Distribution of integrins αvβ5, αvβ3 and αv in normal human cornea: Possible implications in clinical and therapeutic adenoviral infection

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Abstract
Purpose Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface molecules involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Adenoviral entry into human cells has been shown to be dependent on integrins αvβ5 and αvβ3 that promote viral intemalisation. We studied the distribution of integrins αvβ5, αvβ3 and the αv chain in normal human cornea to investigate possible mechanisms of adenoviral entry to specific corneal cell types. Methods We used immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies to study the distribution of αvβ5, αvβ3 and αv in normal human corneas maintained for up to 4 days in Corneal storage medium (Optisol) at 4 °C (n = 9). Results Both αvβ5 and αv were present to a variable extent on the corneal epithelium and Corneal endothelium of most specimens. In some specimens staining of both αvβ5 and αv in the epithelium was graded, with more basal than superficial staining, αvβ3 was not detectable in either the Corneal epithelium or the Corneal endothelium in those specimens tested. Conclusions The integrin αvβ5 is present on both epithelium and endothelium in the normal human cornea. The role of αv integrins in clinical infection and in adenoviral entry for gene transfer is discussed.