Immunohistological study of infiltrated cells and cytokines in murine herpetic keratitis

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To identify localization and kinetics of infiltrated cells and cytokines in murine herpetic keratitis.Methods: HSV‐1 was inoculated onto the scarified BALB/c corneas. At given times post infection (PI), eyes were removed and studied immunohistochemically using monoclonal antibodies against several infiltrated cells and cytokines.Results: Neutrophils and NK cells infiltrated as early as 1 day PI reaching a maximum number at 2 day PI in initial stage. γδ TCR positive cells were observed in the corneal stroma from 1 day PI to 8 day PI. IL‐2 and IFN‐γ were positive in the cell‐infiltrated areas of the epithelial and stromal lesions, whereas IL‐4 was negative throughout the experiment.Conclusion: Our results indicated that cytokine profile upon herpes infection on the cornea is Th1 dominant. Together with neutrophils in the early phase of infection, γδ positive T cells may play an additional role in protecting the cornea against incoming pathogens.