Abstract
The high-density corneal innervation plays a pivotal role in sustaining the integrity of the ocular surface. We have previously demonstrated that pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) promotes corneal nerve regeneration; here, we report the mechanism involved and the discovery of a stereospecific Resolvin D6-isomer (RvD6si) that drives the process. RvD6si promotes corneal wound healing and functional recovery by restoring corneal innervation after injury. RvD6si applied to the eye surface elicits a specific transcriptome signature in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) that includes Rictor, the rapamycin-insensitive complex-2 of mTOR (mTORC2), and genes involved in axon growth, whereas genes related to neuropathic pain are decreased. As a result, attenuation of ocular neuropathic pain and dry eye will take place. Thus, RvD6si opens up new therapeutic avenues for pathologies that affect corneal innervation.