['To investigate the effect of human amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) on T-cell immune response in murine corneas with herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK).', 'Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1-infected BALB/c mice with necrotizing HSK were treated with AMT. CD3(+) cell apoptosis was determined in treated corneas and in vitro by flow cytometric analysis using the annexin V/7-AAD system. The effect of interleukin (IL)-2, cyclosporine, rapamycin, or Fas on T-cell survival was measured. Activation phenotype was measured by (3)H-thymidine uptake and flow cytometry (CD25, CD69, major histocompatibility complex class II). Cytokine/chemokine secretion from amniotic membrane (AM)-treated corneas or draining lymph node cells was measured. The immune-modulating capacity of long-term AMT treatment and adoptive transfer of AM-treated splenocytes was tested.', 'After AMT, HSK and corneal inflammatory cell infiltration improved, and T-lymphocyte apoptosis occurred. T-cell apoptosis was also induced in vitro, independently of rIL-2, cyclosporine, rapamycin, or Fas. AMT-treated corneas and cultured lymphocytes had reduced IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, CRG-2, and CCL-2 content. Long-term AMT treatment decreased the proliferative response and type 1 helper T-cell cytokine level in draining lymph node cells. The improvement in HSK did not persist. Delayed-type hypersensitivity or HSV-1-specific cytotoxicity was not altered'] Does amniotic membrane transplantation induce apoptosis in T lymphocytes in murine corneas with experimental herpetic stromal keratitis?