Macrophage Activation in Follicular Conjunctivitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview

Journal Microorganisms

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2023 Sep 28

PMID 37764042

Authors

Carla Enrica Gallenga

Martina Maritati

Marco Mura

Francesco Di Virgilio

Pio Conti

Carlo Contini

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Among the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2, follicular conjunctivitis has become relevant. The conjunctiva acts as an open lymph node, reacting to the viral antigen that binds the epithelial cells, forming follicles of B cells with activated T cells and NK cells on its surface, which, in turn, talk to monocyte-derived inflammatory infected macrophages. Here, the NLRP3 inflammasome is a major driver in releasing pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and caspase-1, leading to follicular conjunctivitis and bulbar congestion, even as isolated signs in the 'asymptomatic' patient.

Citing Articles

NLRP3 Inflammasomes: Dual Function in Infectious Diseases.

Li Y, Qiang R, Cao Z, Wu Q, Wang J, Lyu W J Immunol. 2024; 213(4):407-417.

PMID: 39102612 PMC: 11299487. DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300745.

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