Small-molecule antagonist of VLA-4 (GW559090) attenuated neuro-inflammation by targeting Th17 cell trafficking across the blood-retinal barrier in experimental autoimmune uveitis.

This α4β1 integrin inhibitor may exert a modulatory effect in EAU progression by selectively blocking Th17 cell migration across the blood-retinal barrier without affecting systemic CD4+ T cell subsets. Local α4β1 integrin-directed inhibition could be clinically relevant in treating a Th17-dominant form of uveitis.