Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Our group has been investigating the roles of Ag-specific T cells on the development of experimental immune-mediated blpharoconjunctivitis (EC). The aim of this study is to examine Ag-specific recognition and activation of these T cells in the inflammatory site, conjunctiva. Methods: EC was induced by transfer of ovalbumin (OVA)-specific T cells, followed by OVA challenge. To investigate Ag-specificity, an irrelevant Ag (BSA, bovine serum albumin) was challenged instead of OVA. To confirm the infiltration of OVA-specific T cells into the conjunctiva, these T cells were labeled with 5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) before transfer. To examine activation of T cells in the conjunctiva, lysates of eyelids were immunoprecipitated with anti-Lck Ab and then phosphorylation was examined by Western blot. Results: Challenge with OVA, but not BSA, induced EC. CFSE-labeled T cells were detected, though sparsely, in the conjunctiva. In addition, amounts of Lck increased and Lck phosphorylation was noted by the induction of EC. Conclusions: The data here demonstrate that Ag-specific T cells infiltrate into the conjunctiva, recognize specific Ag, and are activated.
Keywords: conjunctivitis • animal model • immunohistochemistry