De-Quan Li, M.D., Ph.D.

Associate Professor

(713) 798-1123

Email

dequanl@bcm.edu

Positions

Associate Professor: Ophthalmology-Departmental
Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Center for Cell and Gene Therapy
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, TX, US
Focused on cellular and molecular biology of ocular surface research in dry eye pathogenesis, ocular surface inflammation, mucosal immunology, innate immunity, corneal epithelial stem cells and corneal tissue bioengineering.

Addresses

Neurosensory Center (Lab): Dept of Ophthalmology
6565 Fannin Street
Houston, TX, 77030
United States
Phone: (713) 798-1123
dequanl@bcm.edu

Neurosensory Center (Office): Dept of Ophthalmology
6565 Fannin Street
Houston, TX, 77030
United States
Phone: (713) 798-1123
dequanl@bcm.edu

Education

Postdoctoral Fellowship at Clinical and Research Thyroid Laboratories, Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine: 12/1991 - Coral Gables, Florida, United States

Postdoctoral Fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine: 01/1994 - Coral Gables, Florida, United States

PhD from Shanghai Second Medical University: 07/1986 - Shanghai, China, People's Rep

MD from Shanghai Second Medical University: 07/1967 - Shanghai, China, People's Rep

Websites

VIICTR Publications List

My Bibliography

Selected Publications

Dursun D, Wang M, Monroy D, Li DQ, Lokeshwar BL, Stern ME, Pflugfelder SC. " A mouse model of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2002 Mar ; 43 (3) : 632-8.
Pubmed PMID: 11867577.
Lin J, Yoon KC, Zhang L, Su Z, Lu R, Ma P, De Paiva CS, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " A native-like corneal construct using donor corneal stroma for tissue engineering. " PLoS ONE. 2012 ; 7 (11) : e49571.
Pubmed PMID: 23166715.
Ahmad S, Kolli S, Li DQ, de Paiva CS, Pryzborski S, Dimmick I, Armstrong L, Figueiredo FC, Lako M. " A putative role for RHAMM/HMMR as a negative marker of stem cell-containing population of human limbal epithelial cells. " Stem Cells. 2008 Jun ; 26 (6) : 1609-19.
Pubmed PMID: 18356573.
Chen D, Ge J, Wang L, Gao Q, Ma P, Li N, Li DQ, Wang Z. " A simple and evolutional approach proven to recanalise the nasolacrimal duct obstruction. " Br J Ophthalmol. 2009 Nov ; 93 (11) : 1438-43.
Pubmed PMID: 19416937.
de Paiva CS, Chen Z, Corrales RM, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " ABCG2 transporter identifies a population of clonogenic human limbal epithelial cells. " Stem Cells. 2005 ; 23 (1) : 63-73.
Pubmed PMID: 15625123.
De Paiva CS, Hwang CS, Pitcher JD, Pangelinan SB, Rahimy E, Chen W, Yoon KC, Farley WJ, Niederkorn JY, Stern ME, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Age-related T-cell cytokine profile parallels corneal disease severity in Sjogren's syndrome-like keratoconjunctivitis sicca in CD25KO mice. " Rheumatology (Oxford). 2010 Feb ; 49 (2) : 246-58.
Pubmed PMID: 20007286.
Bian F, Qi H, Ma P, Zhang L, Yoon KC, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " An immunoprotective privilege of corneal epithelial stem cells against th17 inflammatory stress by producing glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor. " Stem Cells. 2010 Dec ; 28 (12) : 2172-81.
Pubmed PMID: 20936708.
De Paiva CS, Corrales RM, Villarreal AL, Farley W, Li DQ, Stern ME, Pflugfelder SC. " Apical corneal barrier disruption in experimental murine dry eye is abrogated by methylprednisolone and doxycycline. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2006 Jul ; 47 (7) : 2847-56.
Pubmed PMID: 16799024.
Yeh S, Song XJ, Farley W, Li DQ, Stern ME, Pflugfelder SC. " Apoptosis of ocular surface cells in experimentally induced dry eye. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2003 Jan ; 44 (1) : 124-9.
Pubmed PMID: 12506064.
