Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is classically considered a non-inflammatory condition caused by central corneal thinning that leads to astigmatism and reduced visual acuity. Previous studies have identified increased systemic levels of pro-inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and matrix metalloproteinase-9, suggesting that KC may have an inflammatory component in at least a subset of patients. In this study, we evaluated the levels of different immunoglobulins (light and heavy chains) based on Ig α, Ig λ, Ig κ, Ig µ, and Ig heavy chain subunits in non-KC tears (n = 7 control individuals) and KC tears (n = 7 KC patients) using tandem-liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The most abundant Ig heavy chains detected in both control individuals and KC patients were Ig α-1 and Ig α-2 likely correlating to the higher IgA levels reported in human tears. We identified significant differences in immunoglobulin κ-chain V-II levels in KC patients compared to control individuals with no significant difference in Ig κ/Ig λ ratios or heavy chain levels. Our study supports previous findings suggesting that KC possesses a systemic component that may contribute to the KC pathology. Further studies are required to define causality and establish a role for systemic immune system-dependent factors and pro-inflammatory processes in KC development or progression.
Highlights
Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal ectasia resulting from thinning of the corneal stroma that affects 1:375–1:2200 people worldwide[1,2,3]
Ig α-1 was the most abundant subclass detected in KC patients (6.26E + 08 + 6.78E + 08 LFQ intensity) with a similar expression pattern as that found in control individuals (6.76E + 08 + 6.90E + 08 LFQ intensity) (Table 1)
While Ig κ chain V-II was identified in most KC patients (71%), the relative expression level appeared lower than that found in certain control individuals (Fig. 2)
Summary
Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal ectasia resulting from thinning of the corneal stroma that affects 1:375–1:2200 people worldwide[1,2,3]. We evaluated the Ig distribution in KC tears compared to healthy controls using quantitative proteomics in order to determine if the relative ratio of heavy and light chains were altered with KC.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
