[Advances of tight junction damage in the corneal epithelial barrier in the pathogenesis of corneal diseases].

The cornea is a transparent tissue with significant refractive and barrier functions. Corneal epithelium constitutes the first line of defense against foreign pathogens. Corneal epithelial cells interact to form a functionally selective permeability barrier. Dysfunction of this barrier leads to corneal impairment followed by a series of ocular surface diseases and even blindness. Tight junctions (TJ), located at the top of the intercellular space of corneal epithelial superficial cells, play a critical role in establishing and maintaining the barrier function. Previous studies have shown that destruction of the TJ acts as a crucial step of the occurrence and progression of multiple ocular surface diseases. Understanding the fundamental features and functions of the TJ, noticing the risk factors of TJ disruption, and clarifying the key role of TJ in the pathogenesis of various ocular surface diseases will help to better understand and treat ocular surface diseases.角膜是兼具屈光功能和屏障功能的透明组织。角膜上皮是抵御病原微生物侵袭角膜的第一道屏障。生理状态下，角膜上皮细胞之间相互作用，形成一道具有选择性通透功能的屏障。角膜上皮屏障损伤会破坏上皮完整性，引发一系列眼表疾病，严重可致失明。紧密连接位于角膜上皮细胞间接触面的最顶端，在建立和维持角膜上皮屏障功能中发挥关键作用。既往研究发现角膜上皮紧密连接损伤是许多眼表疾病发生发展的重要一环。了解角膜上皮细胞紧密连接的基本特征及功能，关注破坏紧密连接的危险因素，明确紧密连接在各类眼表疾病发病机制中的关键作用将有助于更好地认识和治疗眼表疾病。.