Nature Communications · 20 authors, 9 centres
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This preclinical study using mouse models and human conjunctival tissue shows that St6galnac1-dependent sialylation of conjunctival goblet cell mucins is required for efficient encapsulation and removal of allergen particles. Mice producing sialylated mucins showed ameliorated pollen-induced allergic conjunctivitis compared to Balb/c mice lacking sialylation.
This study investigated the role of sialylated mucins in conjunctival goblet cell protection of the ocular surface. Using B6J and Balb/c mouse strains, the authors identified that Balb/c mice lack mucin sialylation due to a point mutation at the 3' splice site of St6galnac1, which is highly expressed in conjunctival tissue. Restoration of intact St6galnac1 in Balb/c mice rescued sialylation, which was necessary for efficient encapsulation of allergen particles into an impenetrable gel-like layer. In a pollen-induced allergic conjunctivitis model, mice with sialylated mucins showed ameliorated disease with enhanced pollen particle removal. Human conjunctival tissue expressed increased ST6GALNAC1 and sialyl-Tn under chronic stimuli. The authors propose that sialylation is a key factor regulating Muc5ac gel-forming mucin functions, enabling capture and quarantine of foreign bodies.
