Purpose

To investigate the role of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in recurrent experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU).

Methods

Recurrent EAU was induced in Lewis rats by interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) R16-peptide specific T cells (tEAU). Aqueous humor and serum samples were kinetically collected and DAMPs examined by quantitative proteomics, Western blot analysis, and ELISA. tEAU rats were treated with S100 inhibitor paquinimod followed by disease evaluation. The functions of T effector cells and T regulatory cells (Tregs) were compared between treated and nontreated groups. The expression of costimulatory molecules on antigen-presenting cells was examined by flow cytometry.

Results

S100A8, but not high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), in the eye was found to be correlated with intraocular inflammatory episodes. Administration of paquinimod significantly protected tEAU rats from recurrence. Treated tEAU rats had fewer R16-specific Th1 and Th17 cells, but increased numbers of Tregs. R16-specific T cells from treated tEAU rats into naïve recipients prevented induction of tEAU by R16-specific T cells from nontreated tEAU rats. Moreover, APCs from treated tEAU rats expressed higher levels of a negative costimulatory molecule, CD200R, and lower levels of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II molecules compared to APCs from nontreated tEAU rats. An opposite pattern of expression of these molecules was observed on APCs incubated in vitro with recombinant S100A8.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate a link between local expression of DAMPs and autoimmune responses, and suggest that complete S100A8/A9 blockade may be a new therapeutic target in recurrent autoimmune uveitis.