Enhanced orbital adipogenesis in a mouse model of T-cell-mediated autoimmunity, zymosan A-treated SKG mice: Implications for Graves’ ophthalmopathy

Inflammation and remodelling of orbital tissue associated with enhanced adipogenesis commonly occur in Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO), however, the underlying mechanisms that link immune cells and adipocytes in orbital inflammation are not well-known. The primary aim of this study was to elucidate how a genetically determined shift in the T-cell repertoire toward self-reactive T-cells could drive orbital adipogenesis. To induce the T-cell-mediated autoimmune response, SKG mice were intraperitoneally injected with zymosan A once at 8 weeks of age. After three months, orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histopathologic studies, and in vitro analyses were performed to evaluate inflammation and adipogenesis. The eyes of the zymosan A-treated SKG mice displayed proptosis and blepharitis. A detailed analysis of orbital adipose tissue showed enhanced orbital adipogenesis and cellular infiltration compared to controls. In addition, increased secretion of adipokines and other cytokines in the periorbital tissue was observed, together with elevated serum concentration of inflammatory cytokines. Orbital adipogenesis was enhanced in zymosan A-treated SKG mice, a novel mouse model for GO-like inflammatory adipose phenotypes most likely induced by T-cell mediated autoimmune responses. This mouse model gives us the opportunity to examine the underlying molecular mechanisms of enhanced adipogenesis in GO, ultimately providing a potential therapeutic target alternative to conventional GO treatment.