ifn-α-17

Interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (651-670) (IRBP651-670), a peptide fragment of retinoid-binding protein 3 (also known as IRBP), plays a crucial role in the visual cycle by facilitating the transport of retinol and retinal between photoreceptor cells and the retinal pigment epithelium. This transport is essential for the regeneration of pigments necessary for vision. When administered at a dose of 300 µg/animal, IRBP651-670 induces autoimmune uveoretinitis in C57BL/6 mice, a model possessing the H-2b haplotype. This immunization leads to increased levels of ocular cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, promotes immune cell infiltration into the eye, and results in photoreceptor cell damage.