Investigation of the role of CD1d-restricted invariant NKT cells in experimental choroidal neovascularization

Kuniaki Hijioka, Koh Hei Sonoda, Chikako Tsutsumi-Miyahara, Takeshi Fujimoto, Yuji Oshima, Masaru Taniguchi, Tatsuro Ishibashi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is directly related to visual loss in age-related macular degeneration and other macular disorders. We have investigated the role of CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells in laser-induced experimental CNV. Quantitative real-time PCR detected increased expression of NKT cell-related genes (Vα14 and CXCL16) in whole eyes undergoing CNV, indicating local accumulation of NKT cells. We found a significant reduction of CNV and lower concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ocular fluid in two different NKT cell-deficient mice, CD1d knockout (KO) and Jα18 KO mice. We also established in vitro co-cultures of retinal pigment epithelial cells and splenic NKT cells, and confirmed NKT cells could produce VEGF in the dish. Moreover, inoculating α-galactosylceramide, the ligand for NKT cells, into the vitreous cavity of C57BL/6 mice promoted CNV. We concluded that NKT cells play an important role in CNV as an inducer of VEGF.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)38-43
Number of pages6
JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Volume374
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 12 2008

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Investigation of the role of CD1d-restricted invariant NKT cells in experimental choroidal neovascularization'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this