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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2023 Jul 1.
Published in final edited form as: Prog Retin Eye Res. 2022 Jan 4;89:101039. doi: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101039

Figure 16. The Functional “Epineuroimmune Unit”.

Figure 16.

Corneal epithelium, sensory nerves, and immune cells are anatomically and functionally interdependent in maintaining the corneal barrier. Epithelial-derived cytokines and neurotrophic factors/axonal guidance factors allow regulation of immune cells and nerves, respectively. CNTF produced by dendritic cells promotes epithelial healing and nerve regeneration. Neuropeptides derived from sensory nerves allow regulation of both epithelium and immune cells. Details regarding interactions are described in the text. CGRP, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; CNTF, Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor; IL, Interleukin; MANF, Mesencephalic Astrocyte-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; NGF, Nerve Growth Factor; Sema3, class 3 semaphorins; SP, Substance P; TGF, Transforming Growth Factor α; TSLP, Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin; VIP, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide. This original figure was made by P SY Lee.