De Paiva CS, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Cell size correlates with phenotype and proliferative capacity in human corneal epithelial cells. " Stem Cells. 2006 Feb ; 24 (2) : 368-75.
Pubmed PMID: 16123387.
Chen Z, de Paiva CS, Luo L, Kretzer FL, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Characterization of putative stem cell phenotype in human limbal epithelia. " Stem Cells. 2004 ; 22 (3) : 355-66.
Pubmed PMID: 15153612.
De Paiva CS, Yoon KC, Pangelinan SB, Pham S, Puthenparambil LM, Chuang EY, Farley WJ, Stern ME, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Cleavage of functional IL-2 receptor alpha chain (CD25) from murine corneal and conjunctival epithelia by MMP-9. " 2009 ; 6 : 31.
Pubmed PMID: 19878594.
Tseng SC, Kruse FE, Merritt J, Li DQ. " Comparison between serum-free and fibroblast-cocultured single-cell clonal culture systems: evidence showing that epithelial anti-apoptotic activity is present in 3T3 fibroblast-conditioned media. " Curr. Eye Res.. 1996 Sep ; 15 (9) : 973-84.
Pubmed PMID: 8921219.
Tseng SC, Li DQ. " Comparison of protein kinase C subtype expression between normal and aniridic human ocular surfaces: implications for limbal stem cell dysfunction in aniridia. " Cornea. 1996 Mar ; 15 (2) : 168-78.
Pubmed PMID: 8925665.
De Paiva CS, Corrales RM, Villarreal AL, Farley WJ, Li DQ, Stern ME, Pflugfelder SC. " Corticosteroid and doxycycline suppress MMP-9 and inflammatory cytokine expression, MAPK activation in the corneal epithelium in experimental dry eye. " Exp. Eye Res.. 2006 Sep ; 83 (3) : 526-35.
Pubmed PMID: 16643899.
Yoon KC, De Paiva CS, Qi H, Chen Z, Farley WJ, Li DQ, Stern ME, Pflugfelder SC. " Desiccating environmental stress exacerbates autoimmune lacrimal keratoconjunctivitis in non-obese diabetic mice. " J. Autoimmun.. 2008 Jun ; 30 (4) : 212-21.
Pubmed PMID: 17988834.
Zhang X, Chen W, De Paiva CS, Volpe EA, Gandhi NB, Farley WJ, Li DQ, Niederkorn JY, Stern ME, Pflugfelder SC. " Desiccating Stress Induces CD4(+) T-Cell-Mediated Sjögren's Syndrome-Like Corneal Epithelial Apoptosis via Activation of the Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway by Interferon-?. " Am. J. Pathol.. 2011 Oct ; 179 (4) : 1807-14.
Pubmed PMID: 21843497.
Zheng X, de Paiva CS, Li DQ, Farley WJ, Pflugfelder SC. " Desiccating Stress Promotion of Th17 Differentiation by Ocular Surface Tissues through a Dendritic Cell-Mediated Pathway. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2010 Jun ; 51 (6) : 3083-91.
Pubmed PMID: 20130281.
Corrales RM, Stern ME, De Paiva CS, Welch J, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Desiccating stress stimulates expression of matrix metalloproteinases by the corneal epithelium. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2006 Aug ; 47 (8) : 3293-302.
Pubmed PMID: 16877394.
Pflugfelder SC, Liu Z, Monroy D, Li DQ, Carvajal ME, Price-Schiavi SA, Idris N, Solomon A, Perez A, Carraway KL. " Detection of sialomucin complex (MUC4) in human ocular surface epithelium and tear fluid. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2000 May ; 41 (6) : 1316-26.
Pubmed PMID: 10798646.
Li DQ, Lee SB, Tseng SC. " Differential expression and regulation of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, TGF-beta3, TGF-betaRI, TGF-betaRII and TGF-betaRIII in cultured human corneal, limbal, and conjunctival fibroblasts. " Curr. Eye Res.. 1999 Aug ; 19 (2) : 154-61.
Pubmed PMID: 10420185.
Li DQ, Tseng SC. " Differential regulation of cytokine and receptor transcript expression in human corneal and limbal fibroblasts by epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha, platelet-derived growth factor B, and interleukin-1 beta. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 1996 Sep ; 37 (10) : 2068-80.
Pubmed PMID: 8814146.
