Ocular surface proteins

Ocular surface proteins are a broad collection of molecules present on or within the tissues of the ocular surface, including the corneal and conjunctival epithelia, tear film, and associated glandular secretions[1][2][3]. Key protein classes include membrane-bound and secreted mucins (e.g., MUC1, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC16), adhesion molecules like cadherins in tight junctions, antimicrobial peptides (e.g., defensins, lysozyme, lactoferrin), and various glycocalyx components[1][2][3]. These proteins collectively maintain the physical barrier protecting the eye from pathogens and environmental insults, mediate immune responses, preserve hydration and optical properties, and enable rapid healing after injury. Disruption of these protein systems is implicated in conditions such as dry eye disease, infections, and other ocular surface disorders[1][2][3]. Because "ocular surface proteins" refers to a large, heterogeneous group rather than a single, druggable therapeutic target, the entry should be flagged as nonspecific and not suitable for a canonical target list. If analysis of specific ocular surface targets (e.g., "Mucin 16" or "Galectin-3") is desired, those should be addressed individually.

Other names

Ocular surface barrier proteinsOcular surface mucinsOcular glycocalyx proteinsCorneal epithelial proteins

Not applicable (this is not a single drug target; drugs can aim to restore barrier function or modulate inflammation[1])