Annual Meeting Abstract
Author(s): Thomas J. Lewis and Michael L. Carter
Protein misfolding has long been considered a
pathogenic process to body tissue. However, recent work
by Moirat Harvard demonstrates that certain plaques,
here to fore considered harmful misfolded amyloid
structure, actually are part of an innate immune
response. These unfolded proteins are classifiable as
antimicrobial peptides. Antimicrobial peptide
sexertvarious mechanisms such as changing cell
membrane permeability which leads to inhibition or
death of bacterial cells. Mesenchymal stemcells (MSCs)
are key to produce antimicrobial peptides and to inhibit
the growth of pathogens.
In this talk Dr. Lewis will discuss how common
?plaques? seen in the anterior and posterior chamber of
the eye, are protective amyloid formations. Ubiquitous
stemcells including the endogenous stemcells ? known
as lensepithelial stemcells (LECs) ? generate
replacement lenscells throughout a pe.. View More»