This investigation sought to identify the presence of immune cells in normal canine corneal epithelium. A whole-mount immunofluorescence study of normal canine epithelium using monoclonal antibodies against CD45, CD11c, CD1c and MHC class II was performed. CD45-positive cells were located in all epithelial layers throughout the cornea, occurring in greater numbers (51.98+/-4.1/mm(2)) at the periphery and decreasing towards the central region (11.8+/-3.1/mm(2)). CD11c-positive cells were also observed, but were fewer in number. The findings show that the normal canine cornea carries a significant number of cells of immune origin; these cells seem to be of an inactive phenotype as they do not express MHC class II. Further studies are needed to determine whether these cells can express co-stimulatory molecules and act as antigen presenting cells if stimulated.