Evaluation of Anti-GRP78 Nanobody Effect on the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome in Mice Model

INTRODUCTION: This investigation was designed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of a novel anti- GRP78 nanobody in the treatment of dry eye syndrome (DES) in a murine model. The focus was on the nanobody's anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to increase tear production. METHODS: Topical atropine sulfate was implemented to induce DES in BALB/c rodents. Subsequently, mice were administered betamethasone (as a positive control), the purified anti-GRP78 nanobody, or a vehicle. The Schirmer tear test, ELISA, and qRT-PCR were implemented to quantify corneal inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6), as well as a histopathological examination. RESULTS: Treatment with the anti-GRP78 nanobody meaningfully improved tear production and reduced levels of key inflammatory cytokines in corneal tissues. Histopathological analysis demonstrated noticeably reduced corneal epithelial damage and inflammatory cell infiltration, with efficacy comparable to betamethasone. DISCUSSION: The findings proposed that targeting GRP78 effectively mitigates DES pathology, presumably by preventing the inflammatory cascade. The nanobody's effectiveness, comparable to a conventional corticosteroid, combined with its potential for enhanced tissue penetration and minimal immunogenicity, underscores its potential as an innovative biologic therapy. CONCLUSION: The anti-GRP78 nanobody shows a lot of promise as a treatment for DES because it increases tear production and lowers corneal inflammation. In this term, more research is needed to see how it can be used in the clinic.