CD36, a class B scavenger receptor, is expressed on microglia in Alzheimer's disease brains and can mediate production of reactive oxygen species in response to beta-amyloid fibrils

Microglial Aβ receptors in Alzheimer's disease

Amyloid β (Aβ) plays a pivotal role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through its neurotoxic and inflammatory effects. On one hand, Aβ binds to microglia and activates them to produce inflammatory mediators. On the other hand, Aβ is cleared by microglia through receptor-mediated phagocytosis and degradation. This review focuses on microglial membrane receptors that bind Aβ and contribute to microglial activation and/or Aβ phagocytosis and clearance. These receptors can be categorized into several groups. The scavenger receptors (SRs) include scavenger receptor A-1 (SCARA-1), MARCO, scavenger receptor B-1 (SCARB-1), CD36 and the receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE). The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) and chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1). There are also toll-like receptors (TLRs) including TLR2, TLR4, and the co-receptor CD14. Functionally, SCARA-1 and CMKLR1 are involved in the uptake of Aβ, and RAGE is responsible for the activation of microglia and production of proinflammatory mediators following Aβ binding. CD36, CD36/CD47/α6β1-intergrin, CD14/TLR2/TLR4, and FPR2 display both functions. Additionally, MARCO and SCARB-1 also exhibit the ability to bind Aβ and may be involved in the progression of AD. Here, we focus on the expression and distribution of these receptors in microglia and their roles in microglia interaction with Aβ. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic value of these receptors in AD.

Neurobiology of microglial action in CNS injuries: receptor-mediated signaling mechanisms and functional roles

Microglia are the first line of immune defense against central nervous system (CNS) injuries and disorders. These highly plastic cells play dualistic roles in neuronal injury and recovery and are known for their ability to assume diverse phenotypes. A broad range of surface receptors are expressed on microglia and mediate microglial 'On' or 'Off' responses to signals from other host cells as well as invading microorganisms. The integrated actions of these receptors result in tightly regulated biological functions, including cell mobility, phagocytosis, the induction of acquired immunity, and trophic factor/inflammatory mediator release. Over the last few years, significant advances have been made toward deciphering the signaling mechanisms related to these receptors and their specific cellular functions. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge of the surface receptors involved in microglial activation, with an emphasis on their engagement of distinct functional programs and their roles in CNS injuries. It will become evident from this review that microglial homeostasis is carefully maintained by multiple counterbalanced strategies, including, but not limited to, 'On' and 'Off' receptor signaling. Specific regulation of theses microglial receptors may be a promising therapeutic strategy against CNS injuries.

Microglia receptors and their implications in the response to amyloid β for Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major public health problem with substantial economic and social impacts around the world. The hallmarks of AD pathogenesis include deposition of amyloid β (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles, and neuroinflammation. For many years, research has been focused on Aβ accumulation in senile plaques, as these aggregations were perceived as the main cause of the neurodegeneration found in AD. However, increasing evidence suggests that inflammation also plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD. Microglia cells are the resident macrophages of the brain and act as the first line of defense in the central nervous system. In AD, microglia play a dual role in disease progression, being essential for clearing Aβ deposits and releasing cytotoxic mediators. Aβ activates microglia through a variety of innate immune receptors expressed on these cells. The mechanisms through which amyloid deposits provoke an inflammatory response are not fully understood, but it is believed that these receptors cooperate in the recognition, internalization, and clearance of Aβ and in cell activation. In this review, we discuss the role of several receptors expressed on microglia in Aβ recognition, uptake, and signaling, and their implications for AD pathogenesis.

Innate immunity in Alzheimer's disease: a complex affair

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by three major histopathological hallmarks: β-amyloid deposits, neurofibrillary tangles and gliosis. While neglected for decades, the neuroinflammatory processes coordinated by microglia are now accepted as etiologic events in AD evolution. Microglial cells are found in close vicinity to amyloid plaques and display various activation phenotypes determined by the expression of a wide range of cytokines, chemokines, and innate immune surface receptors. During the development of AD pathology, microglia fail to restrict amyloid plaques and may contribute to neurotoxicity and cognitive deficit. Nevertheless, under specific activation states, microglia can participate in cerebral amyloid clearance. This review focuses on the complex relationship between microglia and Aβ pathology, and highlights both deleterious and beneficial roles of microglial activation states in the context of AD. A deeper understanding of microglial biology will hopefully pave the way for next-generation AD therapeutic approaches aimed at harnessing these enigmatic innate immune cells of the central nervous system.

