DeCure's autonomous Rare AI scientist is researching a drug-repurposing hypothesis for keratoconjunctivitis — screening already-approved drugs against its 8-gene Open Targets disease module to publish open-access research. Research is fast; the path to publication is funded in milestone stages.
Disease moduleKeratoconjunctivitis maps to a 8-gene Open Targets module — the target space DeCure's AI scientist screens approved drugs against.
DeCure.ai methodSignature reversal (LINCS) plus network proximity (STRING) rank already-approved drugs likely to perturb this module — the same engine that produces DeCure.ai's repurposing hypotheses.
Repurposing thesisScreening approved medicines against this disease module, then publishing the evidence for the strongest candidate. Known pharmacology and human exposure data make the first question sharper — they do not establish safety or efficacy in a new indication.
Research record
01
ResearchComing soon
Candidate research + dossier — target rationale, drug-repurposing thesis and evidence pack.proof: Published dossier + on-chain hash
02
ValidationComing soon
In-vitro biological validation at a contract research org (CRO).proof: CRO contract + in-vitro report
03
Peer review & paperComing soon
Peer-reviewed paper published open-access (preprint + journal).proof: DOI + open-access link + on-chain hash
Current lead
approvedCyclosporineApproved drugapprovedSirolimusApproved drug
Structures already discussed alongside keratoconjunctivitis in the retrieved literature, rendered from public PubChem SMILES. Which drugs appear here reflects the evidence found, not a ranked prediction.
Molecular view
ATOMIC STRUCTURE OF THE RAPAMYCIN HUMAN IMMUNOPHILIN FKBP-12 COMPLEX — Sirolimus has a real, experimentally solved structure in complex with this target (PDB 1FKB, 1.7 Å). This is the drug's own deposited structure, not a prediction, and confirms it is a structurally characterised molecule rather than an untested guess.
Loading structure…
helix sheet rapdrag to rotate · scroll to zoom
RCSB Protein Data Bank · entry 1FKB · 1.7 Å · ligand Sirolimus (RAP). Experimental structure, not a prediction.
What the evidence adds up to
In a 2003 review of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, an allergic eye disease affecting young boys in warm climates, approximately 50% of patients had no personal or family history of atopic disease and no IgE sensitisation, suggesting the condition is not solely IgE-mediated. The disease is driven by Th2 lymphocytes with increased mRNA for IL-3, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, and involves overexpression of adhesion molecules, RANTES, eotaxin and metalloproteinases. The review describes a multifactorial pathogenesis involving immune, nervous and endocrine systems, and characterises vernal keratoconjunctivitis as a chronic, potentially blinding inflammatory disease.
A 2013 case report describes a 33-year-old man with recurrent keratoconjunctivitis caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Topical vancomycin was effective initially, but infection recurred when treatment stopped. The patient was later diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). After intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was started, no recurrence was observed during follow-up. The authors conclude that topical therapy alone is insufficient and that IVIG is necessary in such cases.
A 2025 study of 14 patients with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) due to adenovirus type 8 measured tear cytokines. IL-6, IL-8 and IL-12 correlated significantly with total clinical ophthalmological score. In more severely affected eyes, IL-8 and IL-6 correlated with conjunctival hyperaemia, and IL-6 correlated with conjunctival swelling. In less severely affected eyes, IL-12 and TNF-α correlated with inflammatory response, hyperaemia and haemorrhages. IL-10 was detected in both eyes, possibly indicating a regulatory counterbalance. The study provides new data on human immune response at the ocular surface but does not test any treatment.
A 2016 study in Iran collected conjunctival samples from 100 patients with keratoconjunctivitis signs and found 28% positive for vaccinia virus (VACV) by PCR. A statistically significant association was found between working in medical or research laboratories and VACV prevalence. The authors call for further studies on prevention and control. A 2014 clinical report describes a patient with atopic keratoconjunctivitis that was not recognised until cataract surgery triggered an exacerbation; treatment with Restasis (ciclosporin) eye drops was then used, but the report does not provide quantitative outcomes or controlled data.
Evidence
Retrieved by DeepSearch across 234,678,978 indexed works and resolved on OpenAlex — ranked by citations, including the results that did not work.
