Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of retinal immune regulation and blood-retinal barrier function during experimental autoimmune uveitis

Uveitis is characterised by breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), allowing infiltration of immune cells that mediate intraocular inflammation, which can lead to irreversible damage of the neuroretina and the loss of sight. Treatment of uveitis relies heavily on corticosteroids and systemic immunosuppression due to limited understanding of the molecular immune interactions that underpin ocular immune homeostasis. By performing single-cell transcriptomic analysis of whole dissociated mouse retinas with experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) versus healthy control, we gained an unbiased appreciation of the immune interactions that drive retinal inflammation in a model of posterior uveitis. 1 healthy C57BL/6J mouse retina and 2 C57BL/6J retinas from mice with experimental autoimmune uveitis were dissociated and analysed by single cell RNA-seq.