Linking Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus via aberrant insulin signaling and inflammation

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two progressive and devastating health disorders afflicting millions of people worldwide. The probability and incidence of both have increased considerably in recent years consequent to increased longevity and population growth. Progressively more links are being continuously found between inflammation and central nervous system disorders like AD, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury and even cancers of the nervous tissue. The depth of the relationship depends on the timing and extent of anti- or pro-inflammatory gene expression. Inflammation has also been implicated in T2DM. Misfolding and fibrillization (of tissue specific and/or non-specific proteins) are features common to both AD and T2DM and are induced by as well as contribute to inflammation and stress (oxidative/ glycation). This review appraises the roles of inflammation and abnormalities in the insulin signaling system as important shared features of T2DM and AD. The capacity of anti-cholinesterases in reducing the level of certain common inflammatory markers in particular if they may provide therapeutic potential to mitigate awry mechanisms leading to AD.

Insulin-associated neuroinflammatory pathways as therapeutic targets for traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by an abrupt blow or exchange of force against the head and can be categorized as mild, moderate, and severe. The secondary cell death after TBI displays ischemic-like patterns including neuroinflammation. The scavenger receptor cluster of differentiation (CD) 36 is a lipid-associated protein capable of transducing intracellular signals to promote inflammatory mechanisms within different cell types. Expression and activation of CD36 is closely related to dyslipidemia secondary to diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been documented as a co-morbidity factor in TBI, in that patients with a history of diabetes present with more severe brain damage and slower recovery from TBI than non-diabetic patients. Indeed, a strict regulation of blood serum glucose by the use of insulin promotes a better outcome for TBI patients. Based on these recent findings, we now advance the hypothesis that CD36 via DM insulin-associated pathways is closely involved in TBI chronic pathology.

Role of LDL cholesterol and endolysosomes in amyloidogenesis and Alzheimer's disease

The pathogenesis of late-onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) is believed to result from complex interactions between nutritional, environmental, epigenetic and genetic factors. Among those factors, altered circulating cholesterol homeostasis, independent of the APOE genotype, continues to be implicated in brain deposition of amyloid beta protein (Aβ) and the pathogenesis of AD. It is believed that trafficking of amyloid beta precursor protein (AβPP) into endolysosomes appears to play a critical role in determining amyloidogenic processing of AβPP because this is precisely where two enzymes critically important in AβPP metabolism are located; beta amyloid converting enzyme (BACE-1) and gamma secretase enzyme. We have shown that elevated levels of LDL cholesterol promote AβPP internalization, disturb neuronal endolysosome structure and function, and increase Aβ accumulation in neuronal endolysosomes. Here, we will further discuss the linkage between elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and AD pathogenesis, and explore the underlying mechanisms whereby elevated levels of plasma LDL cholesterol promote amyloidogenesis.

Interactions of HIV and drugs of abuse: the importance of glia, neural progenitors, and host genetic factors

Considerable insight has been gained into the comorbid, interactive effects of HIV and drug abuse in the brain using experimental models. This review, which considers opiates, methamphetamine, and cocaine, emphasizes the importance of host genetics and glial plasticity in driving the pathogenic neuron remodeling underlying neuro-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and drug abuse comorbidity. Clinical findings are less concordant than experimental work, and the response of individuals to HIV and to drug abuse can vary tremendously. Host-genetic variability is important in determining viral tropism, neuropathogenesis, drug responses, and addictive behavior. However, genetic differences alone cannot account for individual variability in the brain "connectome." Environment and experience are critical determinants in the evolution of synaptic circuitry throughout life. Neurons and glia both exercise control over determinants of synaptic plasticity that are disrupted by HIV and drug abuse. Perivascular macrophages, microglia, and to a lesser extent astroglia can harbor the infection. Uninfected bystanders, especially astroglia, propagate and amplify inflammatory signals. Drug abuse by itself derails neuronal and glial function, and the outcome of chronic exposure is maladaptive plasticity. The negative consequences of coexposure to HIV and drug abuse are determined by numerous factors including genetics, sex, age, and multidrug exposure. Glia and some neurons are generated throughout life, and their progenitors appear to be targets of HIV and opiates/psychostimulants. The chronic nature of HIV and drug abuse appears to result in sustained alterations in the maturation and fate of neural progenitors, which may affect the balance of glial populations within multiple brain regions.

