Ophthalmology
Mannose-binding lectin-s contribution to ocular defences against infection
Supervisors: Associate Professors Damon Eisen and Mark Daniell, Victorian Infectious Diseases Service and Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Location: Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, RMH.
Contact: A/Professor Damon Eisen T : 9342 8818 E: damon.eisen@mh.org.au ,
Dr Mark Daniell E: mark.daniell@mh.org.au
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a pattern recognition receptor of the innate immune system that contributes to killing of a broad range of micro-organisms. Deficiency of this serum protein is common and predisposes to numerous infectious diseases. MBL is present in small concentrations in the lungs, joints and, as shown by our group, eyes if they are inflamed and probably contributes to local defences against pathogens. A recent study of fungal keratitis in murine corneas has shown that MBL is one of a handful of inflammatory pathway genes that are upregulated. Furthermore, MBL was shown to be produced locally in murine corneas which is a particularly notable finding. These data suggest that MBL is important in the local response to corneal infection. The contribution of MBL to prevention of endophthalmitis is undefined.
This honours project will explore human correlates of the murine keratitis study. Human corneal cells from cell cultures will be infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of keratitis, and MBL mRNA will be measured by RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical staining of corneal rims will also be undertaken to establish whether MBL is produced locally in human corneal cells. To investigate the link between endophthalmitis and MBL deficiency both a case control study of endophthalmitis and analysis of an animal model may be undertaken.
Note: this project is also listed under Infectious Diseases and Immigrant Health