Elevated CD45⁺CD11c⁺CX3CR1⁺ Cells in Optic Nerves and Their Relation to Optic Nerve Function in an Experimental...

Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells that play essential roles in immunity and initiate immune reactions in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models. Dendritic cell recruitment was quantified in the optic nerve and retina after inducing the EAE model, and the correlation between functional and structural damage to the optic nerve and retina was determined. EAE was induced in female C57BL/6 mice by injecting murine myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55. All 20 mice were sacrificed sequentially. The dendritic cell infiltration level was analyzed using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining. Dendritic cell maturation-related factors were analyzed using quantitative PCR. The structural and functional in vivo readouts of each mouse were assessed using optical coherence tomography and optokinetic response, respectively. EAE induction increased inflammatory cell infiltration in the optic nerve and retina. The dendritic cell population was higher in the EAE group. The mRNA expression of factors associated with dendritic cell maturation was highly correlated with systemic and optic nerve functional damage. Dendritic cell infiltration and its maturation factors correlated with systemic neurologic deficits, optic nerve functional damage, and structural changes in the EAE model, accompanied by optic neuritis.