PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Chang, L AU - Siriwardena, D AU - Wilkins, M R AU - Crowston, J G AU - Akbar, A N AU - Khaw, P T TI - In vivo production of interferon β by human Tenon's fibroblasts; a possible mediator for the development of chronic conjunctival inflammation AID - 10.1136/bjo.86.6.611 DP - 2002 Jun 01 TA - British Journal of Ophthalmology PG - 611--615 VI - 86 IP - 6 4099 - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/86/6/611.short 4100 - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/86/6/611.full SO - Br J Ophthalmol2002 Jun 01; 86 AB - Background: Chronic inflammation may develop from failure of the immune system to deactivate itself during resolution of the wound healing response, and is recognised as a major risk factor for trabeculectomy failure. Fibroblast/T cell interactions may contribute to aggressive scarring. Our previous research showed that in vitro human Tenon's fibroblast produced interferon β was responsible for preventing T cell apoptosis, suggesting that this interaction could contribute to the development of chronic inflammation. Methods: Immunohistological techniques were used to investigate the in vivo components of this particular fibroblast/T cell interaction in conjunctival biopsies from glaucoma patients undergoing filtration surgery. Results: Fibroblast produced interferon β and T lymphocytes were identified in human conjunctiva. Conclusion: The components of fibroblast mediated prevention of T cell apoptosis were identified in vivo, suggesting that the development of this interaction is possible and that it may contribute to the development of chronic inflammation and excessive scarring.