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Ocular molecules and cells that regulate immune responses in situ
J W Streilein1, S Cousins, J S Williamson
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101.
International Ophthalmology
|October 1, 1990
Summary
The eye
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Ophthalmology
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology
- T cell immunology
Background:
- T cell-dependent immune responses are regulated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs).
- The anterior chamber of the eye has unique immunological properties.
- Bone marrow-derived cells are present in the iris and ciliary body.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immune regulatory functions of anterior chamber cells.
- To determine the role of iris/ciliary body cells and aqueous humor in T cell activation.
- To explore the mechanisms underlying ocular immune privilege.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of antigen presentation by anterior chamber APCs.
- Assessment of T cell activation and suppression by iris/ciliary body cells.
- Analysis of aqueous humor for inhibitory factors affecting T cell function.
Main Results:
- Iris/ciliary body APCs failed to activate T cells in vitro.
- Iris/ciliary body cells suppressed T cell activation induced by conventional APCs.
- Aqueous humor contains factors, including TGF-β, that inhibit antigen-driven T cell activation.
Conclusions:
- The anterior chamber possesses potent mechanisms to prevent T cell-mediated immunity induction and suppress its expression.
- These mechanisms contribute to ocular immune privilege and anterior chamber-associated immune deviation.
- These findings explain the suppression of pathological proliferation and inflammation in the anterior segment of the eye.