Scara1 deficiency impairs clearance of soluble amyloid-β by mononuclear phagocytes and accelerates Alzheimer's-like disease progression

In Alzheimer's disease, soluble amyloid-β causes synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss. Receptors involved in clearance of soluble amyloid-β are not known. Here we use short hairpin RNA screening and identify the scavenger receptor Scara1 as a receptor for soluble amyloid-β expressed on myeloid cells. To determine the role of Scara1 in clearance of soluble amyloid-β in vivo, we cross Scara1 null mice with PS1-APP mice, a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, and generate PS1-APP-Scara1-deficient mice. Scara1 deficiency markedly accelerates Aβ accumulation, leading to increased mortality. In contrast, pharmacological upregulation of Scara1 expression on mononuclear phagocytes increases Aβ clearance. This approach is a potential treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease.

Microglia actions in Alzheimer’s disease

The identification of microglia-associated, neurological disease-causing mutations in patients, combined with studies in mouse models has highlighted microglia, the brain’s intrinsic myeloid cells, as key modulators of pathogenesis and disease progression in neurodegenerative diseases. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in particular, the activation and accumulation of microglial cells around b-Amyloid (Ab) plaques has long been described and is believed to result in chronic neuroinflammation—a term that, despite being commonly used, lacks a precise definition. This seemingly directed response of microglia to amyloid deposits conflicts with the fact that the increasing buildup of Ab plaques is not inhibited by these cells during disease progression. While recent evidence suggests that microglia lose their intrinsic beneficial function during the course of AD and may even acquire a ‘‘toxic’’ phenotype over time, Ab may also simply not be an appropriate trigger to induce phagocytosis and degradation by microglia in vivo. As recent experimental evidence has indicated the importance of the microglia in AD pathogenesis, future efforts aimed at tackling this disease via utilization or modulation of microglia or factors therefrom appear to be an exciting and challenging research front.

PP2 and piceatannol inhibit PrP106-126-induced iNOS activation mediated by CD36 in BV2 microglia

Prion diseases are a group of transmissible fatal neurodegenerative disorders of humans and animals, including bovine spongiform encephalopathy, scrapie, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, are exquisitely sensitive to pathological tissue alterations, altering their morphology and phenotype to adopt a so-called activated state and perform immunological functions in response to pathophysiological brain insults. Although recent findings have provided valuable insights into the role microglia play in the proinflammatory events observed in prion, the intracellular signaling molecules responsible for the initiation of these responses remain to be elucidated. It seems that microglial activation involve PrP106-126 binding and the activation of cell surface immune and adhesion molecules such as CD36 and integrins, with the subsequent recruitment of Src family tyrosine kinases such as Fyn, Lyn, and Syk kinases. In the present study, we show that CD36 is involved in PrP106-126-induced microglial activation and that PP2 and piceatannol (Pic) can abrogate neurotoxic prion peptides-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase activation in microglia. These findings unveil a previously unrecognized role of PP2 and Pic as Src family kinase Fyn and the tyrosine kinase Syk inhibitor involved in neurotoxic prion peptides-microglia interactions, thus providing new insights into mechanisms underlying the activation of microglia by neurotoxic prion peptides.

CXCL1 contributes to β-amyloid-induced transendothelial migration of monocytes in Alzheimer's disease

Background

Bone marrow-derived microglia that originates in part from hematopoietic cells, and more particularly from monocytes preferentially attach to amyloid deposition in brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanism of monocytes recruited into the amyloid plaques with an accelerated process in AD is unclear.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Here we reported that monocytes from AD patients express significantly higher chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) compared to age-matched controls. AD patient’s monocytes or CXCL1-overexpressing THP-1 cells had enhanced ability of β-amyloid (Aβ)-induced transendothelial migration and Aβ-induced transendothelial migration for AD patient’s monocytes or CXCL1-overexpressing THP-1 cells was almost abrogated by anti-CXCL1 antibody. Furthermore, monocytes derived from a transgenic mouse model of AD also expressed significantly higher CXCL1. CD11b⁺CD45^hi population of cells that were recruited from the peripheral blood were markedly bolcked in APP mouse brain by anti-CXCL1 antibody. Accordingly, in response to Aβ, human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) significantly up-regulated CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) expression, which was the only identified receptor for CXCL1. In addition, a high level expression of CXCR2 in HBMEC significantly promoted the CXCL1-overexpressing THP-1 cells transendothelial migration, which could be was abrogated by anti-CXCR2 antibody. Further examination of possible mechanisms found that CXCL1-overexpressing THP-1 cells induced transendothelial electrical resistance decrease, horseradish peroxidase flux increase, ZO-1 discontinuous and occludin re-distribution from insoluble to soluble fraction through interacting with CXCR2. ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, could block CXCL1-overexpressing THP-1 cells transendothelial migration, whereas other inhibitors had no effects.