Cornea · 1993 · 112 citations
Pilot Trial of Cyclosporine 1% Ophthalmic Ointment in the Treatment of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
AbstractThis trial was a randomized, double-masked, crossover study during which patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca underwent 6 weeks of treatment with either cyclosporine 1% ophthalmic ointment or placebo followed by 6 weeks of the alternative treatment. Washout periods using only unpreserved artificial tears preceded both treatment cycles. Twenty-five patients completed the first treatment period, but only eight met entry criteria for period II. Cyclosporine ointment was associated with initial mild to moderate redness, itching, and burning that returned to baseline levels within 1-2 weeks. Rose Bengal results and results of four subjective (patient diary) efficacy parameters favored cyclosporine: foreign body sensation, overall symptoms, hours of symptom control per day, and overall effectiveness. No systemic adverse events or laboratory abnormalities occurred. We conclude that (a) the crossover design is inappropriate for studying this disease; (b) mild to moderate itching, redness, and burning occur initially with cyclosporine administration, although tolerance quickly develops; (c) cyclosporine appears to benefit the ocular surface in keratoconjunctivitis sicca; and (d) further trials in this syndrome are warranted.
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology · 2003 · 80 citations
Allergic chronic inflammation of the ocular surface in vernal keratoconjunctivitis
AbstractPURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to describe the new immunopathologic features of vernal keratoconjunctivitis: the involvement of cytokines, growth factors, cells, mediators and neurotransmitters, as well as the mechanism leading to tissue remodelling. RECENT FINDINGS: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is an allergic eye disease affecting young boys living in a warm climate. It is characterized by conjunctival giant papillae, hyperemia and frequent involvement of the cornea. Approximately 50% of the patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis do not have a family or medical history of atopic diseases, and do not show IgE sensitization, suggesting that this disease is not solely IgE mediated. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a Th2 lymphocyte driven disease with a Th2 cytokine derived pattern, increased levels of mRNA for IL-3, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. Th2 lymphocytes induce IgE hyperproduction, activation of mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils and their toxic products. An overexpression of adhesion molecules, RANTES, eotaxin and metalloproteinases contribute to chronic inflammation. A role for substance P and nerve growth factor has been postulated, as well as for other growth factors (epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor beta 1) that induce fibroblast growth and new collagen production. Recent studies have also pointed out the role of resident conjunctival cells, such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts, in the inflammatory and remodelling process of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. The pathogenesis of the condition is probably multifactorial, with the interaction of the immune, nervous and endocrine systems. SUMMARY: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a chronic inflammatory and potentially blinding disease. Understanding of the complex interactions and cross talk between cells, cytokines and other mediators is relevant for new therapeutic approaches.
Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Induce Recurrent Keratoconjunctivitis in a Patient with Common Variable Immunodeficiency
AbstractPURPOSE: We present a case study regarding a patient with recurrent keratoconjunctivitis that presented as an initial manifestation of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). METHODS: We describe a case and review the recent relevant medical literature. RESULTS: A 33-year-old male had recurrent keratoconjunctivitis induced by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Topical vancomycin treatment was effective, but infection recurred when the vancomycin treatment was stopped. The patient was transferred to the Department of Medicine to rule out potential systemic immune diseases and was finally diagnosed with CVID. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was administered, and the patient was followed up monthly without any recurrence of infection to date. IVIG will be administered monthly for the patient's lifetime. CONCLUSIONS: Keratoconjunctivitis is a CVID-associated manifestation, sometimes appearing as the first presentation. CVID should be considered when unexplained recurrent conjunctival and/or corneal bacterial infections are observed. Topical therapy is not sufficient to treat this infection and IVIG is necessary.
