Regulation of Dendritic cell function by the ocular microenvironment

Denniston, Alastair K O (2010). Regulation of Dendritic cell function by the ocular microenvironment. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The ocular microenvironment is immunosuppressive in animal models of antigen presenting cell function. My hypothesis was that in humans the normal ocular microenvironment maintains an immature dendritic cell (DC) phenotype, whereas in intraocular inflammation (uveitis) this regulation fails, permitting full DC maturation leading to the production and recruitment of pathogenic effector T cells to the eye. Using an in vitro model of DC function, I observed that non-inflammatory aqueous humour (AqH) inhibited DC maturation, with reduced MHC and CD86 expression, and reduced capacity to induce proliferation of allogeneic T cells, an effect which was cortisol and TGFβ2 dependent. In contrast, exposure to uveitis AqH generated a distinct DC profile with IFNγ dependent elevation of MHC class I, but reduced MHC class II and CD86 expression and impaired induction of T cell proliferation. Exposure to uveitis AqH from patients on topical glucocorticoid treatment caused additional suppression of CD86. Characterisation of ex vivo myeloid DC from patients with uveitis supported the findings of the in vitro model, with AqH-derived myeloid DC showing elevated MHC, but reduced CD86 expression. In summary human AqH is shown to be a powerful inhibitor of DC maturation, retaining this regulatory role during uveitis.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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