Ocular surface epithelial cells and mucins

Ocular surface epithelial cells form the outermost layers of the cornea and conjunctiva, providing a physical and molecular barrier that shields the eye from mechanical injury, infection, and desiccation. These cells secrete and display transmembrane mucins, most notably MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16, which create a glycocalyx on the cell surface. The glycocalyx stabilizes the tear film, maintains hydration, reduces friction during blinking, and plays key roles in immune surveillance and protection against pathogens by modulating both physical barrier function and cell signaling. Dysregulation of epithelial cells or mucins can lead to ocular surface disorders such as dry eye disease, increased susceptibility to infection, or, less commonly, epithelial malignancies. Individual mucins (e.g., MUC16) have been targeted in disease models and are regarded as novel biomarkers for barrier function and epithelial health.

Other names

Corneal epithelial cellConjunctival epithelial cellOcular surface epitheliumMucin (includes MUC1, MUC4, MUC16)

Stabilizing tear film by enhancing mucin secretion or function Modulating immune cell activity at the ocular surface Protecting and repairing epithelial barrier function