Abstract
Background: Thymic expression of a photoreceptor cell antigen, interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein, is known to generate regulatory T cells (Treg) that prevent spontaneous autoimmune disease of the retina. However, the contribution of other endogenous, tissue-specific antigens (Ags) expressed in the retina to the generation of Treg is uncertain. Methods: Transgenic mice that express β-galactosidase (β-gal) in photoreceptor cells, together with β-gal-specific T cell receptor transgenic mice, were used to study the induction of Treg in vivo. Results: Transgenic expression of β-gal on the arrestin promoter led to a spontaneous immunoregulatory response that inhibited the development of immune responses to β-gal. The regulation was transferred by CD3+4+25+ T reg. Several strategies were then used to show that β-gal expressed in the retina supported spontaneous, thymus-independent T reg development. The endogenous Treg also differed from the Treg induced by Ag inoculation into the anterior chamber of the eye. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that retinal expression of very small amounts of a tissue-specific Ag can generate Treg in the periphery.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 154-159 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Ophthalmic Research |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 3-4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2008 |
Keywords
- Autoantigen
- Peripheral tolerance
- Regulatory T cells
- Retina
- Uveoretinitis