Inhibition of cellular transfer of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis by Rapamycin

The crucial role of CD4(+) T cells in mediating uveitis is well recognized. One treatment strategy of non-infectious uveitis therefore seeks to inhibit T cell function. For that purpose the authors have evaluated the efficacy of Rapamycin (RAPA), an inhibitor of lymphocyte response to growth factors. To reproduce as best as possible the immune system condition during active disease, the adoptive transfer of activated T cells was used to induce experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). Treatment with RAPA was delivered by continuous intravenous infusion. The results showed a complete inhibition of EAU transfer at the RAPA dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day. They indicate that RAPA could be a useful immunosuppressant for uveitis therapy.