Distinctive waves of innate immune response in the retina in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Using transcriptional profiling in retinae of experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) in CX3CR1GFP/+ knock-in mice, we are able to show two distinct waves of innate immune cell activation separated by a marked reduction in number of innate immune cells and change in cell morphology. The first wave is characterized by an inflammatory phagocytic phenotype preceding the onset of EAE whereas the second wave is characterized by a regulatory, anti-inflammatory phenotype during the chronic stage. Additionally, the magnitude of the first wave is associated with neuronal loss. Two transcripts identified - growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) - might be promising targets for enhancing protective effects of microglia in the chronic phase after initial injury. Examination of innate immune cells in EAE and controls at 3 different timepoints (0, 6 and 25 days post induction (dpi)). All samples were WT female C57BL6/J mice.