Abstract

Corneal nerves and wound healing: no gain without pain?Corneal nerves are instrumental to the maintenance of corneal integrity. Their role in promoting epithelial cell migration and proliferation has been extensively described. Recently, the impact of corneal innervation on the limbal stem cell niche is starting to merge. Specifically, nerve‐derived factors orchestrate a complex biological response which involves the generation of pain, immune activation and stem cell interaction. On the other hand, epithelial and leukocyte cells have an impact on corneal nerves through secretion of soluble factors and, possibly, mechanical interaction. While the generation of pain is inevitably associated with wound healing, and its suppression generally impairs this process, excessive inflammation can perpetuate pain and negatively impact on corneal integrity. We will discuss the benefits, and shortcomings, of this nerve‐controlled process and review the potential therapeutic opportunities opened by recent findings in the field.

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