Conclusions/Significance

The present data indicate that monocytes derived from AD patients overexpressing CXCL1, which is a determinant for Aβ-induced transendothelial migration. CXCL1 expressed by monocytes and CXCR2 on HBMEC is involved in monocytes migrating from blood to brain in AD patients.

A2E induces IL-1ß production in retinal pigment epithelial cells via the NLRP3 inflammasome

AIMS

With ageing extracellular material is deposited in Bruch's membrane, as drusen. Lipofuscin is deposited in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Both of these changes are associated with age related macular degeneration, a disease now believed to involve chronic inflammation at the retinal-choroidal interface. We hypothesise that these molecules may act as danger signals, causing the production of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines by the retinal pigment epithelium, via activation of pattern recognition receptors.

METHODS

ARPE-19 cells were stimulated in vitro with the following reported components of drusen: amyloid-ß (1-42), Carboxyethylpyrrole (CEP) modified proteins (CEP-HSA), Nε-(Carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) modified proteins and aggregated vitronectin. The cells were also stimulated with the major fluorophore of lipofuscin: N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E). Inflammatory chemokine and cytokine production was assessed using Multiplex assays and ELISA. The mechanistic evaluation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway was assessed in a stepwise fashion.

RESULTS

Of all the molecules tested only A2E induced inflammatory chemokine and cytokine production. 25 µM A2E induced the production of significantly increased levels of the chemokines IL-8, MCP-1, MCG and MIP-1α, the cytokines IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α, and the protein VEGF-A. The release of IL-1ß was studied further, and was determined to be due to NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The pathway of activation involved endocytosis of A2E, and the three inflammasome components NLRP3, ASC and activated caspase-1. Immunohistochemical staining of ABCA4 knockout mice, which show progressive accumulation of A2E levels with age, showed increased amounts of IL-1ß proximal to the retinal pigment epithelium.

CONCLUSIONS

A2E has the ability to stimulate inflammatory chemokine and cytokine production by RPE cells. The pattern recognition receptor NLRP3 is involved in this process. This provides further evidence for the link between A2E, inflammation, and the pathogenesis of AMD. It also supports the recent discovery of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in AMD.

Inflammation in Alzheimer disease-a brief review of the basic science and clinical literature

Biochemical and neuropathological studies of brains from individuals with Alzheimer disease (AD) provide clear evidence for an activation of inflammatory pathways, and long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs is linked with reduced risk to develop the disease. As cause and effect relationships between inflammation and AD are being worked out, there is a realization that some components of this complex molecular and cellular machinery are most likely promoting pathological processes leading to AD, whereas other components serve to do the opposite. The challenge will be to find ways of fine tuning inflammation to delay, prevent, or treat AD.

The neuroimmune system in Alzheimer's disease: the glass is half full

It is well established that microglia, the neuroimmune cells of the brain, are associated with amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the roles of these cells and other mononuclear phagocytes such as monocytes and macrophages in AD pathogenesis and progression have been elusive. Clues to mononuclear phagocyte involvement came with the demonstration that Aβ directly activates microglia and monocytes to produce neurotoxins, signifying that a receptor mediated interaction of Aβ with these cells may be critical for neurodegeneration seen in AD. Also, in AD brain, mononuclear phagocyte distribution changes from a uniform pattern that covers the brain parenchyma to distinct clusters intimately associated with areas of Aβ deposition, but the driving force behind this choreography was unclear. Here, we review our recent work identifying mononuclear phagocyte receptors for Aβ and unraveling mechanisms of recruitment of these cells to areas of Aβ deposition. While our findings and those of others have added significantly to our understanding of the role of the neuroimmune system in AD, the glass remains half full (or half empty) and a lot remains to be uncovered.

