Blocking ICAM-1 (CD54) and LFA-1 (CD11a) inhibits experimental allergic conjunctivitis

Cell adhesion molecules are critical for the homing and migration of leukoc ytes into inflamed tissues. We investigated the role of ICAM-1 and LFA-1 in a previously described experimental model of ragweed (Rw)induced allergic conjunctivitis, SWR/J mice were treated intraperitoneally 6 and 1 h prior t o topical challenge with Rw with injections of anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antib ody (mAb), anti-LFA-l mAb, both anti-ICAM-1 and anti-LFA-mAbs, or rat IgG. Blocking ICAM-1 or LFA-1 reduced the clinical signs of allergic conjunctivi tis. Treatment with anti-ICAM-1 or anti-LFA-1 mAbs also significantly inhib ited cellular infiltration into the conjunctiva. The greatest inhibitory ef fect was achieved with the combination of antibodies against both cell adhe sion molecules. Since antibodies against ICAM-1 and LFA-1 significantly inh ibit the development of the clinical and histologic signs of allergic conju nctivitis, they may be useful for treating patients with ocular allergy.