Uveitopathogenic sites in recoverin.

PURPOSE: This study was carried out in order to determine the most potent and novel uveitopathogenic sites of recoverin using synthetic peptides.

METHODS

Several synthetic peptides containing the recoverin sequence plus adjuvants were injected into Lewis rats, and the uveitopathogenic sequence was defined, clinically, histologically, and immunologically.

RESULTS

Peptides containing of amino acids 57-85 and 136-167 induced severe EAU, and the lowest doses to induce EAU were 20 microg and 10 microg, respectively. Lymphocyte proliferative reactions were also positive for peptides 57-85 and 136-167. The core sequences within the uveitopathogenic site were 65-79 and 153-164. Peptides of amino acids 65-79 within 57-85 and 149-167 within 136-167 were the smallest in the recoverin sequence, respectively, that could induce severe EAU.

CONCLUSION

We found recoverin has some novel potent uveitopathogenic sites, 149-167. These findings of the uveitopathogenic sites in recoverin may lead to improved understanding of the pathogenesis of uveitis and the means to design specific treatment.