An HLA-peptide mimics organ-specific antigen in autoimmune uveitis: its role in pathogenesis and therapeutic induction of oral tolerance

Autoimmune uveitis is a sight threatening disease, which is conventionally treated with immunosuppressive medication. New treatment strategies include immunological approaches and aim at antigen specificity like oral tolerance. A peptide from the sequence of certain HLA-class I molecules plays a central role in the pathogenesis. When T cells recognize the HLA-peptide and are activated they are enabled to pass the blood–retina barrier. In the eye they recognize a cross-reactive organ-specific peptide and cause inflammation, which presents as uveitis. Here, we used the HLA-peptide as oral tolerogen to treat uveitis patients in an open study. All patients showed a positive therapeutic response and could reduce their long-lasting conventional immunsuppressive treatment. We did not observe any side effects. Moreover, side effects from conventional therapy could be reduced significantly.