Li DQ, Tseng SC. " Differential regulation of keratinocyte growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor by different cytokines in human corneal and limbal fibroblasts. " J. Cell. Physiol.. 1997 Sep ; 172 (3) : 361-72.
Pubmed PMID: 9284956.
De Paiva CS, Volpe EA, Gandhi NB, Zhang X, Zheng X, Pitcher JD, Farley WJ, Stern ME, Niederkorn JY, Li DQ, Flavell RA, Pflugfelder SC. " Disruption of TGF-ß Signaling Improves Ocular Surface Epithelial Disease in Experimental Autoimmune Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca. " PLoS ONE. 2011 ; 6 (12) : e29017.
Pubmed PMID: 22194977.
Kim HS, Luo L, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Doxycycline inhibits TGF-beta1-induced MMP-9 via Smad and MAPK pathways in human corneal epithelial cells. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2005 Mar ; 46 (3) : 840-8.
Pubmed PMID: 15728539.
Pflugfelder SC, Solomon A, Dursun D, Li DQ. " Dry eye and delayed tear clearance: a call to arms."." " Adv. Exp. Med. Biol.. 2002 ; 506 : 739-43.
Pubmed PMID: 12613986.
De Paiva CS, Villarreal AL, Corrales RM, Rahman HT, Chang VY, Farley WJ, Stern ME, Niederkorn JY, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Dry eye-induced conjunctival epithelial squamous metaplasia is modulated by interferon-gamma. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2007 Jun ; 48 (6) : 2553-60.
Pubmed PMID: 17525184.
Chuang EY, Li DQ, Bian F, Zheng X, Pflugfelder SC. " Effects of contact lens multipurpose solutions on human corneal epithelial survival and barrier function. " Eye Contact Lens. 2008 Sep ; 34 (5) : 281-6.
Pubmed PMID: 18779668.
Ji J, Chang P, Pennesi ME, Yang Z, Zhang J, Li D, Wu SM, Gross RL. " Effects of elevated intraocular pressure on mouse retinal ganglion cells. " Vision Res.. 2005 Jan ; 45 (2) : 169-79.
Pubmed PMID: 15581918.
Corrales RM, de Paiva CS, Li DQ, Farley WJ, Henriksson JT, Bergmanson JP, Pflugfelder SC. " Entrapment of conjunctival goblet cells by desiccation-induced cornification. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2011 ; 52 (6) : 3492-9.
Pubmed PMID: 21421863.
Pflugfelder SC, de Paiva CS, Li DQ, Stern ME. " Epithelial-immune cell interaction in dry eye. " Cornea. 2008 Sep ; 27 : S9-11.
Pubmed PMID: 18813079.
De Paiva CS, Pangelinan SB, Chang E, Yoon KC, Farley WJ, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Essential role for c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 in corneal epithelial response to desiccating stress. " Arch. Ophthalmol.. 2009 Dec ; 127 (12) : 1625-31.
Pubmed PMID: 20008718.
Zheng X, De Paiva CS, Rao K, Li DQ, Farley WJ, Stern M, Pflugfelder SC. " Evaluation of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta Activity in Normal and Dry Eye Human Tears by CCL-185 Cell Bioassay. " Cornea. 2010 Sep ; 29 (9) : 1048-54.
Pubmed PMID: 20539212.
Qi H, Li DQ, Bian F, Chuang EY, Jones DB, Pflugfelder SC. " Expression of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor in the stem-cell-containing human limbal epithelium. " Br J Ophthalmol. 2008 Sep ; 92 (9) : 1269-74.
Pubmed PMID: 18723744.
Luo L, Li DQ, Doshi A, Farley W, Corrales RM, Pflugfelder SC. " Experimental dry eye stimulates production of inflammatory cytokines and MMP-9 and activates MAPK signaling pathways on the ocular surface. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2004 Dec ; 45 (12) : 4293-301.
Pubmed PMID: 15557435.
Dursun D, Wang M, Monroy D, Li DQ, Lokeshwar BL, Stern M, Pflugfelder SC. " Experimentally induced dry eye produces ocular surface inflammation and epithelial disease. " Adv. Exp. Med. Biol.. 2002 ; 506 : 647-55.
Pubmed PMID: 12613973.
Yoon KC, De Paiva CS, Qi H, Chen Z, Farley WJ, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Expression of Th-1 chemokines and chemokine receptors on the ocular surface of C57BL/6 mice: effects of desiccating stress. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2007 Jun ; 48 (6) : 2561-9.
Pubmed PMID: 17525185.
