There is no known underlying genetic defect predisposing patients to develop primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL). Discovery of genetic factors predisposing to the development of PIOL would be of benefit for early diagnosis, prognostic staging, and development of novel treatments for PIOL. The interleukins are a specific pathway of interest because previous research has demonstrated derangements in the ratios of interleukins 10 and 6 in the vitreous humor and spinal fluid of patients with PIOL, leading to the hypothesis that altered function or expression of these or other interleukins could permit the development of this rare malignancy. We investigated the use of a CD-22/pseudomonas construct in order to kill intraocular tumor. Human primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) is predominantly a B celloriginated malignant disease with no appropriate animal models and effective therapies available. This study aimed to establish a mouse model to closely mimic human B-cell PIOL and to test the therapeutic potential of a recently developed immunotoxin targeting human B-cell lymphomas. Human B-cell lymphoma cells were intravitreally injected into severe combined immunodeficient mice.The resemblance of this tumor model to human PIOL was examined by fundoscopy, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and evaluated for molecular markers. The therapeutic effectiveness of immunotoxin HA22 was tested by injecting the drug intravitreally. Results showed that the murine model resembles human PIOL closely. Pathologic examination revealed that the tumor cells initially colonized on the retinal surface, followed by infiltrating through the retinal layers, expanding preferentially in the subretinal space, and eventually penetrating through the retinal pigment epithelium into the choroid. Tumor metastasis into the central nervous system was also observed. A single intravitreal injection of immunotoxin HA22 after the establishment of the PIOL resulted in complete regression of the tumor. This is the first report of a murine model that closely mimics human B-cell PIOL. The results of B cellspecific immunotoxin therapy may have clinical implications in treating human PIOL. We are now evaluating the ocular effects of intravitreal immunotoxin HA22 on twelve New Zealand albino rabbits evaluating toxicity via electroretinography and clinical exam over 12 weeks. Some retinal toxicity is seen at the higher doses tested. The long term plan is to do a phase I/II trials to evaluate this immunotoxin as an alternative, localized therapy for PIOL. Autofluorescence of intraocular lymphoma of B cell lineage. Uveitis patients with active posterior and intermediate disease have inflammatory cells in their vitreous;those with primary intraocular lymphoma have malignant B-lymphoma cells concomitantly. These cell types cannot be distinguished clinically. The goal of this study was to investigate intrinsic autofluorescence as a non-invasive way of differentiating immune and lymphomatous cell populations. Human T-cells were purified from and cultured with or without anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 stimulation. A B-lymphoma cell line (CA46) was cultured separately. Five experimental groups were prepared: unstimulated T-cells, stimulated T-cells, CA46 cells, stimulated T-cells mixed with CA46 cells at a ratio of 1:3, or mixed at a ratio of 3:1. Samples were excited with several excitation wavelengths and imaged with a confocal microscope. For each condition, the autofluorescence intensity emitted from the sample was measured over a range of wavelengths. In separate experiments, T-cells or CA46 cells were injected into the anterior chamber of a Balb/C mouse eye and autofluorescence was measured. Pure T-cell and lymphomatous populations were clearly distinguishable based on autofluorescence intensity spectra. Lymphomatous cells were the least fluorescent when excited with 351nm light, but most fluorescent when excited with longer wavelengths like 488nm. Mixed populations of T- and B-lymphoma cells had emission intensities that fell predictably in-between those of the pure populations. Normal activated as well as malignant lymphocyte populations can be distinguished based on their autofluorescent properties.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Investigator-Initiated Intramural Research Projects (ZIA)
Project #
1ZIAEY000375-13
Application #
8737624
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
13
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$52,006
Indirect Cost
Name
U.S. National Eye Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
Zip Code
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