Amyloid β precursor protein as a molecular target for amyloid β--induced neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's disease

A role of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide aggregation and deposition in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis is widely accepted. Significantly, abnormalities induced by aggregated Aβ have been linked to synaptic and neuritic degeneration, consistent with the "dying-back" pattern of degeneration that characterizes neurons affected in AD. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the toxic effect of aggregated Aβ remain elusive. In the last 2 decades, a variety of aggregated Aβ species have been identified and their toxic properties demonstrated in diverse experimental systems. Concurrently, specific Aβ assemblies have been shown to interact and misregulate a growing number of molecular effectors with diverse physiological functions. Such pleiotropic effects of aggregated Aβ posit a mayor challenge for the identification of the most cardinal Aβ effectors relevant to AD pathology. In this review, we discuss recent experimental evidence implicating amyloid β precursor protein (APP) as a molecular target for toxic Aβ assemblies. Based on a significant body of pathologic observations and experimental evidence, we propose a novel pathologic feed-forward mechanism linking Aβ aggregation to abnormalities in APP processing and function, which in turn would trigger the progressive loss of neuronal connectivity observed early in AD.

Involvement of small GTPase RhoA in the regulation of superoxide production in BV2 cells in response to fibrillar Aβ peptides

Fibrillar amyloid-beta (fAβ) peptide causes neuronal cell death, which is known as Alzheimer's disease. One of the mechanisms for neuronal cell death is the activation of microglia which releases toxic compounds like reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to fAβ. We observed that fAβ rather than soluble form blocked BV2 cell proliferation of microglial cell line BV2, while N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a scavenger of superoxide, prevented the cells from death, suggesting that cell death is induced by ROS. Indeed, both fAβ1-42 and fAβ25-35 induced superoxide production in BV2 cells. fAβ25-35 produced superoxide, although fAβ25-35 is not phagocytosed into BV2 cells. Thus, superoxide production by fAβ does not seem to be dependent on phagocytosis of fAβ. Herein we studied how fAβ produces superoxide in BV2. Transfection of dominant negative (DN) RhoA (N19) cDNA plasmid, small hairpin (sh)-RhoA forming plasmid, and Y27632, an inhibitor of Rho-kinase, abrogated the superoxide formation in BV2 cells stimulated by fAβ. Furthermore, fAβ elevated GTP-RhoA level as well as Rac1 and Cdc42. Tat-C3 toxin, sh-RhoA, and Y27632 inhibited the phosphorylation of p47(PHOX). Moreover, peritoneal macrophages from p47(PHOX) (-/-) knockout mouse could not produce superoxide in response to fAβ. These results suggest that RhoA closely engages in the regulation of superoxide production induced by fAβ through phosphorylation of p47(PHOX) in microglial BV2 cells.

Role of scavenger receptors in glia-mediated neuroinflammatory response associated with Alzheimer's disease

It is widely accepted that cells serving immune functions in the brain, namely, microglia and astrocytes, are important mediators of pathological phenomena observed in Alzheimer's disease. However, it is unknown how these cells initiate the response that results in cognitive impairment and neuronal degeneration. Here, we review the participation of the immune response mediated by glial cells in Alzheimer's disease and the role played by scavenger receptors in the development of this pathology, focusing on the relevance of class A scavenger receptor (SR-A) for A β clearance and inflammatory activation of glial cell, and as a potential target for Alzheimer's disease therapy.

Long-term immunomodulatory effect of amniotic stem cells in an Alzheimer's disease model

Amyloid beta (Aβ) plays a major role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and neuroinflammatory processes mediated by Aβ plaque-induced microglial cells and astrocytes contribute to AD pathogenesis. The present study examined human placenta amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs), which have potent immunomodulatory and paracrine effects in a Tg2576 (APPswe) transgenic mouse model of AD. AMSCs secreted high levels of transforming growth factor-β under in vitro inflammatory environment conditions. Six weeks after the intravenous injection of AMSCs, APPswe mice showed evidence of improved spatial learning, which significantly correlated with the observation of fewer Aβ plaques in brain. The number of ED1-positive phagocytic microglial cells associated with Aβ plaques was higher in AMSC-injected mice than in phosphate-buffered saline-injected mice, and the level of Aβ-degrading enzymes (matrix metallopeptidase-9 and insulin-degrading enzyme) was also significantly higher. Furthermore, the level of proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α, was lower and that of anti-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β, was higher in AMSC-injected mice than phosphate-buffered saline-injected mice. These effects lasted until 12 weeks after AMSC injection. Taken together, these results collectively suggest that injection of AMSCs might show significant long-lasting improvement in AD pathology and memory function via immunomodulatory and paracrine mechanisms.

