Cyclosporin A: Alterations of the Cellular Immune Response in S-Antigen-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis

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Abstract
We have previously shown that Cyclosporin A (CsA) is effective in preventing S-antigen (S-Ag)- induced experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). Lewis rats, which readily develop EAU, were studied for the alterations in cell-mediated immune functions associated with CsA therapy. Lymph nodes draining the site of S-Ag immunization were significantly smaller in the CsA-treated animals when compared to the nonprotected group (p < 0.01 ), and also showed profound histologic alterations when compared to controls. In vitro responses of lymphocytes from lymph node and peripheral blood were greatly diminished in the CsA-treated animals. Sera from rats treated with CsA also were capable of inhibiting in vitro proliferative responses. These findings demonstrate that CsA-treated Lewis rats have alterations in several cell-mediated immune functions, thereby not permitting full development of the immune events that ultimately lead to uveitis.