Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis Mice Research Articles

Effect of intravitreal injection of anti-interleukin (IL)-6 antibody in experimental autoimmune uveitis in mice

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the functional and clinical impact of intravitreal administration of a neutralizing anti-IL-6 antibody in the treatment of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in mice.MethodsEAU was induced in 17 female B10.RIII mice by administering Inter-Photoreceptor-Binding-Protein (IRBP) in complete Freund’s adjuvant, followed by a boost with Pertussis toxin. Intravitreal injections of anti-Interleukin (IL)-6 antibody were administered on days 10, 13, and 16 after EAU induction (day 0) into the randomized treatment eye, with an isotype antibody similarly injected into the fellow control eye. Visual acuity was assessed using the optomotor reflex via OptoDrum, and clinical scoring was performed via fundus imaging (utilizing 6 EAU grades) in a single-blinded manner on days 0, 10, 13, 16, and 18.ResultsUveitis developed in all 17 mice. Significantly higher visual acuity was observed in treated eyes compared to control eyes on days 13, 16, and 18. The most pronounced effect was noted on days 16 and 18 (p < 0.001). On days 13, 16, and 18 the number of eyes with lower EAU-score was significantly higher in the treatment group, with the most notable effect observed on day 18 (p < 0.003).ConclusionIntravitreal administration of anti-IL-6 treatment notably mitigates experimental autoimmune uveitis in mice, both functionally and clinically. Further investigations are warranted to assess the potential of intravitreal anti-IL-6 therapy as a treatment option for non-infectious uveitis in humans.

Fine particulate matter potentiates Th17-cell pathogenicity in experimental autoimmune uveitis via ferroptosis

The effect of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on the development of uveitis remains unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the role of PM2.5 in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) and its potential mechanism. Our results showed that PM2.5 could exacerbate the activity of EAU, as evidenced by severer clinical and pathological changes, correlated with elevated Th17 cells frequency and IL-17A expression. Proteomic analysis revealed ferroptosis was the most significant pathway. In vivo, the levels of Fe2+, ROS, lipid ROS, and malondialdehyde, as well as the expression of TFRC, HMOX1, FTH1, and FTL1 in CD4+ T cells were increased, while GSH/GSSG ratio and the expression of ACSL1 and GPX4 were decreased after PM2.5 exposure. In vitro, the expression of TFRC and HMOX1 were increased, while the expression FTH1, FTL1, ACSL1, and GPX4 were decreased after PM2.5 exposure. Ferrostatin-1 effectively alleviated PM2.5-induced intraocular inflammation and suppressed the frequency of Th17 cells. These results suggest that PM2.5 could aggravate intraocular inflammation and immune response in EAU mice through ferroptosis. Ferroptosis could be a potential marker for the prevention and treatment of uveitis.

Histone deacetylases facilitate Th17-cell differentiation and pathogenicity in autoimmune uveitis via CDK6/ID2 axis

IntroductionAutoimmune uveitis (AU) is a prevalent ocular autoimmune disease leading to significant visual impairment. However, underlying pathogenesis of AU required to develop more efficient therapy remain unclear. MethodsWe isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from AU patients and performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Besides, experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model was established and treated with histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) Belinostat or vehicle. We extracted immune cells from Blank, EAU, and HDACi-treated EAU mice and used scRNA-seq, flow cytometry, siRNA, specific inhibitors, and adoptive transfer experiments to explore the role of HDACs and its downstream potential molecular mechanisms in the immune response of EAU and AU. ResultsWe found highly expressed histone deacetylases (HDACs) family in AU patients and identified it as a key factor related to CD4+ effector T cell differentiation in the pathogenesis of AU. Our further studies showed that targeted inhibition of HDACs effectively alleviated EAU, restored its Th17/Treg balance, and reduced inflammatory gene expression, especially in CD4+ T cells. Post-HDACs inhibition, Treg proportions increased with enhanced immunomodulatory effects. Importantly, HDACs exhibited a positive promoting role on Th17 cells. Based on scRNA-seq screening and application of knock-down siRNAs and specific inhibitors in vitro and vivo, we identified CDK6 as a key downstream molecule regulated by HDAC1/3/6 through acetyl-histone H3/p53/p21 axis, which is involved in Th17 pathogenicity and EAU development. Additionally, HDACs-regulated CDK6 formed a positive loop with ID2, inducing PIM1 upregulation, promoting Th17 cell differentiation and pathogenicity, and correlates with AU progression. ConclusionBased on the screening of clinical samples and downstream molecular functional validation experiments, we revealed a driving role for HDACs and the HDACs-regulated CDK6/ID2 axis in Th17 cell differentiation and pathogenicity in AU, proposing a promising therapeutic strategy.

