conjunctiva used as positive control for goblet cell mucins. B: The total number of MAL-1+ GCs was 29.3±7.4 versus 1.26±0.18; p<0.05, for CMC vehicle versus anakinra-treated eyes, respectively, suggesting a reversal in aberrant GC mucin sialylation following inhibition of interleukin (IL)-1 signaling.