Translational Vision Science & Technology · 2019 · 14 citations · 38 references
MedicineImmunologyOphthalmologyOcular DiseaseOcular ImmunologyOcular PathologyConjunctival ImmunologyConjunctival PathologyDry Eye DiseaseDry Eye EvaluationEye DiseaseImmunopathology Of The EyeDry Eye AssessmentDry Eye Disease ImmunologyDry Eye Disease ImmunopathogenesisDry Eye ImmunopathologyDry Eye SymptomatologyHla Antigen Expression
PURPOSE: Evaluation of dry eye disease (DED) relies on subjective symptoms and signs. We examined HLA-DR expression (HLA-DR%) in conjunctival cells, a minimally invasive biomarker with objective metrics, as an alternative method. METHODS: = 1049) were assessed for HLA-DR% in total cells (TCs), epithelial cells (ECs), and white blood cells (WBCs). Associations (categorized into <5%, 5%-15%, >15%-25%, and >25%) with symptoms and signs were evaluated. RESULTS: > 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of HLA-DR% in conjunctival cells reflects the heterogeneity of disease in DREAM participants. High percentages of samples with <5% positive cells indicate that HLA-DR% may not be a sensitive marker for DED in all patients. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: High HLA-DR% in ECs in association with high conjunctival staining may identify a subgroup of DED patients prone to epithelial disease and possibly need a different approach from current standards of treatment.
38