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This abstract is assigned to session OB Free papers: Medical retina

Title	FRO: Study of the role of P2Y6 receptors in the development of experimental autoimmune uveitis
Abstract Nr.	246

Purpose	During autoimmune uveitis, auto-reactive T lymphocytes recognize retinal antigens, penetrate the eye and start an inflammatory reaction. The mechanisms responsible for this pathological T lymphocyte activation are poorly understood. Nucleotides are intracellular mediator and normally present in a very low concentration in the extracellular media. However, during inflammation, nucleotides are released from the cells and can act as a danger signal through P2 receptors activation. To study the potential role of P2Y2 receptors in the development of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU).
Methods	EAU were induced in WT and P2Y2 KO mice receptors by IRBP 1-20 peptide immunisation. Twelve days later, T lymphocytes from spleen and lymph nodes were semi-purified and restimulated by IRBP 1-20 peptide. Lymphocyte proliferation was measured by thymidine incorporation and cytokines secretion by ELISA. EAU development after adoptive transfer of activated lymphocytes was followed through fundus examination of the eyes and VCAM-1 retinal expression analysed by immunofluorescence.
Results	Autoreactive lymphocytes generated in KO mice proliferate less and produce less IFNγ, IL-17, IL-6 and MIP2α after IRBP 1-20 peptide restimulation than lymphocytes generated in WT mice. Following adoptive transfer, KO lymphocytes induced less disease as assessed by clinical grading and VCAM1 expression.
Conclusion	Our data shows that P2Y2 KO mice are less likely to develop an immune response against a retinal antigen than WT. This suggests that P2Y2 receptor might act as danger receptor during EAU development.

Author 1

Last name	JUDICE DE MENEZES RELVAS
Initials	L
City	Brussels