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Distribution of integrins alpha v beta 5, alpha v beta 3 and alpha v in normal human cornea: possible implications in clinical and therapeutic adenoviral infection.

PURPOSE
Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface molecules involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Adenoviral entry into human cells has been shown to be dependent on integrins alpha v beta 5 and alpha v beta 3 that promote viral internalisation. We studied the distribution of integrins alpha v beta 5, alpha v beta 3 and the alpha v chain in normal human cornea to investigate possible mechanisms of adenoviral entry to specific corneal cell types.


METHODS
We used immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies to study the distribution of alpha v beta 5, alpha v beta 3 and alpha v in normal human corneas maintained for up to 4 days in corneal storage medium (Optisol) at 4 degrees C (n = 9).


RESULTS
Both alpha v beta 5 and alpha v were present to a variable extent on the corneal epithelium and corneal endothelium of most specimens. In some specimens staining of both alpha v beta 5 and alpha v in the epithelium was graded, with more basal than superficial staining, alpha v beta 3 was not detectable in either the corneal epithelium or the corneal endothelium in those specimens tested.


CONCLUSIONS
The integrin alpha v beta 5 is present on both epithelium and endothelium in the normal human cornea. The role of alpha v integrins in clinical infection and in adenoviral entry for gene transfer is discussed.