[Experimental autoimmune uveitis and retinitis induced by S-antigen immunization].

Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) was induced in Lewis rats by a single injection in foot pads of S-antigen in complete Freund's adjuvant. Clinically, during the 2 nd week after immunization, EAU starts by acute anterior, lately--posterior uveitis. Peptide S2, located in the N-terminal region of S-antigen, has a regulatory effect on EAU, while peptide M is a pathogenic site inducing EAU. Antibodies directed at peptide S2 were observed in rats not developing EAU while high levels of antibodies directed at S-antigen and peptide M were present in all rats.