In a previous genome-wide association study of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) patients we reported the association between SJS/TEN and the prostaglandin E receptor 3 (PTGER3) gene, and that its protein PGE<sub>2</sub> receptor 3 (EP3) was markedly downregulated in the conjunctival epithelium of SJS/TEN patients.
Single nucleotide polymorphism association analysis showed that the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), prostaglandin-E receptor 3 (PTGER3), and IKZF1 gene were significantly associated with CM-SJS/TEN with SOC and that they could regulate mucocutaneous inflammation including that of the ocular surface.
In the current study we investigated the expression of EP3 protein in the conjunctiva of patients with various ocular surface diseases such as SJS/TEN, chemical eye burns, Mooren's ulcers, and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP).