Background: Eosinophils are thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of corneal lesions in ocular allergies. The regulation of chemokine production in corneal cells by the Th2 cytokine, interleukin 4 (IL-4), was examined in order to investigate its role in ocular allergies.
Methods: Pure cultures of human corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes were exposed to tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and/or IL-4. 24 hours after exposure, culture supernatants were removed and concentrations of IL-8 and RANTES were quantified by ELISA assay.
Results: Simultaneous addition of IL-4 inhibited TNF-alpha induced IL-8 production in both corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes. TNF-alpha and IL-4 synergistically stimulated the production of RANTES in keratocytes.
Conclusion: Differential regulation of chemokine production from corneal cells by IL-4 may play a role in the selective recruitment of predominantly eosinophils to the ocular surface in ocular allergies.