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FasL autoantibodies in vasculitis are associated with the presence of anticorneal epithelial antibodies
  1. E Gowen1,2,
  2. A B Tullo,
  3. J Dixon1,
  4. P J L Holt1,
  5. M C Hillarby1,2
  1. 1Musculoskeletal Research Group, University of Manchester, and Central Manchester Healthcare NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
  2. 2Academic Department of Ophthalmology, University of Manchester
  1. Correspondence to:
    Dr M C Hillarby, Musculoskeletal Research Group, Stopford Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
    chantal.hilllarby{at}man.ac.uk

https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.61.6.538

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    Eye complications are common in vasculitis, especially in Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), where up to 50% of all cases have ophthalmic involvement. Eye involvement in the Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) has been reported but is rare. Corneal autoantigens have been documented in patients with WG and CSS; in particular, circulating autoantibodies to corneal specific keratin 3 (K3) are present in 60% of patients with WG.1 Most of these patients have peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK), but others have no detectable eye disease. Antibodies to a second corneal antigen, BCEA-B, are associated with CSS.2

    The eye is an immune privileged organ characterised by a reduced or modified immune response which protects the eye from inflammation and autoimmunity. Fas, together with its ligand FasL, has an important role in maintaining ocular immune privilege. Fas+ lymphoid cells that enter the eye are killed by apoptosis when the Fas binds …

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