Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Mucosal tolerance induction by donor antigen has been shown to enhance corneal allograft survival. In our study, we have used a synthetic peptide corresponding to an immunodominant part of MHC Class I molecule, which was given via nasal or tracheal mucosa in mice before or after grafting. This peptide was chosen because of its special immunomodulatory properties from a panel of MHC Class I-related synthetic peptides. Methods: Corneal allografting C57BL/10 to BALB/c (H2b to H2d) was performed. Intranasal application of the peptide was done daily for two weeks before grafting (group A) or three times per week 30 days post grafting starting on day 0 (group B). Intratracheal application was made once, 7 days prior to grafting (group C). All treated groups’ mean survival time (MST) was then compared to a control untreated grafted group. Results: Both intranasal and intratracheal peptide application prolonged corneal allograft survival. Group A (MST=42±4.1days; p=0.0350), group B (MST=33±4.5days; p=0.0087), group C (MST=34±9days; p=0.0290); all compared to controls (MST=23±3.7days). Conclusion: Tolerance can be induced before or even after corneal grafting by a synthetic peptide corresponding to a specific part of MHC Class I molecule. Intranasal induction-effect of the peptide on the graft is comparable to the effect of an intratracheal application.
Keywords: 433 immune tolerance/privilege • 607 transplantation • 316 animal model