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The Potential of Newer Immunomodulating Drugs in the Treatment of Uveitis

A Review

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Abstract

Uveitis, or intraocular inflammation, remains an ongoing challenge to ophthalmologists and patients alike. In most patients, uveitis is limited to the anterior ocular structures and is readily managed with topical steroids. The inflammatory process can extend behind the lens to involve the pars plana, the vitreous cavity, the choroid and the retina. These intermediate and posterior uveitides are relatively rare but contribute disproportionately to visual morbidity and present serious diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties.

Systemic steroids constitute the first line of treatment for most sight-threatening uveitides. Their long term use is limited by universal and debilitating adverse effects. Second-line, steroid-sparing agents allow a reduction in steroid dosage. Cyclosporin and azathioprine are the main steroid-sparing agents currently in use. However, these compounds are limited by a narrow therapeutic window and significant adverse effects.

This paper offers a brief discussion of some of the immune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of uveitis and reviews categories of investigational compounds.

Inhibitors of T cell function: tacrolimus (previously FK506), licensed for use in liver transplantation, and sirolimus (rapamycin) are macrolide antibiotics. Sirolimus is a functional cytokine antagonist and in vitro studies suggest it could be up to 100 times more potent than cyclosporin. Drug synergy between sirolimus and cyclosporin has been demonstrated, resulting in immunosuppression at lower drug doses and with fewer adverse effects.

Nucleotide synthesis inhibitors: mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and leflunomide. Human lymphocytes are only able to synthesise nucleic acids de novo. Having no alternative or ‘salvage’ pathway, they are exquisitely sensitive to interference with the de novo nucleotide synthesis enzymatic pathway. MMF is a purine synthesis inhibitor. Compared to other purine inhibitors, early data suggest that MMF is more efficacious and less toxic than azathioprine. Leflunomide is an inhibitor of pyrimidine synthesis.

Monoclonal surface receptor antibodies and immunoadhesins: the IL-2 receptor is essential for clonal expansion of activated T cells; this has led to the development of anti-IL-2 receptor antibodies. Daclizumab is a genetically engineered humanised IgG1 monoclonal antibody. In conjunction with cyclosporin, it significantly reduces renal allograft rejection rates and is also showing promise in the treatment of T cell mediated autoimmune disorders. The mechanism of action of monoclonal antibodies to other pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-12 and data from animal and human uveitis trials are also discussed. Finally, new avenues of research in immunopharmaco-modulation are mentioned.

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  1. Department of Clinical Ophthalmology, Institute of Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, EC1V 2PD, England

    Joel Salzmann &  Susan Lightman

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Salzmann, J., Lightman, S. The Potential of Newer Immunomodulating Drugs in the Treatment of Uveitis. BioDrugs 13, 397–408 (2000). https://doi.org/10.2165/00063030-200013060-00003

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