Chen Z, Evans WH, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Gap junction protein connexin 43 serves as a negative marker for a stem cell-containing population of human limbal epithelial cells. " Stem Cells. 2006 May ; 24 (5) : 1265-73.
Pubmed PMID: 16424398.
Qi H, Shine HD, Li DQ, de Paiva CS, Farley WJ, Jones DB, Pflugfelder SC. " Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor gene delivery enhances survival of human corneal epithelium in culture and the overexpression of GDNF in bioengineered constructs. " Exp. Eye Res.. 2008 Dec ; 87 (6) : 580-6.
Pubmed PMID: 18938159.
De Paiva CS, Raince JK, McClellan AJ, Shanmugam KP, Pangelinan SB, Volpe EA, Corrales RM, Farley WJ, Corry DB, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Homeostatic control of conjunctival mucosal goblet cells by NKT-derived IL-13. " Mucosal Immunol. 2011 Jul ; 4 (4) : 397-408.
Pubmed PMID: 21178983.
Ma P, Bian F, Wang Z, Zheng X, Chotikavanich S, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Human corneal epithelium-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin links the innate and adaptive immune responses via TLRs and Th2 cytokines. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2009 Jun ; 50 (6) : 2702-9.
Pubmed PMID: 19151401.
Luo L, Li DQ, Corrales RM, Pflugfelder SC. " Hyperosmolar saline is a proinflammatory stress on the mouse ocular surface. " Eye Contact Lens. 2005 Sep ; 31 (5) : 186-93.
Pubmed PMID: 16163009.
Luo L, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Hyperosmolarity-induced apoptosis in human corneal epithelial cells is mediated by cytochrome c and MAPK pathways. " Cornea. 2007 May ; 26 (4) : 452-60.
Pubmed PMID: 17457195.
Chen Z, Tong L, Li Z, Yoon KC, Qi H, Farley W, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Hyperosmolarity-induced cornification of human corneal epithelial cells is regulated by JNK MAPK. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2008 Feb ; 49 (2) : 539-49.
Pubmed PMID: 18234997.
Lu R, Bian F, Lin J, Su Z, Qu Y, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Identification of human fibroblast cell lines as a feeder layer for human corneal epithelial regeneration. " PLoS ONE. 2012 ; 7 (6) : e38825.
Pubmed PMID: 22723892.
De Paiva CS, Chotikavanich S, Pangelinan SB, Pitcher JD, Fang B, Zheng X, Ma P, Farley WJ, Siemasko KF, Niederkorn JY, Stern ME, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " IL-17 disrupts corneal barrier following desiccating stress. " 2009 May ; 2 (3) : 243-53.
Pubmed PMID: 19242409.
Chen Z, Mok H, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ, Barry MA. " Improved transduction of human corneal epithelial progenitor cells with cell-targeting adenoviral vectors. " Exp. Eye Res.. 2006 Oct ; 83 (4) : 798-806.
Pubmed PMID: 16793039.
Zheng X, Bian F, Ma P, De Paiva CS, Stern M, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Induction of Th17 differentiation by corneal epithelial-derived cytokines. " J. Cell. Physiol.. 2010 Jan ; 222 (1) : 95-102.
Pubmed PMID: 19746420.
Zhang X, Chen W, De Paiva CS, Corrales RM, Volpe EA, McClellan AJ, Farley WJ, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Interferon-{gamma} Exacerbates Dry Eye-Induced Apoptosis in Conjunctiva through Dual Apoptotic Pathways. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2011 Sep ; 52 (9) : 6279-85.
Pubmed PMID: 21474767.
Li DQ, Luo L, Chen Z, Kim HS, Song XJ, Pflugfelder SC. " JNK and ERK MAP kinases mediate induction of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-8 following hyperosmolar stress in human limbal epithelial cells. " Exp. Eye Res.. 2006 Apr ; 82 (4) : 588-96.
Pubmed PMID: 16202406.
Pflugfelder SC, Farley W, Luo L, Chen LZ, de Paiva CS, Olmos LC, Li DQ, Fini ME. " Matrix metalloproteinase-9 knockout confers resistance to corneal epithelial barrier disruption in experimental dry eye. " Am. J. Pathol.. 2005 Jan ; 166 (1) : 61-71.
