Inhibition of autoimmune uveitis by anti-CD4 antibody.

In this study, rats with S-antigen-induced uveitis were treated with W3/25, a monoclonal antibody that recognizes the CD4 molecule expressed by helper/inducer cells. Treatment was started on day 5 after administration of S-antigen. Groups of animals were killed 18 or 31 days after S-antigen injection. The enucleated globes were studied histologically, and in vitro T-cell response and anti-S antibody levels were determined. Results showed that the antibody treatment prevented development of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in all animals. Furthermore, there was no evidence of disease development for 14 days after cessation of therapy. These results suggest that CD4+ cells are important in the initiation of EAU, and that monoclonal antibodies directed to this subset may provide effective treatment of autoimmune uveal inflammation.