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Local and Systemic Immunologic Profiles Differentiate Accepted and Rejected Islet Grafts in a Rat Anterior Chamber
Jae-Young Lee1, Choun-Ki Joo2, Asif I Shawl3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 03312, Republic of Korea, catholic.ac.kr.
Journal of Immunology Research
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Monitoring immune responses in the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) can predict islet transplant rejection. Early detection of specific cytokines may guide immunosuppression therapy for better graft acceptance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Transplantation Biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- The anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) offers immune privilege for islet transplantation.
- Revascularization can compromise immune privilege, leading to inflammation and graft rejection.
- Understanding ocular and systemic immune responses is crucial for successful islet allografts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare ocular and systemic immune responses in accepted versus rejected islet allografts in the ACE.
- To identify immune markers that distinguish between graft acceptance and rejection.
- To assess the potential for early detection of graft rejection.
Main Methods:
- Allogeneic islet transplantation into the ACE of Lewis rats without immunosuppression.
- Histological and immunofluorescence analysis of ocular grafts and spleens for T-cell populations.
- Quantification of local and systemic cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-10).
- Monitoring of graft function (glycemic control) and diabetic retinopathy development.
Main Results:
- Accepted grafts maintained euglycemia, while rejected grafts lost glycemic control within 3 weeks.
- Accepted grafts showed reduced local immune infiltration and increased splenic regulatory T-cells (Tregs).
- Rejected grafts exhibited significant T-cell infiltration, decreased splenic Tregs, elevated inflammatory cytokines, and worsened outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Integrated profiling of local and systemic immune signatures effectively distinguishes accepted from rejected ACE islet allografts.
- Early postoperative monitoring of IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-10 within 3 weeks can facilitate timely immunosuppression.
- This approach may improve outcomes for islet transplantation in the ACE.