High salt diet alleviates disease severity in native experimental autoimmune uveitis.

Recent studies reported a link between high salt diet (HSD) and clinical exacerbation in mouse models of autoimmune diseases, mainly through the induction of pathogenic Th17 cells and/or HSD-induced dysbiosis. However, the topic remains controversial and not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of HSD on the development of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in C57BL/6J mice. Unexpectedly, our data showed a significant attenuating effect of HSD on disease severity of native EAU, induced by direct immunization with IRBP peptide. That said, HSD had no effect on EAU disease severity induced by adoptive transfer of semi-purified auto-reactive IRBP-specific T lymphocytes. Accordingly, HSD did not affect IRBP-specific systemic afferent immune response as attested by no HSD-linked changes in T lymphocytes proliferation, cytokine production and Treg proportion. Gut microbiota analysis from cecal samples in naïve and EAU mice demonstrated that HSD affected differentially α-diversity between groups, whereas β-diversity was significantly modified in all groups. Unknown Tannerellaceae was the only taxon associated to HSD exposure in all treatment groups. Interestingly, a significantly higher abundance of unknown Gastranaerophilales, with potential anti-inflammatory properties, appeared in HSD-fed native EAU mice, only. In conclusion, our study suggests a possible impact of HSD on gut microbiota composition and consequently on development and clinical severity of EAU. Further studies are required to investigate the potential beneficial role of Gastranaerophilales in EAU.

Beneficial mechanisms of dimethyl fumarate in autoimmune uveitis: insights from single-cell RNA sequencing

BackgroundDimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a fumaric acid ester that exhibits immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the function of DMF in autoimmune uveitis (AU) is incompletely understood, and studies comprehensively exploring the impact of DMF on immune cells are still lacking.MethodsTo explore the function of DMF in uveitis and its underlying mechanisms, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on the cervical draining lymph node (CDLN) cells of normal, experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), and DMF-treated EAU mice. Additionally, we integrated scRNA-seq data of the retina and CDLNs to identify the potential impact of DMF on ocular immune cell infiltration. Flow cytometry was conducted to verify the potential target molecules of DMF.ResultsOur study showed that DMF treatment effectively ameliorated EAU symptoms. The proportional and transcriptional alterations in each immune cell type during EAU were reversed by DMF treatment. Bioinformatics analysis in our study indicated that the enhanced expression of Pim1 and Cxcr4 in EAU was reversed by DMF treatment. Further experiments demonstrated that DMF restored the balance between effector T (Teff) /regulatory T (Treg) cells through inhibiting the pathway of PIM1-protein kinase B (AKT)-Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1). By incorporating the scRNA-seq data of the retina from EAU mice into analysis, our study identified that T cells highly expressing Pim1 and Cxcr4 were enriched in the retina. DMF repressed the ocular infiltration of Teff cells, and this effect might depend on its inhibition of PIM1 and CXCR4 expression. Additionally, our study indicated that DMF might reduce the proportion of plasma cells by inhibiting PIM1 expression in B cells.ConclusionsDMF effectively attenuated EAU symptoms. During EAU, DMF reversed the Teff/Treg cell imbalance and suppressed the ocular infiltration of Teff cells by inhibiting PIM1 and CXCR4 expression. Thus, DMF may act as a new drug option for the treatment of AU.

Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals inflammatory retinal microglia in experimental autoimmune uveitis

Autoimmune uveitis (AU) is a kind of immune-mediated disease resulting in irreversible ocular damage and even permanent vision loss. However, the precise mechanism underlying dynamic immune changes contributing to disease initiation and progression of AU remains unclear. Here, we induced an experimental AU (EAU) model with IRBP651-670 and found that day[D]14 was the inflammatory summit with remarking clinical and histopathological manifestations and the activation of retinal microglia exhibited a time-dependent pattern in the EAU course. We conducted single-cell RNA sequencing of retinal immune cells in EAU mice at four time points and found microglia constituting the largest proportion, especially on D14. A novel inflammatory subtype (Cd74high Ccl5high) of retinal microglia was identified at the disease peak that was closely associated with modulating immune responses. In vitro experiments indicated that inflammatory stimuli induced proinflammatory microglia with the upregulation of CD74 and CCL5, and CD74 overexpression in microglia elicited their proinflammatory phenotype via nuclear factor-kappa B signaling that could be attenuated by the treatment of neutralizing CCL5 antibody to a certain extent. In-vivoblockade of Cd74 and Ccl5 effectively alleviated retinal microglial activation and disease phenotype of EAU. Therefore, we propose targeting CD74 and CCL5 of retinal microglia as promising strategies for AU treatment.

Kurarinone regulates Th17/Treg balance and ameliorates autoimmune uveitis via Rac1 inhibition

IntroductionAutoimmune uveitis (AU) is a severe intraocular autoimmune disorder with a chronic disease course and a high rate of blindness. Kurarinone (KU), a major component of the traditional Chinese medicine Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, possesses a wide spectrum of activities and has been used to treat several inflammation-related diseases. ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the effects of KU on AU and its modulatory mechanisms. MethodsWe used an experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) animal model and characterized the comprehensive immune landscape of KU-treated EAU mice using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). The retina and lymph nodes were analyzed. The siRNAs and selective inhibitors were used to study the signaling pathway. The effect of KU on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from uveitis patients was also examined. ResultsWe found that KU relieved chorioretinal lesions and immune cell infiltration in EAU model mice. Subsequent single-cell analysis revealed that KU downregulated the EAU-upregulated expression of inflammatory and autoimmune-related genes and suppressed pathways associated with immune cell differentiation, activation, and migration in a cell-specific manner. KU was implicated in restoring T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cell balance by alleviating inflammatory injury and elevating the expression of modulatory mediators in Tregs, while simultaneously ameliorating excessive inflammation by Th17 cells. Furthermore, Rac1 and the Id2/Pim1 axis potentiated the pathogenicity of Th17 cells during EAU, which was inhibited by KU treatment, contributing to the amelioration of EAU-induced inflammation and treatment of AU. In addition, KU suppressed inflammatory cytokine production in activated human PBMCs by inhibiting Rac1. Integration of the glucocorticoid-treated transcriptome suggests that KU has immunomodulatory effects on lymphocytes. ConclusionOur study constructed a high-resolution atlas of the immunoregulatory effects of KU treatment on EAU and identified its potential therapeutic mechanisms, which hold great promise in treating autoimmune disorders.

4-Octyl Itaconate Inhibits Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Behcet's Uveitis and Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis.

4-octyl itaconate (4-OI) is an anti-inflammatory metabolite that activates the nuclear-factor-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling. In the current work, we investigated whether 4-OI could affect the production of proinflammatory cytokines in Behcet's uveitis (BU) and experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of active BU patients and healthy individuals with in vitro 4-OI treatment were performed to assess the influence of 4-OI on the proinflammatory cytokine production. EAU was induced and used for investigating the influence of 4-OI on the proinflammatory cytokine production in vivo. The flow cytometry, qPCR, and ELISA were performed to detect proinflammatory cytokine expression. NRF2 signaling activation was evaluated by qPCR and western blotting (WB). Splenic lymphocyte transcriptome was performed by RNA sequencing. The NRF2 expression by BU patients-derived PBMCs was lower than that by healthy individuals. After treatment with 4-OI, the proportion of Th17 cells, along with the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-17, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-6) by PBMCs, were downregulated, and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) expression was upregulated, although IFN-γ expression was unaffected. The EAU severity was ameliorated by 4-OI in association with a lower splenic Th1/Th17 cell proportion and increased nuclear NRF2 expression. Additionally, 4-OI downregulated a set of 248 genes, which were enriched in pathways of positive regulation of immune responses. The present study shows an inhibitory effect of 4-OI on the proinflammatory cytokine production in active BU patients and EAU mice, possibly mediated through activating NRF2 signaling. These findings suggest that 4-OI could act as a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment and prevention of BU in the future study.