Pubmed PMID: 15632000.
Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Matrix metalloproteinases in corneal inflammation. " Ocul Surf. 2005 Oct ; 3 (4) : S198-202.
Pubmed PMID: 17216119.
Huang AJ, Li DQ, Li CH, Shang TY, Hernandez E. " Modulation of corneal vascularization. " Ocul Surf. 2005 Oct ; 3 (4) : S190-3.
Pubmed PMID: 17216117.
Bian F, Liu W, Yoon KC, Lu R, Zhou N, Ma P, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Molecular signatures and biological pathway profiles of human corneal epithelial progenitor cells. " Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol.. 2010 Jul ; 42 (7) : 1142-53.
Pubmed PMID: 20363357.
Qi H, Li DQ, Shine HD, Chen Z, Yoon KC, Jones DB, Pflugfelder SC. " Nerve growth factor and its receptor TrkA serve as potential markers for human corneal epithelial progenitor cells. " Exp. Eye Res.. 2008 Jan ; 86 (1) : 34-40.
Pubmed PMID: 17980361.
Song XJ, Li DQ, Farley W, Luo LH, Heuckeroth RO, Milbrandt J, Pflugfelder SC. " Neurturin-deficient mice develop dry eye and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2003 Oct ; 44 (10) : 4223-9.
Pubmed PMID: 14507865.
Zhang X, Volpe EA, Gandhi NB, Schaumburg CS, Siemasko KF, Pangelinan SB, Kelly SD, Hayday AC, Li DQ, Stern ME, Niederkorn JY, Pflugfelder SC, De Paiva CS. " NK cells promote th-17 mediated corneal barrier disruption in dry eye. " PLoS ONE. 2012 ; 7 (5) : e36822.
Pubmed PMID: 22590618.
Li DQ, Kuang AK, Ding T, Chen JL, Xu MY. " Nuclear 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine receptors (T3R) of circulating human lymphocytes in hyper- and hypothyroidism and nonthyroidal diseases. " Chin. Med. J.. 1990 May ; 103 (5) : 355-8.
Pubmed PMID: 2118049.
Li DQ, Lee SB, Gunja-Smith Z, Liu Y, Solomon A, Meller D, Tseng SC. " Overexpression of collagenase (MMP-1) and stromelysin (MMP-3) by pterygium head fibroblasts. " Arch. Ophthalmol.. 2001 Jan ; 119 (1) : 71-80.
Pubmed PMID: 11146729.
Solomon A, Grueterich M, Li DQ, Meller D, Lee SB, Tseng SC. " Overexpression of Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 in pterygium body fibroblasts. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2003 Feb ; 44 (2) : 573-80.
Pubmed PMID: 12556385.
Li DQ, Meller D, Liu Y, Tseng SC. " Overexpression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 by cultured conjunctivochalasis fibroblasts. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2000 Feb ; 41 (2) : 404-10.
Pubmed PMID: 10670469.
Li DQ, Chen Z, Song XJ, de Paiva CS, Kim HS, Pflugfelder SC. " Partial enrichment of a population of human limbal epithelial cells with putative stem cell properties based on collagen type IV adhesiveness. " Exp. Eye Res.. 2005 Apr ; 80 (4) : 581-90.
Pubmed PMID: 15781286.
McDermott AM, Perez V, Huang AJ, Pflugfelder SC, Stern ME, Baudouin C, Beuerman RW, Burns AR, Calder VL, Calonge M, Chodosh J, Coster DJ, Dana R, Hazlett LD, Jones DB, Kim SK, Knop E, Li DQ, Mitchell BM, Niederkorn JY, Pearlman E, Wilhelmus KR, Kurie E. " Pathways of corneal and ocular surface inflammation: a perspective from the cullen symposium. " Ocul Surf. 2005 Oct ; 3 (4) : S131-8.
Pubmed PMID: 17216102.
Qi H, Chuang EY, Yoon KC, de Paiva CS, Shine HD, Jones DB, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Patterned expression of neurotrophic factors and receptors in human limbal and corneal regions. " Mol. Vis.. 2007 ; 13 : 1934-41.
Pubmed PMID: 17982417.
Pitcher JD, De Paiva CS, Pelegrino FS, McClellan AJ, Raince JK, Pangelinan SB, Rahimy E, Farley WJ, Stern ME, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Pharmacological cholinergic blockade stimulates inflammatory cytokine production and lymphocytic infiltration in the mouse lacrimal gland. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2011 ; 52 (6) : 3221-7.
Pubmed PMID: 21273534.
