HCV core and NS3 proteins mediate toll like receptor induced innate immune response in corneal epithelium

Direct association of dry eye syndrome and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a well established fact. In this context, the current study examines the in vitro corneal inflammatory response with respect to HCV core and NS3 antigens. Toll like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors which can mediate innate immune response. In the present study, corneal epithelial cells responded to HCV core and NS3 proteins by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α via TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6 mediated innate immune response. MyD88/NF-kB signalling was involved in pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Corneal epithelium synthesised nitric oxide (NO) via iNOS during HCV core and NS3 exposure. On later stages of inflammation, cells underwent apoptosis which lead to cell death. SiRNA mediated silencing of TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6 resulted in a significant down regulation of IL-8 and NO. In conclusion, this study indicates that HCV core and NS3 proteins are capable of inducing immune response in corneal epithelium which can potentiate the pathology of HCV associated dry eye condition. Blocking specific TLR response can have therapeutic application in controlling the inflammatory response associated with this dry eye condition. •Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can induce corneal inflammation.•Present study focuses on the inflammatory potential of HCV antigens core and NS3 on corneal epithelium.•HCV core and NS3 proteins induced cytokines and nitric oxide production in corneal epithelium.•Corneal epithelium responded to HCV core and NS3 via toll like receptor mediated signalling.