Single-cell sequencing of the retina shows that LDHA regulates pathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis

Autoimmune uveitis (AU) is a severe disorder causing poor vision and blindness. However, the cellular dynamics and pathogenic mechanisms underlying retinal injury in uveitis remain unclear. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing of the retina and cervical draining lymph nodes in experimental autoimmune uveitis mice was conducted to identify the cellular spatiotemporal dynamics and upregulation of the glycolysis-related gene LDHA. Suppression of LDHA can rescue the imbalance of T effector (Teff) cells/T regulator (Treg) cells under inflammation via downregulation of the glycolysis-PI3K signaling circuit and inhibition of the migration of CXCR4+ Teff cells towards retinal tissue. Furthermore, LDHA and CXCR4 are upregulated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada patients. The LDHA inhibitor suppresses CD4+ T cell proliferation in humans. Therefore, our data indicate that the autoimmune environment of uveitis regulates Teff cell accumulation in the retina via glycolysis-associated LDHA. Modulation of this target may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for treating AU.

Local Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Impair Progression of Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

To evaluate the immune regulatory effect of human cord blood myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) models. MDSCs (1 × 106) or PBS were injected into established C57BL/6 EAU mice via the subconjunctival route on days 0 and 7. The severity of intraocular inflammation was evaluated for up to 3 weeks. Tissue injury and inflammation were analyzed using immunolabelled staining, real-time PCR, and ELISA. In addition, immune cells in draining lymph nodes (LNs) were quantified using flow cytometry. After 21 days, the clinical scores and histopathological grades of EAU were lower in the MDSCs group compared with the PBS group. Local administration of MDSCs suppressed the oxidative stress and the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the retinal tissues. In addition, it inhibited the activation of pathogenic T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17 cells in draining LNs. MDSCs increased the frequency of CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and the mRNA expression of IL-10, as an immune modulator. MDSCs suppressed inflammation and oxidative stress in the retina and inhibited pathogenic T cells in the LNs in EAU. Therefore, ocular administration of MDSCs has therapeutic potential for uveitis.

Global lactylome reveals lactylation-dependent mechanisms underlying TH17 differentiation in experimental autoimmune uveitis.

Dysregulation of CD4+ T cell differentiation is linked to autoimmune diseases. Metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis and accumulation of lactate are involved in this process. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our study showed that lactate-derived lactylation regulated CD4+ T cell differentiation. Lactylation levels in CD4+ T cells increased with the progression of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). Inhibition of lactylation suppressed TH17 differentiation and attenuated EAU inflammation. The global lactylome revealed the landscape of lactylated sites and proteins in the CD4+ T cells of normal and EAU mice. Specifically, hyperlactylation of Ikzf1 at Lys164 promoted TH17 differentiation by directly modulating the expression of TH17-related genes, including Runx1, Tlr4, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and IL-4. Delactylation of Ikzf1 at Lys164 impaired TH17 differentiation. These findings exemplify how glycolysis regulates the site specificity of protein lactylation to promote TH17 differentiation and implicate Ikzf1 lactylation as a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases.

IL-8 Triggers Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation Through an Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase- and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway-Dependent Mechanism in Uveitis.

