Detection of antigen-specific T cells in experimental immune-mediated blepharoconjunctivitis in DO11.10 T cell receptor transgenic mice.

Antigen (Ag)-specific T cells are thought to play a key role in pathogenesis of chronic allergic conjunctivitis (AC) such as atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). In order to investigate the trafficking of Ag-specific T cells in experimental immune-mediated blepharoconjunctivitis (EC), we established a novel AC model in DO11.10 T cell receptor (TcR) transgenic (Tg) mice. DO11.10 TcR-Tg mice were challenged with eye drops of whole OVA protein, OVA peptide 1-15, 321-335, or 323-339. Their eyes were histologically examined. Conventional proliferation assay was performed against each Ag. Phenotypes of infiltrating cells and kinetics of Ag-specific T cells were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Adoptive transfer of CD4(+) Ag-specific T cells from DO11.10 TcR-Tg to WT mice was performed. The distribution of KJ1-26(+) cells was investigated in recipient mice. The challenge of OVA peptide 323-339 induced infiltration of inflammatory cells in conjunctivae in a dose dependent manner, accompanied by the proliferative responses of splenocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed Agspecific/ non-Ag-specific T cells, macrophages, and eosinophils in conjunctivae. Infiltration of Ag-specific T cells increased 24 hr later. Transfer of CD4(+) cells from DO11.10 TcR-Tg to WT mice induced EC depending on the number of transferred cells. Ag-specific T cells were detected in the conjunctivae and spleens of recipient mice, though its numbers were significantly smaller compared to DO11.10 TcR-Tg mice. The challenge of OVA peptide 323-339 induced EC in DO11.10 TcR-Tg mice without prior sensitization. The response was mediated by CD4(+) Ag-specific T cells. The trafficking of Ag-specific T cells in EC was clearly visualized.