Subepithelial Infiltrates (SEIs)

Subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs) are immune cell builds located beneath the corneal epithelium and are frequently noted in eye infections such as keratoconjunctivitis due to adenovirus. Protheragen excels in providing specialized, comprehensive solutions designed specifically for the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents targeting subepithelial infiltrates.

Introduction to Subepithelial Infiltrates (SEIs)

Subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs) are one of the primary findings associated with different infections of the eye, particularly in the case of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis. They are known to correspond to more or less generalized foci of immune cell deposition under the epithelial layer of the cornea. Such infiltrates are typically due to immune inflammation that occurs secondary to viral infections. SEIs may cause many symptoms like impaired vision, irregular astigmatism, photophobia, and, in some instances, permanent scarring of the cornea.

Fig.1 Intraocular pressure changes during therapeutic of subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs) in epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. (Karaca E. E., 2025)

Pathogenesis of Subepithelial Infiltrates (SEIs)

The development of subepithelial infiltrates is associated with the immune processes triggered by adenoviral infections. Adenoviruses, which are nonenveloped double-stranded DNA viruses, inflame the ocular surface. Interleukin-8 is secreted by epithelial cells on the ocular surface, which allows the virus to be taken up and amplified, which in turn causes an immune response leading to the chronic inflammation of interstitial tissues; essentially a build-up of immune cells is surrounded by epithelium and thus forms subepithelial infiltrates. The latter becomes visible around 10 days after the first infection and may last for several months to years, resulting in enduring visual disability.

Therapeutics Development for Subepithelial Infiltrates (SEIs)

Antiviral Agents

Therapies involving antivirals have yielded positive results in handling adenoviral infections and lessening the formation of subepithelial infiltrates. Ganciclovir gel, for example, is said to reduce the duration of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) and lower the SEI's occurrence rate. Other possibilities wait for study such as povidone iodine which lessens the duration of acute EKC while also decreasing the chances of SEI occurrence.

Immunomodulatory Therapies

Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine A, both Immunomodulatory agents, have been studied for their possible application in treating subepithelial infiltrates. As immunosuppressants, these agents reduce inflammation and the formation of infiltrates. Tacrolimus, for example, has demonstrated success in cases of steroid-resistant SEIs, further confirming his efficacy as an alternative therapeutic option.

Our Services

Protheragen is focused on providing complete solutions pertaining to the creation of diagnostics and therapeutics aimed at subepithelial infiltrates. Our platforms are developed to evaluate new antiviral and immunomodulatory agents exhaustively and rigorously preclinically test them to propel the progress of effective solutions.

Diagnostics Development

• Karyotype Analysis Service
• Omics Analysis Service
• Biomarker Development Service
• Artificial Intelligence Service

Therapeutic Development

• Small Molecule Drug
• Cell Therapy
• Gene Therapy
• Therapeutic Antibody
• Therapeutic Peptide
• Therapeutic Protein

Preclinical Research

• Pharmacodynamics Study Services
• Pharmacokinetics Study Services
• Drug Safety Evaluation Services

Disease Models

• Primary Human or Mouse Corneal Epithelial Cells
• Corneal Organoid Models
• Adenovirus-induced Keratoconjunctivitis Models

Protheragen's preclinical research services are custom-tailored to expedite the development of innovative solutions for subepithelial infiltrates. With unparalleled infrastructure and a dedicated staff of experienced scientists, we carry out detailed and thorough studies to test the effectiveness and safety of new diagnostic and therapeutic. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

• Karaca, Emine Esra, et al. "Evaluating the Efficacy of Topical Tacrolimus Alone and in Combination with Prednisolone for Treating Subepithelial Infiltrates (SEIs) in Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis." Biomedicines 13.4 (2025): 895.