To explore the mechanism underlying IL-8-induced neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in patients with ocular-active Behçet's disease (BD) and the effect of inhibiting NET formation on the severity of inflammation in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) mice. The serum extracellular DNA and neutrophil elastase (NE) and IL-8 levels in patients with ocular-active BD, the expression of myeloperoxidase, NE, and histone H3Cit in IL-8-induced neutrophils isolated from healthy controls, and the effects of NETs on HMC3 cells were detected. Female C57BL/6J mice were immunized with IRBP651-670 to induce EAU and EAU mice received intravitreal injection of the CXCR2 (IL-8 receptor) antagonist SB225002 or PBS. The serum levels of extracellular DNA, NE, and keratinocyte-derived chemokine (the mouse ortholog of human IL-8) and expression of myeloperoxidase, NE, and histone H3Cit in mouse retinas were detected. Disease severity was evaluated by clinical and histopathological scores. Serum keratinocyte-derived chemokine expression levels in EAU mice and IL-8 expression levels in patients with ocular-active BD increased. IL-8 notably increased NET formation in a dose-dependent manner through an nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway dependent mechanism. IL-8-induced NET formation damaged HMC3 cells in vitro. Pretreatment with SB225002 notably ameliorated the production of NETs in EAU mice. Our data confirm that NET formation is induced by IL-8. IL-8-induced NET formation was found to be related to mitogen-activated protein kinase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate pathways. Pretreatment with the CXCR2 antagonist SB225002 alleviated neutrophil infiltration and suppressed NET formation in EAU mice.

CD8+ T cells reduce neuroretina inflammation in mouse by regulating autoreactive Th1 and Th17 cells through IFN-γ.

Various regulatory CD8+ T-cell subsets have been proposed for immune tolerance and have been implicated in controlling autoimmune diseases. However, their phenotypic identities and suppression mechanisms are not yet understood. This study found that coculture of T-cell receptor (TCR)- or interferon (IFN)-β-activated CD8+ T cells significantly suppressed the cytokine production of Th1 and Th17 cells. By experimenting with the experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), we found that adoptive transfer of TCR or IFN-β-activated CD8+ T cells significantly lessened disease development in an IFN-γ-dependent manner with a decreased uveitogenic Th1 and Th17 response. Interestingly, after adoptive transfer into the EAU mice, the IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cells were recruited more efficiently into the secondary lymphoid organs during the disease-priming phase. This recruitment depends on the IFN-γ-inducible chemokine receptor CXCR3; knocking out CXCR3 abolishes the protective effect of CD8+ T cells in EAU. In conclusion, we identified the critical role of IFN-γfor CD8+ T cells to inhibit Th1 and Th17 responses and ameliorate EAU. CXCR3 is necessary to recruit IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cells to the secondary lymphoid organ for the regulation of autoreactive Th1 and Th17 cells.

Comprehensive Grading System for Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis in Mice.

Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) is the most commonly used animal model to study the progression of chronic uveitis and to test various therapies to treat the disease. However, to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of such treatments, a grading system that combines the latest imaging techniques with definitive quantitative grading thresholds is required. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive grading system that objectively evaluates EAU progression in C57BL/6J mice. EAU was induced following immunisation with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) and pertussis toxin. Weekly fundus and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were acquired over 12 weeks using a Micron IV imaging system. Each mouse was graded (between 0 to 4) based on changes seen on both the fundus (optic disc, retinal blood vessels and retinal tissue) and OCT (vitreous and retinal layers) images. A total EAU response (with a maximum score of 48) was calculated for each mouse based on the sum of the individual scores each week. Analysis of the clinical scores depicted a gradual increase in inflammatory signs including optic disc and vascular swelling, leukocyte infiltration in the vitreous, lesions in the retina and formation of granulomas and hyper-reflective foci in the retinal layers in EAU mice, with most signs reaching a plateau towards the end of the study period. Development of these signs into sight-threatening complications such as optic disc atrophy, structural damage to the retina and subretinal oedema were noted in 80-90% of mice suggesting consistent disease induction. Overall, a comprehensive and objective grading system encompassing all pathologies occurring in EAU mice was developed to enhance the preclinical evaluation of novel uveitis treatments.

