The role of tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF-alpha) in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU).

A. D. Dick, John Vincent Forrester, Janet Mary Liversidge, A. P. Cope

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

159 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The pleiotropic cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is released from cells that include macrophages and T-cells during inflammatory responses, orchestrating the initiation of further leucocytic infiltration via adhesion molecule upregulation, dendritic cell maturation and survival, macrophage activation and driving Th1 T-cells responses within tissues. Exposure to TNF also plays a role in maintaining tissue homeostasis, particularly relating to resident cell responses of both microglia and retinal pigment epithelium. Depending on the balance between duration and dose of TNF exposure, an environment where full expression of inflammatory and autoimmune responses within tissues may occur. In experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU), increased tissue concentrations of TNF facilitate the on-going T-cell effector responses and macrophage activation. These are responsible for targeted and bystander tissue damage and can be suppressed by anti-TNF therapies, in particular, those directed at the p55 TNF receptor. The ability to suppress disease experimentally has led to the successful translation of anti-TNF therapy for treatment of uveitis in cohort studies and phase I/II trials where, additionally, altered peripheral blood CD4(+) T-cell profiles can be demonstrated following each treatment. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)617-637
Number of pages20
JournalProgress in Retinal and Eye Research
Volume23
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004

Keywords

  • PIGMENT EPITHELIAL-CELLS
  • ENDOTOXIN-INDUCED UVEITIS
  • CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM
  • NITRIC-OXIDE SYNTHASE
  • COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR
  • RECEPTOR-DEFICIENT MICE
  • BLOOD-RETINAL BARRIER
  • GROWTH-FACTOR-BETA
  • EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS
  • OCULAR INFLAMMATORY DISEASE

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF-alpha) in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU).'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this