Abstract
Purpose :
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and clinical effect of intravitreally injected anti-IL-6 antibody for the treatment of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in mice.
Methods :
EAU was induced in 17 female B10.RIII mice by Inter-Photoreceptor-Binding-Protein (IRBP) in complete Freund’s adjuvant, boosted by Pertussis toxin. Anti-IL-6 antibody was intravitreally injected on day 10, 13 and 16 after EAU induction (day 0) into the randomized treatment eye and isotype antibody likewise into the fellow control eye. Visual acuity testing via Optodrum and clinical scoring via fundus imaging (6 EAU grades) was done single-blinded on day 0, 10, 13, 16 and 18.
Results :
Uveitis developed in all 17 mice. Visual acuity was significantly higher in treated eyes compared to the fellow control eyes on day 13, 16 and 18. The greatest effect was seen on day 16 and 18 (p < 0.001, t-test). Clinical uveitis score was significantly reduced in treated eyes compared to the fellow control eyes on day 13, 16 and 18 with greatest effect on day 18 (p = 0.003, Wilcoxon-test).
Conclusions :
Intravitreal anti-IL-6 treatment significantly attenuates experimental autoimmune uveitis in mice. The effect was seen clinically and functionally. Further studies are needed to evaluate intravitreal anti-IL-6 application as a therapy concept for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis in humans.
This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.