Interleukin-17 receptor C is essential for the pro-inflammatory pathogenicity of granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor-producing T helper cells in experimental autoimmune uveitis

Autoimmune uveitis is an inflammatory disorder of the eye triggered by the responses of autoreactive T cells to ocular autoantigens. This study aims to understand the role of granulocyte–macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-producing T helper (ThGM) cells in the pathophysiology of mouse experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). We established an EAU model by immunizing mice with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) 651–670. Splenic or eye-infiltrating ThGM cells were analyzed and enriched by flow cytometry according to the levels of an array of surface markers, transcription factors, and cytokines. Lentiviral transduction was conducted to silence or overexpress the target gene in differentiated ThGM cells. The adoptive transfer was applied to determine the pathogenicity of ThGM cells in vivo. We found that ThGM cells were present in the spleen and the eye after EAU induction. Both splenic and eye-infiltrating ThGM cells were phenotypically CD4+CCR7-CXCR3-CCR6-CCR10hi. Eye-infiltrating ThGM cells up-regulated interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-17 receptor C (IL-17RC) relative to splenic ThGM cells. IL-17RC overexpression enabled interleukin-17A (IL-17A)-induced up-regulation of IL-1β and IL-6 production in ThGM cells. Adoptive transfer of IL-17RC overexpressing ThGM cells exacerbated EAU severity, as evidenced by a higher histology score as well as increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory cells in the eye. However, IL-17RC-silenced ThGM cells did not impact EAU. Therefore, for the first time, this study unveils the essential pro-inflammatory role of IL-17RC-expressing ThGM cells in EAU pathophysiology. We discovered a novel mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of autoimmune uveitis.

Regulatory T cell intravitreal delivery using hyaluronan methylcellulose hydrogel improves therapeutic efficacy in experimental autoimmune uveitis

Autoimmune uveitis refers to several intraocular inflammation conditions, which are mediated by autoreactive T cells. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are immunosuppressive cells that have shown potential for resolving various autoimmune diseases, including uveitis. However, poor donor cell dispersion distal to the injection site and plasticity of Treg cells in an inflammatory microenvironment can present obstacles for this immunotherapy. We assessed the use of a physical blend of hyaluronan and methylcellulose (HAMC) as immunoprotective and injectable hydrogel cell delivery system to improve the efficacy of Treg-based therapy in treating experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). We demonstrated that the Treg-HAMC blend increased both the survival and stability of Tregs under proinflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we found that the intravitreal HAMC delivery system resulted in a two-fold increase in the number of transferred Tregs in the inflamed eye of EAU mice. Treg-HAMC delivery effectively attenuated ocular inflammation and preserved the visual function of EAU mice. It significantly decreased the number of ocular infiltrates, including the uveitogenic IFN-γ+CD4+ and IL-17+CD4+ T cells. In contrast, intravitreal injection of Treg cells without HAMC only achieved marginal therapeutic effects in EAU. Our findings suggest that HAMC may become a promising delivery vehicle for human uveitis Treg therapy.

Single-Cell transcriptomes of immune cells provide insights into the therapeutic effects of mycophenolate mofetil on autoimmune uveitis.

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive agent widely applied in various autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune uveitis, a sight-threatening autoimmune disease mainly affecting the eyes. However, the mechanisms of action are not comprehensively understood. To investigate the potential impact of MMF on uveitis, we generated single-cell RNA sequence data from normal, experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) and MMF-treated EAU mice. We observed that some EAU-induced transcriptional changes were reversed by MMF treatment. Transcriptional data indicated that MMF may have a general inhibitory effect on the activation of immune cells during EAU. Each immune cell type showed a different response to MMF treatment. Pseudotime analysis showed that MMF treatment partly reversed the increased differentiation tendency from naïve to effector phenotypes of T and B cells in EAU. The reduced proportion of T-helper (Th)1 and T-helper (Th)17 cells after MMF treatment was confirmed using flow cytometry. MMF treatment downregulated the EAU-associated upregulation of several molecules (such as Cebpd, Pim1, Furin, Bhlhe40, and Hif1a) that promote pathogenic cytokine production by T helper (Th)-1 and Th17 cells. Abnormally enhanced immunoglobulin production, antigen processing, and presentation ability of B cells may also be inhibited by MMF treatment. In addition to T and B cells, MMF treatment countered EAU-induced transcriptional changes in other immune cells to different degrees. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying MMF treatment and indicate that the therapeutic effect of MMF is not driven by a single molecule.

