In this paper, the researchers look at an emerging issue in the literature: the function of dendritic cells in the development of fibrosis. To properly understand this disease pathway, they also reviewed the most recent research on dendritic cell biology as it relates to ocular surface tissues. Based on these data, they offer a unified theory for how dendritic cells produce conjunctival fibrosis in allergy patients. Work in airway remodeling and liver fibrosis models has suggested that dendritic cells may play an important role in the pathobiology of fibrosis. Indeed, these cells are regarded as the most powerful antigen-presenting cells, activating profibrotic T lymphocytes under specific conditions. Recent studies, however, point to a more direct function for dendritic cells, raising the potential that a similar route may be involved in the development of conjunctival fibrosis, particularly in allergic eye illness.
Conjunctival fibrosis is a significant clinical problem that is linked to persistent inflammation of the ocular surface tissue, such as in allergic eye illness. Dendritic cells have a role in allergic illness by activating pathogenic T lymphocytes. Recent studies implicating dendritic cells in fibrosis may imply that these cells are also directly contributing to conjunctival fibrosis. If this is the case, increasing the understanding of dendritic cells may lead to the development of innovative and more successful treatment methods for this disease.