Kim HS, Jun Song X, de Paiva CS, Chen Z, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Phenotypic characterization of human corneal epithelial cells expanded ex vivo from limbal explant and single cell cultures. " Exp. Eye Res.. 2004 Jul ; 79 (1) : 41-9.
Pubmed PMID: 15183099.
Qi H, Zheng X, Yuan X, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Potential localization of putative stem/progenitor cells in human bulbar conjunctival epithelium. " J. Cell. Physiol.. 2010 Oct ; 225 (1) : 180-5.
Pubmed PMID: 20458737.
Chotikavanich S, de Paiva CS, Li de Q, Chen JJ, Bian F, Farley WJ, Pflugfelder SC. " Production and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 on the ocular surface increase in dysfunctional tear syndrome. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2009 Jul ; 50 (7) : 3203-9.
Pubmed PMID: 19255163.
Li DQ, Shang TY, Kim HS, Solomon A, Lokeshwar BL, Pflugfelder SC. " Regulated expression of collagenases MMP-1, -8, and -13 and stromelysins MMP-3, -10, and -11 by human corneal epithelial cells. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2003 Jul ; 44 (7) : 2928-36.
Pubmed PMID: 12824233.
Meller D, Li DQ, Tseng SC. " Regulation of collagenase, stromelysin, and gelatinase B in human conjunctival and conjunctivochalasis fibroblasts by interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2000 Sep ; 41 (10) : 2922-9.
Pubmed PMID: 10967046.
Solomon A, Li DQ, Lee SB, Tseng SC. " Regulation of collagenase, stromelysin, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator in primary pterygium body fibroblasts by inflammatory cytokines. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2000 Jul ; 41 (8) : 2154-63.
Pubmed PMID: 10892857.
Li DQ, Lokeshwar BL, Solomon A, Monroy D, Ji Z, Pflugfelder SC. " Regulation of MMP-9 production by human corneal epithelial cells. " Exp. Eye Res.. 2001 Oct ; 73 (4) : 449-59.
Pubmed PMID: 11825017.
Li DQ, Zhang L, Pflugfelder SC, De Paiva CS, Zhang X, Zhao G, Zheng X, Su Z, Qu Y. " Short ragweed pollen triggers allergic inflammation through Toll-like receptor 4-dependent thymic stromal lymphopoietin/OX40 ligand/OX40 signaling pathways. " J. Allergy Clin. Immunol.. 2011 Dec ; 128 (6) : 1318-1325.e2.
Pubmed PMID: 21820713.
Rahimy E, Pitcher JD, Pangelinan SB, Chen W, Farley WJ, Niederkorn JY, Stern ME, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC, De Paiva CS. " Spontaneous Autoimmune Dacryoadenitis in Aged CD25KO Mice. " Am. J. Pathol.. 2010 Aug ; 177 (2) : 744-53.
Pubmed PMID: 20566743.
Yeh S, de Paiva CS, Hwang CS, Trinca K, Lingappan A, Rafati JK, Farley WJ, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Spontaneous T cell mediated keratoconjunctivitis in Aire-deficient mice. " Br J Ophthalmol. 2009 Sep ; 93 (9) : 1260-4.
Pubmed PMID: 19429577.
Li DQ, Chen Z, Song XJ, Luo L, Pflugfelder SC. " Stimulation of matrix metalloproteinases by hyperosmolarity via a JNK pathway in human corneal epithelial cells. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2004 Dec ; 45 (12) : 4302-11.
Pubmed PMID: 15557436.
Corrales RM, Villarreal A, Farley W, Stern ME, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Strain-related cytokine profiles on the murine ocular surface in response to desiccating stress. " Cornea. 2007 Jun ; 26 (5) : 579-84.
Pubmed PMID: 17525655.
Pflugfelder SC, de Paiva CS, Tong L, Luo L, Stern ME, Li DQ. " Stress-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in dry eye and ocular surface disease. " Ocul Surf. 2005 Oct ; 3 (4) : S154-7.
Pubmed PMID: 17216108.
Lee SB, Li DQ, Tan DT, Meller DC, Tseng SC. " Suppression of TGF-beta signaling in both normal conjunctival fibroblasts and pterygial body fibroblasts by amniotic membrane. " Curr. Eye Res.. 2000 Apr ; 20 (4) : 325-34.
Pubmed PMID: 10806447.
