Figure 7.

Pathogenic mechanisms compared between CEC- and SCP-induced DED. CEC induces clinically evident DED as effectively as SCP. Regarding disease-promoting factors, CEC and SCP led to comparable Th1 responses; however, CEC induced a much stronger Th17 response. Additionally, the CEC did not lead to significant tear deficiency. In contrast, SCP suppressed exocrine function and resulted in notable tear deficiency. Regarding disease inhibiting factors, the CEC impairs Treg functioned dramatically; while SCP-induced DED showed much less damage to Treg function. →, promotion; ⊣, inhibition. Symbol thickness indicates intensity.