Effect of tear‐specific immunoglobulin A on the adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 to contact lenses

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Abstract
Purpose: The aims of the study were (i) to determine the immunodominant antigens of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 (Paer1) to tear secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA); (ii) to study the role of sIgA in inhibiting bacterial adhesion to contact lenses. Methods: SDS–PAGE and Western blotting were used to study the interaction of tear sIgA with Paer1; an adhesion assay was used to study the effect of sIgA on the adhesion of Paer1 to the contact lenses. Results: The results of our study showed that the immunodominant molecules of Paer1 which reacted with tear sIgA were of molecular masses of 105, 50, 45 kDa; the binding of sIgA to Paer1 resulted in a reduction of the adhesion of Paer1 to worn Etafilcon A contact lenses. Conclusions: In conclusion, Paer1‐specific sIgA are present in tears; the immunodominant molecules of Paer1 may be adhesins and tear‐specific sIgA might play an important role in protecting the eye from contact‐lens‐induced corneal infection by preventing bacterial attachment to contact lenses and the ocular surface.