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In vivo production of interferon ß by human Tenon's fibroblasts; a possible mediator for the development of chronic conjunctival inflammation

¹ Wound Healing and Glaucoma Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
² Department Of Clinical Immunology, Royal Free Hospital and University College Hospital School of Medicine, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Lydia Chang, Wound Healing and Glaucoma Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK;
glg{at}changevans.fsnet.co.uk

ABSTRACT
Background: Chronic inflammation may develop from failure of the immune system to deactivate itself during resolution of the wound healing response, and is recognised as a major risk factor for trabeculectomy failure. Fibroblast/T cell interactions may contribute to aggressive scarring. Our previous research showed that in vitro human Tenon's fibroblast produced interferon ß was responsible for preventing T cell apoptosis, suggesting that this interaction could contribute to the development of chronic inflammation.

Methods: Immunohistological techniques were used to investigate the in vivo components of this particular fibroblast/T cell interaction in conjunctival biopsies from glaucoma patients undergoing filtration surgery.

Results: Fibroblast produced interferon ß and T lymphocytes were identified in human conjunctiva.

Conclusion: The components of fibroblast mediated prevention of T cell apoptosis were identified in vivo, suggesting that the development of this interaction is possible and that it may contribute to the development of chronic inflammation and excessive scarring.

Keywords: interferon ß; inflammation; wound healing

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