CD8 + CD103 + T cells Regulate CD4 + T-Cell–Mediated Pathogenesis in Experimental Murine Dry Eye

Purpose: To investigate the regulatory effects of CD8 + CD103 + T cells on CD4 + T-Cell-mediated pathogenesis in experimental murine dry eye. Methods: . Adoptive transfer of CD8 + CD103 + T cells or vehicle control was performed in mice subjected to desiccating stress (DS). The phenol red cotton test was used to measure tear production, and Oregon-green-dextran (OGD) staining was performed to assess corneal epithelial barrier function. PAS staining was used to quantify conjunctival goblet cells. Immunofluorescent staining and q RT-PCR were used to assess the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -3 and − 9 in corneal epithelium. Apoptosis in ocular surface was assessed by TUNEL and activation of caspase-3 and − 8. CD4 + T-cell–mediated immunity was evaluated by CD4 + T cells infiltration and production of T helper (Th) cytokines including interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-13, and IL-17A in conjunctiva and cervical lymph nodes (CLN). Results: . Adoptive transfer of CD8 + CD103 + T cells increased tear production, decreased goblet cell loss and improved corneal barrier function in mice subjected to DS. Adoptive transfer of CD8 + CD103 + T cells suppressed the expression of MMP-3 and − 9 in corneal epithelium and apoptosis in ocular surface. In addition, CD8 + CD103 + T cells treatment decreased CD4 + T cells infiltration with decreased production of IFN-γ and IL-17A and increased production of IL-13 in both the conjunctiva and CLN. Conclusions: . CD8 + CD103 + T cells could alleviate epithelial damage and CD4 + T-cell-mediated immunity in ocular surface of dry eye.