Evaluating Therapeutic and Chemical Toxicity Using Organ-Cultured Porcine Corneas and Epithelial Wound Healing

We are investigating cornea innate immunity in diabetic wound healing. Specifically, we aim to understand why diabetic patients are more susceptible to bacterial infection and what causes delayed wound healing associated with hyperglycemia. We identified that the balance between IL-1 beta and IL-1 receptor antagonist, as well as TGF beta one and TGF beta three, is important for corneal wound healing.

This could lead to new treatment for diabetic keratopathy. Our model mimic human delayed wound healing in diabetic patients. This allows us to study programmed cell death pathway and develop targeted therapies.