EXPORT CITATION

Chapter-04 The Role of Mucins in the Innate Immune System

BOOK TITLE: Innate Immunity and the Eye

Author
1. Corfield Anthony
ISBN
9789350903094
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11844_4
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2013
Pages
13
Author Affiliations
1. School of Clinical Sciences, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol, UK
Chapter keywords

Abstract

The family of mucus glycoproteins plays a fundamental protective role in the tear film. They donate viscoelastic, physicochemical and receptor ligand properties to the barrier. Their characteristic molecular structures are wellsuited to roles in the secreted mucus layer and the cell surface anchored glycocalyx. The carbohydrate rich mucins present an array of specific glycan structures at the surface of the eye and these are directly involved in hostmicroorganism interactions that provide normal protection against a wide range of potential infective agents. These properties fit well with the innate immune defensive system functioning at the ocular surface.

© 2019 Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.   |   All Rights Reserved