Tseng SC, Li DQ, Ma X. " Suppression of transforming growth factor-beta isoforms, TGF-beta receptor type II, and myofibroblast differentiation in cultured human corneal and limbal fibroblasts by amniotic membrane matrix. " J. Cell. Physiol.. 1999 Jun ; 179 (3) : 325-35.
Pubmed PMID: 10228951.
Li DQ, Zhou N, Zhang L, Ma P, Pflugfelder SC. " Suppressive effects of azithromycin on zymosan-induced production of proinflammatory mediators by human corneal epithelial cells. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2010 Nov ; 51 (11) : 5623-9.
Pubmed PMID: 20538995.
Chen Z, Li DQ, Tong L, Stewart P, Chu C, Pflugfelder SC. " Targeted inhibition of p57 and p15 blocks transforming growth factor beta-inhibited proliferation of primary cultured human limbal epithelial cells. " Mol. Vis.. 2006 ; 12 : 983-94.
Pubmed PMID: 16943770.
Kim HS, Shang T, Chen Z, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " TGF-beta1 stimulates production of gelatinase (MMP-9), collagenases (MMP-1, -13) and stromelysins (MMP-3, -10, -11) by human corneal epithelial cells. " Exp. Eye Res.. 2004 Aug ; 79 (2) : 263-74.
Pubmed PMID: 15325573.
Lu R, Bian F, Zhang X, Qi H, Chuang EY, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " The ß-catenin/Tcf4/survivin signaling maintains a less differentiated phenotype and high proliferative capacity of human corneal epithelial progenitor cells. " Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol.. 2011 May ; 43 (5) : 751-9.
Pubmed PMID: 21292023.
Li DQ, Tseng SC. " Three patterns of cytokine expression potentially involved in epithelial-fibroblast interactions of human ocular surface. " J. Cell. Physiol.. 1995 Apr ; 163 (1) : 61-79.
Pubmed PMID: 7896901.
Zhang L, Lu R, Zhao G, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " TLR-mediated induction of pro-allergic cytokine IL-33 in ocular mucosal epithelium. " Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol.. 2011 Sep ; 43 (9) : 1383-91.
Pubmed PMID: 21684348.
Ma P, Wang Z, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Toll-like receptors mediate induction of peptidoglycan recognition proteins in human corneal epithelial cells. " Exp. Eye Res.. 2010 Jan ; 90 (1) : 130-6.
Pubmed PMID: 19799901.
Lu R, Qu Y, Ge J, Zhang L, Su Z, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " Transcription Factor TCF4 Maintains the Properties of Human Corneal Epithelial Stem Cells. " Stem Cells. 2012 Apr ; 30 (4) : 753-61.
Pubmed PMID: 22232078.
Tong L, Chen Z, De Paiva CS, Beuerman R, Li DQ, Pflugfelder SC. " Transglutaminase participates in UVB-induced cell death pathways in human corneal epithelial cells. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2006 Oct ; 47 (10) : 4295-301.
Pubmed PMID: 17003418.
Zheng X, Ma P, de Paiva CS, Cunningham MA, Hwang CS, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. " TSLP and Downstream Molecules in Experimental Mouse Allergic Conjunctivitis. " Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci.. 2010 Jun ; 51 (6) : 3076-82.
Pubmed PMID: 20107175.
Li D-Q*, Kim S, LI JM, Gao Q, Choi J, Bian F, Hu J, Zhang Y, Li J, Lu R, Li Y, Pflugfelder SC, Miao H, Chen R*.. " Single-cell transcriptomics identifies limbal stem cell population and cell types mapping its differentiation trajectory in limbal basal epithelium of human cornea. " Ocul Surf. 2021 Jan ; 20 : 20-32.
Pubmed PMID: 33388438.
Deng R, Chen X, Zhang Y, Bian F, Gao N, Hu J, Wang C, de Souza RG, Lu F, Pflugfelder SC, Li D-Q.*. " Short ragweed pollen promotes M2 macrophage polarization via TSLP/TSLPR/OX40L signaling in allergic inflammation. " Mucosal Immunology.. 2019 Sep ; 12 (5) : 1141-1149.
Pubmed PMID: 31350466.
Li JM, Lu R, Zhang Y, Lin J, Hua X, Pflugfelder SC, Li D-Q*. " IL-36α/IL-36RA/IL-38 signaling mediates inflammation and barrier disruption in human corneal epithelial cells under hyperosmotic stress. " Ocul Surf. 2021 Aug ; 22 : 163-171.
Pubmed PMID: 34428579.
