RPE Cells Resist Bystander Killing by CTLs, but Are Highly Susceptible to Antigen-Dependent CTL Killing

Abstract

Although there are many reports of T-cell inhibition by RPE, we found that CTLs efficiently killed RPE cells by induction of apoptosis in an antigen-dependent manner. The survival of RPE in the face of extensive CTL destruction of adjacent photoreceptor cells in vivo appears to be based on their insensitivity to injury via bystander mechanisms.