The presence of cell-mediated immunity in uveitis

We have attempted to demonstrate cell mediated immunity in cases of uveitis. We tested blood samples of patients for leucocyte migration inhibition (LMI) and lymphocyte transformation (LT). The gel diffusion test was used to detect humoral antibody. Allogeneic uveal, retinal and corneal antigens were prepared for the tests from eye bank eyes. The LMI and LT tests gave positive results in 9 out of 16 cases. In these 9 cases 8 were positive to retinal antigen, three with corneal antigen and only one was positive against uveal antigen. Humoral antibodies were not detected. We suggest that cell mediated autoimmunity is present but the relationship of this to the uveitis itself is obscure.