Changes in local immune functions in Mooren's ulcer.

PURPOSE

To the investigate changes in local immune functions of the cornea and the adjacent conjunctiva, and their roles in the mechanism of the disease.

METHOD

The cornea and adjacent bulbar conjunctiva taken from 14 patients with Mooren's ulcer were stained immunohistochemically for CD3, CD4, CD8, HLA-DR, CD1 and CD25.

RESULT

An aberrant expression of HLA-DR antigen by a large number of kerato-conjunctival epithelial cells and keratocytes in the corneal stroma was found. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio is significantly higher than normal control.

CONCLUSION

The aberrant expression of MHC-II antigen in the resident cells at the peripheral cornea and the adjacent conjunctiva, along with a raised local TH/Ts ratio leading to an excessive autoimmune reactivity is possibly the direct cause of Mooren's ulcer.