WNT Mimetic-Induced Lacrimal Gland Regeneration

Although tear replacement and anti-inflammatory treatments have been thoroughly investigated, a method to induce epithelial restoration is lacking. Here, we asked whether WNT signaling activation via an antibody-based WNT mimetic platform might activate lacrimal gland acinar cells and restore tear secretion. Transcriptional and cellular changes were investigated using single cell sequencing. In a mouse model of dry eye disease, and intra-lacrimal gland treatment with a WNT mimetic targeting FZD1, 2, and 7 reversed aqueous tear deficiency. After excretory duct ligation damage, WNT mimetic treatment promoted acinar cell restoration and increased detectable tear volume production. We demonstrate a role for WNT signaling in acinar cell proliferation, and scRNA-seq revealed that the WNT mimetic promotes pathway activation and proliferation in injury-induced states. Our findings extend the potential for WNT pathway activation via a ligand mimetic platform to lacrimal gland regeneration.