PPARγ/RXRα-induced and CD36-mediated microglial amyloid-β phagocytosis results in cognitive improvement in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the extracellular deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangle formation, and a microglial-driven inflammatory response. Chronic inflammatory activation compromises microglial clearance functions. Because peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists suppress inflammatory gene expression, we tested whether activation of PPARγ would also result in improved microglial Aβ phagocytosis. The PPARγ agonist pioglitazone and a novel selective PPARα/γ modulator, DSP-8658, currently in clinical development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, enhanced the microglial uptake of Aβ in a PPARγ-dependent manner. This PPARγ-stimulated increase of Aβ phagocytosis was mediated by the upregulation of scavenger receptor CD36 expression. In addition, combined treatment with agonists for the heterodimeric binding partners of PPARγ, the retinoid X receptors (RXRs), showed additive enhancement of the Aβ uptake that was mediated by RXRα activation. Evaluation of DSP-8658 in the amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 mouse model confirmed an increased microglial Aβ phagocytosis in vivo, which subsequently resulted in a reduction of cortical and hippocampal Aβ levels. Furthermore, DSP-8658-treated mice showed improved spatial memory performance. Therefore, stimulation of microglial clearance by simultaneous activation of the PPARγ/RXRα heterodimer may prove beneficial in prevention of AD.

Multimolecular signaling complexes enable Syk-mediated signaling of CD36 internalization

CD36 is a versatile receptor known to play a central role in the development of atherosclerosis, the pathogenesis of malaria, and the removal of apoptotic cells. Remarkably, the short cytosolically exposed regions of CD36 lack identifiable motifs, which has hampered elucidation of its mode of signaling. Using a combination of phosphoprotein isolation, mass spectrometry, superresolution imaging, and gene silencing, we have determined that the receptor induces ligand internalization through a heteromeric complex consisting of CD36, β1 and/or β2 integrins, and the tetraspanins CD9 and/or CD81. This receptor complex serves to link CD36 to the adaptor FcRγ, which bears an immunoreceptor tyrosine activation motif. By coupling to FcRγ, CD36 is able to engage Src-family kinases and Syk, which in turn drives the internalization of CD36 and its bound ligands.

Extracellular aggregated Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activates microglia to give a cytotoxic phenotype

A large body of literature suggests that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology is intimately linked with neuroinflammation, specifically activation and recruitment of microglia and astrocytes. The actual cause of gliosis is unclear. Extracellular Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) has recently been shown to activate microglia in a CD14 dependant mechanism providing one potential pathway by which glial cells become activated. As protein inclusions are thought to be an important part of ALS pathology and are associated with all forms of ALS, we sought to determine if aggregated SOD1 would activate microglia. Recombinant SOD1 was aggregated and this, or monomeric forms of SOD1 were then added to EOC.13 microglial cells or primary microglial cells in culture. Although monomeric mutant SOD1 has been shown to promote microglial activation in the past, we found that aggregated SOD1 was able to much more efficiently activate microglia in culture when compared with the unaggregated form of mutant SOD1. In addition to CD14 dependant pathways, aggregated SOD1 also bound to the surface of glial cells and was internalized in a lipid raft and scavenger receptor dependent manner. We have for the first time shown that aggregated mutant SOD1 potently activates microglia. These results suggest that there may be a potential link between protein aggregation and microglial activation in ALS.

Dyslipidemia and dementia: current epidemiology, genetic evidence, and mechanisms behind the associations

The role of cholesterol in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still controversial. Some studies exploring the association between lipids and/or lipid lowering treatment and AD indicate a harmful effect of dyslipidemia and a beneficial effect of statin therapy on AD risk. The findings are supported by genetic linkage and association studies that have clearly identified several genes involved in cholesterol metabolism or transport as AD susceptibility genes, including apolipoprotein E, apolipoprotein J, and the sortilin-related receptor. Functional cell biology studies support a critical involvement of lipid raft cholesterol in the modulation of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) processing by β- and γ-secretase resulting in altered amyloid-β production. Contradictory evidence comes from epidemiological studies showing no or controversial association between dyslipidemia and AD risk. Additionally, cell biology studies suggest that there is little exchange between circulating and brain cholesterol, that increased membrane cholesterol is protective by inhibiting loss of membrane integrity through amyloid cytotoxicity, and that cellular cholesterol inhibits co-localization of BACE1 and AβPP in non-raft membrane domains, thereby increasing generation of plasmin, an amyloid-β-degrading enzyme. The aim of this review is to summarize the findings of epidemiological and cell biological studies to elucidate the role of cholesterol in AD etiology.

