Characterization of an immunopathogenic epitope in rhodopsin that induces experimental autoimmune uveitis

G. Adamus, D. Dugger, A. Arendt, P. A. Hargrave

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Rhodopsin, a membrane protein of red photoreceptor cells, induces experimental autoimmune uveitis in Lewis rats. Synthetic peptides have been used to define pathogenic determinants for rhodopsin. Peptide 230-252 (loop V-VI) was found to contain a major uveitogenic site. Kinetics of the response to the peptide 230-252 was studied. Rats were given a single dose of the synthetic peptide 230-252 (VKEAAAQQQESATTQKAEKEVTR) mixed in complete Freund's adjuvant. Eyes, blood, and splenic lymphocytes were collected at different postinjection times. Histologically confirmed uveitis occurred 14 days after injection, and active inflammation was present for the next 10 days. At first, mild mononuclear cell infiltration with loci of inflammatory cells in the retina was observed. Later, infiltration of photoreceptor cell layer, outer nuclear layer, and inner layer of the retina was characteristic. The cellular responses determined by in vitro lymphocyte proliferation assay indicated strong proliferative activity against immunizing peptide as early as 8 days after injection, with a peak of proliferative activity on days 15- 16. In studies to determine the importance of amino acid residues in induction of experimental autoimmune uveitis, sequence SATTQKAEKEVT (240- 251) has been found to be very immunopotent and to contain the uveitogenic site.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)44-46
Number of pages3
JournalRegional Immunology
Volume6
Issue number1-2
StatePublished - 1994

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology

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