Primary herpes simplex virus type 1 infection of the eye triggers similar immune responses in the cornea and the skin of the eyelids.

Herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) and blepharoconjunctivitis in humans are thought partly to result from immunopathological responses to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The corneas of NIH mice were inoculated with HSV-1 (strain McKrae) and mice were examined for signs of disease and infection on days 1, 4, 7, 10, 14 and 21. The eyes and eyelids of infected and control mice were processed for immunohistochemistry and double stained for viral antigens and one of the following cell surface markers (Gr-1, F4/80, CD4, CD8, CD45R or MHC class II) or one of the following cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 or IFN-gamma).

Regulation of mucosal immune responses by recombinant interleukin 10 produced by intestinal epithelial cells in mice.

Background & Aims: Interleukin (IL)-10 is a cytokine with anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of a site-specific delivery of IL-10 on intestinal immune responses.

Methods: Transgenic mice were created in which IL-10 is expressed by the intestinal epithelial cells.