Clinical ophthalmology · 2025 · 2 citations · open access
Proinflammatory Tear Cytokines in Human Adenoviral Keratoconjunctivitis and Clinical Eye Severity
AbstractIntroduction: Acute adenoviral conjunctivitis is a disease with mild to severe clinical manifestations. Animal models have provided insight into the role of the innate immune system in clinical damage, but the human immune response at the ocular surface remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the relationship between tear cytokine levels and disease severity in patients with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). Methods: Fourteen consecutive patients with EKC, confirmed with HAdV8 infection, were included. Ocular characteristics were documented, and each patient’s eye was classified as having more or less severe disease. After tear sampling, levels of cytokines IL-8, IL-6, IL-1b, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-a were measured using a cytometric bead array. Results: Our results showed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in EKC-affected eyes. IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12 significantly correlated with the total clinical ophthalmological score. In the more severely affected eyes, IL-8 and IL-6 significantly correlated with conjunctival hyperemia, and IL-6 correlated with conjunctival swelling. In the less severely affected eyes, inflammatory response, conjunctival hyperemia, and conjunctival hemorrhages were significantly correlated with IL-12 and TNF-a, and ocular discharge was significantly correlated with all tear cytokines. IL-10 was detected in both eyes, suggesting a possible regulatory counterbalance. Discussion: This study offers novel insights into the pathophysiology of human adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis and its association with clinical data. Plain Language Summary: Despite the clinical significance of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, most studies have concentrated on defining its genotype. Similarly, knowledge of the molecular basis of adenoviral conjunctivitis comes from animal models or cellular lines. Prior to our work, the human immune response at the ocular surface during adenovirus conjunctivitis was poorly understood. Our study described the clinical features of the disease based on severity and found significant correlations between proinflammatory tear cytokines and clinical signs. The results of this study provide new insights into the pathophysiology of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis and a potential new approach to diagnosis and prompt treatment. Keywords: tear cytokines, adenovirus infection, keratoconjunctivitis, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-a
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology · 2016 · 1 citations · open access
Genomic identification of human vaccinia virus keratoconjunctivitis and its importance as a laboratory-acquired infection
AbstractCONTEXT: Vaccinia virus (VACV) is a member of orthopoxvirus genus of the family Poxviridae. VACVs are enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses. Several species of this family, for example, molluscum contagiosum, smallpox, deerpox, horsepox, rabbitpox, and VACVs may cause conjunctivitis. AIMS: Given the high incidence of keratoconjunctivitis in Iran (approximately 3.6%-53.9%) and insufficient clinical diagnostic measures, laboratory tests for detection of its causes and determination of accurate keratoconjunctivitis/conjunctivitis prevalence due to different pathogens are essential. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: In this research, conjunctival samples collected from 100 patients with keratoconjunctivitis signs were referred to an eye hospital of Iran. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: After DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out for detection of VACV. PCR-positive products were further subjected to DNA sequencing. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The results were analyzed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: In this study, 28% of the samples were positive and a statistically significant relationship obtained between working in medical or research laboratories and VACV prevalence (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a high rate of VACV keratoconjunctivitis, and therefore, further studies for its prevention and control are necessary.
Ophthalmology Reports · 2014 · 1 citations · open access
A clinical experience of atopic keratoconjunctivitis treatment
AbstractAtopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a nosologic form seen very frequently in multifunctional hospitals, as it co-exists with systemic diseases. In the present article, a clinical case of an extended treatment of a patient without any permanent improvement is described, because AKC was not recognized until cataract development and hospitalization for cataract surgery. The surgical procedure served as a releaser for AKC exacerbation, what allowed to put a correct diagnosis and to work out an adequate treatment regimen, based on immunomodulating Restasis® eye drops.
Scholar Science Journals - International Journal of Biomedical Research · 2017 · 0 citations · open access
Role of sirolimus topical application in recalcitrant cases of vernal keratoconjuctivitis
AbstractAim: To study the role of sirolimus topical application (0.03% and 0>1% concentration) in recalcitrant cases of vernal keratoconjuctivitis in the region of Bikaner, Rajasthan.Materials & Methods: After patient selection of suspected vernal keratoconjuctivitis sociodemographic data risk factors and clinical symptoms were recorded.Ophthalmic examination was performed including records details of symptoms, drugs used, visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement slit lamp examination.Patients categorized according symptoms and prepared sirolimus eye drop prescribed to patient in two groups and follow up done in every 15 day for 3 month Results: Male preponderance was seen in the ratio 3.17:1.68% cases were students followed by 20% cases involved in outdoor activity.All the cases were bilateral and most of seen in the summer month of April-June i.e. 42%.100% improvement in itching, redness, watering, ropy discharge, photophobia and in corneal involvement than conjunctival hyperemia, papillary hypertrophy, gelatinous ring around limbus and cobblestone lesion have less improvement.0.1% sirolimus e/d have faster action than 0.03% Conclusion: Sirolimus eye drop is effective and sare therapy for recalcitrant cases of vernal keratoconjunctivitis.Both concentrations of sirolimus are effective and safe but 0.1% has faster action than 0.03%.Higher concentration (0.1%) used in severe cases for 30 days followed by lower concentration (0.03%).Sirolimus eye drop is alternate of steroid drop for long term use.
Disease module: DeepOracle (Open Targets). Structures: RDKit from PubChem SMILES. Literature: retrieved by DeepSearch across 234,678,978 indexed works (targeted per-candidate search), resolved on OpenAlex.
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