Role of surfactant proteins in viral keratitis

Abstract

Innate immunity plays an important role in viral keratitis. Recently, it has been found that surfactant proteins(SP)A and D in the innate immune system are essential in viral keratitis. SP can inhibit virus adhesion to host cells and further promote phagocytosis of virus through high affinity for virus ligands. In order to ensure the normal function of tissues in the early stage of virus infection, SP regulates immune cells to maintain a non-inflammatory state. However, when pathogen invasion increases, SP promoted inflammation and increased the immune cells to kill the pathogens. SP-A and SP-D could be expressed in cornea, conjunctiva. To play the role of anti-adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus and other major eye pathogenic viruses, SP-A and SP-D combine with the virus to prevent entry into cells, promote phagocytosis, and directly kill the virus. SP-A and SP-D may be used as clinical diagnostic tools for viral infection. In the future, recombinant SP is expected to be used as an important means for the treatment of viral keratitis. Here, we review the innate immune function of SP-A and SP-D in ocular viral infection.

Keywords

• surfactant protein d
• surfactant protein a
• viral infection
• viral keratitis
• antiviral effect