Sharmila Masli

It is now known that various cells and molecules in the eye contribute to the unique ocular microenvironment, which directs the immune response by influencing APCs. However, the molecular mechanisms that allow eye-derived APCs to bring about such a carefully regulated immune response are not clearly understood. In my current research project we have successfully employed DNA microarray technology to identify genes uniquely expressed (up or down regulated) when conventional APCs are exposed to molecules likely to be found in the ocular environment. This method has allowed a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptional program of cells that represent eye-derived APCs, and has provided information on expression of various genes so far not known to be directly related to ACAID. By studying the significance of selected genes in inducing the unique ocular immune response, novel immunologic mechanisms displayed by eye-derived APCs are being explored. Such an approach will open up a broad range of mechanistic possibilities and their systematic evaluation would clearly enhance our understanding of the ocular immune and inflammatory processes.