Tacrolimus interacts with voriconazole to reduce the severity of fungal keratitis by suppressing IFN-related inflammatory responses and concomitant FK506 and voriconazole treatment suppresses fungal keratitis

PURPOSE: To investigate the expression and roles of type I and II interferons (IFNs) in fungal keratitis, as well as the therapeutic effects of tacrolimus (FK506) and voriconazole on this condition. METHODS: The mRNA and protein expression levels of type I (IFN-α/β) and II (IFN-γ) IFNs, as well as of related downstream inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-17), were detected in macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and corneal epithelial cells (A6(1) cells) stimulated with zymosan (10 mg/ml) for 8 or 24 h. A fungal keratitis mouse model was generated through intrastromal injection of Aspergillus fumigatus, and the mice were then divided into four groups: group I, the PBS group; group II, the voriconazole group; group III, the FK506 group; and group IV, the voriconazole plus 0.05% FK506 group. Corneal damage was evaluated with clinical scoring and histological examination. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of type I (IFN-α/β) and type II (IFN-γ) IFNs, as well as related inflammatory cytokines, were determined at different time points using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. RESULTS: After zymosan stimulation of mouse neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, and A6(1) cells, the IFN mRNA and protein expression levels were markedly increased until 24 h, peaking at 8 h (p<0.001). The mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-17) were also upregulated after zymosan stimulation. Moreover, type I (IFN-α/β) and type II (IFN-γ) IFN expression levels were increased and positively correlated with the progression of fungal keratitis in vivo. FK506 administered with voriconazole reduced the pathological infiltration of inflammatory cells into the cornea and downregulated the expression levels of IFNs and related inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that type I and II IFN levels were markedly increased in fungal keratitis and that FK506 combined with voriconazole decreased the severity of fungal keratitis by suppressing type I and II IFNs and their related inflammatory responses.