Conjunctival mast cells in ocular allergic disease

Allergic eye disease is a common clinical problem adversely affecting the q uality of life for millions of sufferers. This ocular process is associated with IgE-mediated conjunctival inflammation leading to signs of immediate hypersensitivity including redness, itching, and tearing. Pathologic studie s have shown that the conjunctiva contains mast cells that when sensitized with IgE antibody and exposed to environmental allergens can release mediat ors of allergic inflammation. The type, release kinetics, and concentration of these mediators in the conjunctiva have not been completely characteriz ed. The ability to isolate and purify mast cells and epithelial cells from human conjunctival tissue has permitted the study of mediator release and c ell-to-cell signaling in this tissue. Our laboratory has developed in vitro and in vivo models to better understand how inflammatory cells are recruit ed to and infiltrate conjunctival tissues. These models demonstrate that ma st cell activation may supply sufficient cytokine signaling to initiate and direct the well-orchestrated trafficking of eosinophils to the ocular surf ace, facilitate their adhesion, and cause release of potent mediators of oc ular inflammation.