Spontaneous retinopathy in HLA-A29 transgenic mice

Humans who have inherited the class I major histocompatibility allele HLA-A 29 have a markedly increased relative risk of developing the eye disease te rmed birdshot chorioretinopathy. This disease affecting adults is character ized by symmetrically scattered, small, cream-colored spots in the fundus a ssociated with retinal vasculopathy and inflammatory signs causing damage t o the ocular structures, leading regularly to visual loss. To investigate t he role of HLA-A29 in this disease, we introduced the HLA-A29 gene into mic e. Aging HLA-A29 transgenic mice spontaneously developed retinopathy, showi ng a striking resemblance to the HLA-A29-associated chorioretinopathy. Thes e results strongly suggest that HLA-A29 is involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Elucidation of the role of HLA-A29 should be assisted by this transgenic model.