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RPE65 is highly uveitogenic in rats
Don-Il Ham1, Susan Gentleman, Chi-Chao Chan
1Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, Room 10N112, Bethesda, MD 20892-1857, USA.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|July 2, 2002
Summary
Retinal pigment epithelium protein 65 (RPE65) is highly uveitogenic in rats, causing severe eye inflammation. This suggests RPE65 may play a role in human eye autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is crucial for vision.
- RPE65 is a key protein within the RPE.
- Understanding RPE65's role in ocular inflammation is vital for autoimmune eye disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the uveitogenic potential of RPE65 in rats.
- To determine if RPE65 can induce autoimmune eye disease.
Main Methods:
- Rats of four strains (Lewis, Brown Norway, Fischer, SHR) were immunized with RPE65 or S-antigen.
- Immunizations were emulsified with complete Freund adjuvant and Bordetella pertussis.
- Ocular changes were assessed clinically and histologically.
Main Results:
- Lewis and Fischer rats developed severe uveitis upon RPE65 immunization, similar to S-Ag.
- Brown Norway rats showed severe disease with RPE65 but minimal with S-Ag.
- SHR rats exhibited poor responses to RPE65-induced disease.
Conclusions:
- RPE65 is a potent uveitogenic factor in susceptible rat strains.
- These findings implicate RPE65 in the pathogenesis of human autoimmune eye conditions.