In conclusion, our studies establish EAE as an excellent model to study MS-mediated retinal neuronal damage and suggest the potential value of targeting A2 as a therapy to prevent MS-mediated retinal neuronal injury.
As immune cell activity can be determined by flux through metabolic pathways, the mRNA expression of l-tryptophan- and l-arginine-catabolising enzymes, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) 1 and IDO2 and arginase (ARG) 1 and ARG2, respectively, was compared between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy controls, and patients with CIS and definite MS. As one measure of cell function, cytokine mRNA levels were analysed directly <i>ex vivo</i> and in cells after culture for 4 h in the absence of regulatory factors in autologous serum.