Chlorphenesin is a reversible antigen-associated immunosuppressant. Chlorphenesin is an antibacterial and antifungal agent used in numerous eye care cosmetics[1].
Chlorphenesin (0.01, 0.1, 0.3%; 30-min exposure) significantly reduces the activity of the Akt pathway in a dose-dependent manner in human meibomian gland epithelial cells (HMGECs)[2]. Chlorphenesin (0.1, 0.3%; 24 hours) induces immortalized HMGECs (IHMGECs) rounding, atrophy, poor adherence, detachme and significantly reduces the number of IHMGECs[2].
[1]. H Y Whang, et al. Chlorphenesin: an antigen-associated immunosuppressant. Infect Immun. 1970 Jul;2(1):60-4. [2]. Jingyi Wang, et al. Toxicity of the cosmetic preservatives parabens, phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin on human meibomian gland epithelial cells. Exp Eye Res. 2020 Jul;196:108057.