Apoptosis in the initiation, modulation and termination of the corneal wound healing response

Stromal keratocyte apoptosis has been well-characterized as an early initiating event of the corneal wound healing response, triggering subsequent cellular processes that include bone marrow-derived cell infiltration, proliferation and migration of residual keratocyte cells, and, in some circumstances, generation of myofibroblast cells. Recent studies, however, have suggested a more general role for apoptosis in the overall stromal wound healing response that includes modulation and termination functions. This review article highlights, and ties together, recent studies that have demonstrated the important role apoptosis likely plays in weeks to months following an initial insult to the cornea—depending on the type and extent of corneal injury.