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Research article2024Peer reviewedOpen access

Exploring the role of the ocular surface in the lung-eye axis: Insights into respiratory disease pathogenesis

Allam, Venkata Sita Rama Raju; Patel, Vyoma K.; De Rubis, Gabriele; Paudel, Keshav Raj; Gupta, Gaurav; Chellappan, Dinesh Kumar; Singh, Sachin Kumar; Hansbro, Philip M.; Oliver, Brian Gregory George; Dua, Kamal

Abstract

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) represent a significant proportion of global health burden, with a wide spectrum of varying, heterogenic conditions largely affecting the pulmonary system. Recent advances in immunology and respiratory biology have highlighted the systemic impact of these diseases, notably through the elucidation of the lung-eye axis. The current review focusses on understanding the pivotal role of the lung-eye axis in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic respiratory infections and diseases. Existing literature published on the immunological crosstalk between the eye and the lung has been reviewed. The various roles of the ocular microbiome in lung health are also explored, examining the eye as a gateway for respiratory virus transmission, and assessing the impact of environmental irritants on both ocular and respiratory systems. This novel concept emphasizes a bidirectional relationship between respiratory and ocular health, suggesting that respiratory diseases may influence ocular conditions and vice versa, whereby this conception provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the intricate axis connecting both respiratory and ocular health. These aspects underscore the need for an integrative approach in the management of chronic respiratory diseases. Future research should further elucidate the in-depth molecular mechanisms affecting this axis which would pave the path for novel diagnostics and effective therapeutic strategies.

Keywords

Lung-eye axis; Microbiome; Environmental pollutants; Inflammation

Published in

Life Sciences
2024, Volume: 349, article number: 122730Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Microbiology in the medical area
    Immunology in the medical area

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122730

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/132417