Hu J, Gao N, Zhang Y, Chen X, Chi W, Li J, Bian F, Liu Z, de Paiva CS, Pflugfelder SC, Li D-Q.*. " IL-33/ST2/IL-9/IL-9R signaling disrupts ocular surface barrier in allergic inflammation. " Mucosal Immunology.. 2020 Nov ; 13 (6) : 919-930.
Pubmed PMID: 32358573.
Chen X, Deng R, Chi W, Hua X, Chen X, Lu F, Bian F, Gao N, Li Z, Pflugfelder SC, de Paiva CS, Li D-Q.*. " IL-27 Signaling Deficiency Develops Th17-enhanced Th2-dominant Inflammation in Murine Allergic Conjunctivitis Model. " Allergy. 2019 ; 74 (5) : 910-921.
Pubmed PMID: 30515838.
146. Liu Z, Chen D, Chen X, Bian F, Gao N, Li JM, Pflugfelder SC, Li D-Q*.. " Autophagy activation protects ocular surface from inflammation in a dry eye model in vitro. " Int J Mol Sci.. 2020 Nov ; 21 : 8966.
Pubmed PMID: 33255884.
Xiao Y, de Paiva CS, Yu Z, Guimaraes de Souza R, Li D-Q, Pflugfelder SC.. " Goblet cell-produced retinoic acid suppresses CD86 expression and IL-12 production in bone marrow-derived cells. " Int Immunol.. 2018 Sep ; 30 (10) : 457-470.
Pubmed PMID: 30010888.
Chen D, Qu Y, Hua X, Zhang L, Liu Z, Pflugfelder SC, Li-D-Q*.. " A hyaluronan hydrogel scaffold-based xeno-free culture system for ex vivo expansion of human corneal epithelial stem cells.. " Eye. 2017 ; 31 : 962-971.
Bian F, Xiao Y, Zaheer M, Volpe EA, Pflugfelder SC, Li D-Q, de Paiva CS.. " Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway by butyrate improves corneal wound healing in corneal alkali burn.. " Int J Mol Sci.. 2017 ; 18 : 562.
Liu Z, Chen D, Chen X, Bian F, Qin W, Gao N, Xiao Y, Li JM, Pflugfelder SC, Li D-Q*.. " Trehalose induces autophagy against inflammation by activating TFEB signaling pathway in human corneal epithelial cells exposed to hyperosmotic stress.. " Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci.. 2020 May ; 61 (10) : 26.
Li JM, Kim S, Zhang Y, Bian F, Hu J, Lu R, Pflugfelder SC, Chen R, Li D-Q*. " Single-cell transcriptomics identifies a unique entity and signature markers of transit-amplifying cells in human corneal limbus " Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci.. 2021 Jul ; 62 : 36.
Pubmed PMID: 34297801.
Chi W, Hua X, Chen X, Bian F, Yuan X, Zhang L, Wang X, Chen D, Deng R, Li Z, Liu Y, de Paiva CS, Pflugfelder SC, Li D-Q.*. " Mitochondrial DNA oxidation induces imbalanced activity of NLRP3/NLRP6 inflammasomes by activation of caspase-8 and BRCC36 in dry eye.. " J Autoimmunity.. 2017 ; 80 : 65-76.
Li J, Deng R , Hua X , Zhang L , Lu F , Pflugfelder SC, Li D-Q*.. " Blueberry Component Pterostilbene Protects Corneal Epithelial Cells from Inflammation via Anti-oxidative Pathway. " Sci. Rep. 2016 ; 6 : 19408.
Pubmed PMID: 26762881.
Bian F, Pelegrino FSA, Tukler Henriksson J, Pflugfelder SC, Volpe EA, Li D-Q, de Paiva CS.. " Differential effects of Dexamethasone and Doxycycline on Inflammation and MMP Production in Alkali-Burned Corneas Associated with Dry Eye. " Ocul Surf. 2016 Jan ; S1542-0124.
Pubmed PMID: 26772899.
Li J, Xiao Y, Coursey TG, Chen X, Pflugfelder SC, Li D-Q*.. " Identification for differential localization of putative corneal epithelial stem cells in mouse and human.. " Sci. Rep. 2017 ; 7 (1) : 5169.
Li J, Zhang L, Chen X, Chen D, Hua X, Bian F, Deng R , Lu F, Li Z, Pflugfelder SC, Li D-Q*.. " Pollen/TLR4 innate immunity signaling initiates IL-33/ST2/Th2 pathways in allergic inflammation.. " Sci. Rep. 2016 ; 6 : 36150.
Bian F, Wang C, Tukler-Henriksson J, Pflugfelder SC, Camodeca C, Nuti E, Rossello A, Li DQ, de Paiva CS.. " MMP-8 Is Critical for Dexamethasone Therapy in Alkali-Burned Corneas Under Dry Eye Conditions. " J Cell Physiol.. 2016 Nov ; 231 (11) : 2506-2516.
Pubmed PMID: 26923552.

Funding

TLR4-dependent Innate Immunity In Pollen-triggered Ocular Allergic Inflammation #R01 EY023298: (08/01/2014 - 07/31/2020); Grant funding from National Institute of Health, National Eye Institute