Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis: characterization of retina infiltrating cells

The chronic model of murine EAU induced by interphotoreceptor retinoid bind ing protein represents a disease similar to clinical chorioretinitis. In th is study we characterized the kinetics of retina infiltrating T-cells, macr ophages and expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and ICAM-2. Methods: B10.A mice were immunized subcutaneously with IRBP, and the eyes w ere analyzed on days 10, 18, 24 and 28. The infiltrating cells were charact erized by mAbs recognizing T-cell receptors (TCR) V beta 6 acid V beta 8, T -cell markers, macrophages and ICAM-1 and ICAM-2. Results: While CD8(+) T-cells and ICAM-2 were detectable from day 10 (retin a is intact) until day 28, CD4(+) T-cells, macrophages and ICAM-1 appear wi th the onset of retinal destruction. Starting at day 10 the dominating TCR was V beta 6; V beta 8 was noticed from day 18 on. Conclusion: CD8(+) T-cells infiltrating the intact retina and stimulating t he expression of high endothelial venules (HEVs) could be responsiable for the onset of uveitis.