Cyclosporine-induced alterations of humoral response in experimental autoimmune uveitis.

Cyclosporine (CsA) has been shown to be effective in preventing S-antigen (S-Ag) induced experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in Lewis rats. Alterations in the humoral immune responses associated with CsA therapy are illustrated by lower peak and delayed production of circulating anti-S-Ag antibodies in a proportional relationship to the dose of CsA in EAU. Circulating immune complexes were not detected in rats with EAU or in rats treated with CsA and without disease. These findings further support the important role of T-cells in EAU and further demonstrate the effect of CsA on helper T-cells. The kinetics of antibody production by S-Ag-immunized rats appears altered by CsA.