BACKGROUND: Autoimmune uveitis is a leading cause of visual impairment in developed countries in patients of working age. Animal models of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) have been established to serve as a useful template for novel therapeutic approaches. METHODS: Experimental autoimmune uveitis is induced in C57BL/6 mice by subcutaneous application of interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein in complete Freund's adjuvant and pertussis toxin. Clinical and histological grading is used to assess the inflammation intensity of EAU. RESULTS: The protocol of induction of EAU in mice hides several important aspects, which are crucial for developing the disease. These details have to be addressed to ensure reproducible disease induction. We describe our experience in establishing the model by pointing out the critical steps in EAU protocol which we found important. CONCLUSION: The mouse model of EAU has practical value for preclinical studies, is robust and well established. However, the induction of inflammation of the eye can be quite challenging when important details of the protocol are not recognized and adhered to.

Department of Ophthalmology 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague and General University Hospital Prague Czech Republic

Immunology and Virology Program Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science The University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia and Centre for Experimental Immunology Lions Eye Institute Nedlands Western Australia Australia

Section of Immunology and Infection Institute of Medical Sciences University of Aberdeen United Kingdom

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Severity of Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis Is Reduced by Pretreatment with Live Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917