DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092198 ISSN:
Macrophage Activation in Follicular Conjunctivitis during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Carla Enrica Gallenga, Martina Maritati, Marco Mura, Francesco Di Virgilio, Pio Conti, Carlo Contini- Virology
- Microbiology (medical)
- Microbiology
Among the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2, follicular conjunctivitis has become relevant. The conjunctiva acts as an open lymph node, reacting to the viral antigen that binds the epithelial cells, forming follicles of B cells with activated T cells and NK cells on its surface, which, in turn, talk to monocyte-derived inflammatory infected macrophages. Here, the NLRP3 inflammasome is a major driver in releasing pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and caspase-1, leading to follicular conjunctivitis and bulbar congestion, even as isolated signs in the ‘asymptomatic’ patient.