Apigenin Alleviates Autoimmune Uveitis by Inhibiting Microglia M1 Pro-Inflammatory Polarization.

Apigenin is a natural small molecule compound widely present in various vegetables and fruits. Recently, Apigenin was reported to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-simulated microglial proinflammatory activation. Considering the important role of microglia in retinal disorders, we wonder whether Apigenin could exert a therapeutic effect on experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) through reprogramming retinal microglia to a beneficial subtype. EAU was induced in C57BL/6J mice by immunization with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP)651-670, followed by intraperitoneal administration of Apigenin. Disease severity was assessed based on clinical and pathological scores. In vivo, Western blotting was used to quantify protein levels of classical inflammatory factors, microglial M1/M2 markers and the tight junction protein of the blood-retinal-barrier (BRB). Immunofluorescence was used to determine the Apigenin's efficacy on microglial phenotype. In vitro, Apigenin was added in LPS and IFN-γ stimulated human microglial cell line. Western blotting and Transwell assays were used to analyze the phenotype of microglia. In vivo, we found that Apigenin significantly reduced the clinical and pathological scores of EAU. The protein levels of inflammatory cytokines were significantly decreased in retina, and BRB disruption was ameliorated after Apigenin treatment. Meanwhile, Apigenin inhibited microglia M1 transition in EAU mice retina. In vitro functional studies showed that Apigenin decreased LPS and IFN-γ-induced microglial inflammatory factor production and M1-activation via the TLR4/MyD88 pathway. Apigenin can ameliorate retinal inflammation in IRBP induced autoimmune uveitis through inhibiting microglia M1 pro-inflammatory polarization via TLR4/MyD88 pathway.

MicroRNA 146a ameliorates retinal damage in experimental autoimmune uveitis.

Uveitis and related intraocular inflammations are a major cause of blindness due to retinal damage caused by degeneration and loss of the photoreceptor cells. In mouse experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) previously we have shown mitochondrial oxidative stress with marked upregulation of αA crystallin in the inner segments of the photoreceptors. Furthermore, αA crystallin treatment prevented photoreceptor mitochondrial oxidative stress by suppressing innate and adaptive immunity in EAU. Since these immune processes are modulated by microRNAs, in this study we investigated (a) modulation of microRNAs during development of EAU by αA crystallin administration and (b) microRNA therapeutic intervention. Few microRNAs were significantly upregulated in EAU mice with intravenous injection of αA crystallin and among these, computational bioinformatic analysis revealed that the upregulated microRNA 146a targets the innate and adaptive immune responses. In EAU, intravenous as well as intravitreal administration of this microRNA prevented inflammatory cell infiltration in uvea and retina and preserved photoreceptor cells. This protective function suggests that microRNA146a can be a novel therapeutic agent in preventing retinal damage in uveitis.

Multifunctional Interleukin-24 Resolves Neuroretina Autoimmunity via Diverse Mechanisms.

IL-24 is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates both immune cells and epithelial cells. Although its elevation is associated with a number of autoimmune diseases, its tolerogenic properties against autoreactive T cells have recently been revealed in an animal model of central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity by inhibiting the pathogenic Th17 response. To explore the potential of IL-24 as a therapeutic agent in CNS autoimmunity, we induced experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in wildtype mice and intravitreally injected IL-24 into the inflamed eye after disease onset. We found that the progression of ocular inflammation was significantly inhibited in the IL-24-treated eye when compared to the control eye. More importantly, IL-24 treatment suppressed cytokine production from ocular-infiltrating, pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells. In vitro experiments confirmed that IL-24 suppressed both Th1 and Th17 differentiation by regulating their master transcription factors T-bet and RORγt, respectively. In addition, we found that intravitreal injection of IL-24 suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines from the retinas of the EAU-inflamed eyes. This observation appears to be applicable in humans, as IL-24 similarly inhibits human retinal pigment epithelium cells ARPE-19. In conclusion, we report here that IL-24, as a multifunctional cytokine, is capable of resolving ocular inflammation in EAU mice by targeting both uveitogenic T cells and RPE cells. This study sheds new light on IL-24 as a potential therapeutic candidate for autoimmune uveitis.