The role of immune cells in Microbial Keratitis, Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An in vitro and in vivo analysis of neutrophil function in human Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis.
IRAS ID
206133
Contact name
Parwez Hossain
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 4 days
Research summary
Microbial Keratitis (MK) is an infection of the cornea. It is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Usually, physical trauma or extended contact lens wear results in the entry of bacteria into the eye where it can cause scarring and perforation. With an estimated 140 million contact lens users worldwide coupled with the likelihood of physical trauma to the eye, MK poses a significant disease burden.
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (PA) is a bacterium that causes the more severe form of MK. The presence of PA elicits an immune response and one of the key cells involved are neutrophils. However, the exact mechanism of the neutrophils' interaction with PA can be determined further. Thus, the aim of this project is to study the role of neutrophils at the site of inflammation.
Most studies on MK have relied on animal models such as mice and rabbits. However, they have marked biological differences to humans. This study will use cells from human corneas, known as fibroblasts and PA to recreate the infection. An in vitro model studying the interaction of the corneal fibroblasts and PA has already been established. Neutrophils will be collected (through blood and tear samples) from patients with microbial keratitis and healthy volunteers (to act as a control). The neutrophils from the two groups will then be introduced into the model. The migratory behaviour of neutrophils from infected and non-infected patients will then be analysed using laboratory techniques and the two sets of data compared.
Adult patients that present to the Eye Unit at Southampton General Hospital would be eligible for this research. This undergraduate research project will commence from September 2016 until January 2017.REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0250
Date of REC Opinion
6 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion