Functional aspects of high endothelial venules (HEV) in experimental autoimmune-uveitis (EAU)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Manfred Zierhut
• Subject Area: Ophthalmology
• Term: from 1999 to 2003
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5205446

Aims of the project: Characterization of HEV (high endothelial venules), cell adhesion molecule, cytokine and chemokine expression kinetics responsable for the HEV activation/inactivation and immunocompetent cell infiltrations in the early period and in the recurrence period of EAU (experimental autoimmune uveitis). This includes the evaluation of Interferon gamma (IFN-g) for HEV activation in IFN-g knock out mice. Modification of the expression kinetics by the HEV specific mAb MECA 325, the interferons a und ß (IFN-a/IFN-ß), the Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) inhibitor Rolipram and cytokine receptors (TNFa-RI, TNFa-RII, R-LT-ß (Lymphotoxin-betaReceptor). While the expression kinetics are analysed using immunocytochemistery and in situ hybridization, in vivo studies are intended to correlate these data with the cell traffic in the eye using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO).The scientific program is subject for two application periods of totally six years.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. John V. Forrester