Blood-retina barrier dysfunction in experimental autoimmune uveitis: the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets
- Author:
Jeongtae KIM
1
;
Jiyoon CHUN
;
Meejung AHN
;
Kyungsook JUNG
;
Changjong MOON
;
Taekyun SHIN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:Anatomy & Cell Biology 2022;55(1):20-27
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), an animal model of human uveitis, is characterized by infiltration of autoimmune T cells in the uvea as well as in the retina of susceptible animals. EAU is induced by the immunization of uveitogenic antigens, including either retinal soluble-antigen or interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding proteins, in Lewis rats. The pathogenesis of EAU in rats involves the proliferation of autoimmune T cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues and breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier, primarily in the uvea and retina, finally inducing visual dysfunction. In this review, we describe recent EAU studies to facilitate the design of a therapeutic strategy through the interruption of uveitogenic factors during the course of EAU, which will be helpful for controlling human uveitis.