Menopause leads to elevated expression of macrophage-associated genes in the aging frontal cortex: rat and human studies identify strikingly similar changes

Background

The intricate interactions between the immune, endocrine and central nervous systems shape the innate immune response of the brain. We have previously shown that estradiol suppresses expression of immune genes in the frontal cortex of middle-aged ovariectomized rats, but not in young ones reflecting elevated expression of these genes in middle-aged, ovarian hormone deficient animals. Here, we explored the impact of menopause on the microglia phenotype capitalizing on the differential expression of macrophage-associated genes in quiescent and activated microglia.

Methods

We selected twenty-three genes encoding phagocytic and recognition receptors expressed primarily in microglia, and eleven proinflammatory genes and followed their expression in the rat frontal cortex by real-time PCR. We used young, middle-aged and middle-aged ovariectomized rats to reveal age- and ovariectomy-related alterations. We analyzed the expression of the same set of genes in the postcentral and superior frontal gyrus of pre- and postmenopausal women using raw microarray data from our previous study.

Results

Ovariectomy caused up-regulation of four classic microglia reactivity marker genes including Cd11b, Cd18, Cd45 and Cd86. The change was reversible since estradiol attenuated transcriptional activation of the four marker genes. Expression of genes encoding phagocytic and toll-like receptors such as Cd11b, Cd18, C3, Cd32, Msr2 and Tlr4 increased, whereas scavenger receptor Cd36 decreased following ovariectomy. Ovarian hormone deprivation altered the expression of major components of estrogen and neuronal inhibitory signaling which are involved in the control of microglia reactivity. Strikingly similar changes took place in the postcentral and superior frontal gyrus of postmenopausal women.

Conclusions

Based on the overlapping results of rat and human studies we propose that the microglia phenotype shifts from the resting toward the reactive state which can be characterized by up-regulation of CD11b, CD14, CD18, CD45, CD74, CD86, TLR4, down-regulation of CD36 and unchanged CD40 expression. As a result of this shift, microglial cells have lower threshold for subsequent activation in the forebrain of postmenopausal women.

Genetic deletion of CD36 enhances injury after acute neonatal stroke

OBJECTIVE

The scavenger receptor CD36 is injurious in acute experimental focal stroke and neurodegenerative diseases in the adult. We investigated the effects of genetic deletion of CD36 (CD36ko) on acute injury, and oxidative and inflammatory signaling after neonatal stroke.

METHODS

Postnatal day 9 CD36ko and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Injury, phagocytosis of dying cells, and CD36 inflammatory signaling were determined.

RESULTS

While the volume of tissue at risk by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging during MCAO was similar in neonatal CD36ko and WT mice, by 24 hours after reperfusion, injury was more severe in CD36ko and was associated with increased caspase-3 cleavage and reduced engulfment of neurons expressing cleaved caspase-3 by activated microglia. No significant superoxide generation was observed in activated microglia in injured WT, whereas increased superoxide production in vessels and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation induced by MCAO were unaffected by lack of CD36. Lyn expression was higher in injured CD36ko, and cell type-specific patterns of Lyn expression were altered; Lyn was expressed in endothelial cells and microglia in WT but predominantly in dying neurons in CD36ko.

INTERPRETATION

Lack of CD36 results in poorer short-term outcome from neonatal focal stroke due to lack of attenuation of NF-κB-mediated inflammation and diminished removal of apoptotic neuronal debris. Although inhibition of CD36 does not seem to be a good therapeutic target for protection after acute neonatal stroke, as it is after adult stroke, seeking better understanding of CD36 signaling in particular cell populations may reveal important therapeutic targets for neonatal stroke.

Brain and circulating levels of Aβ1-40 differentially contribute to vasomotor dysfunction in the mouse brain

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Amyloid-β (Aβ), a peptide that accumulates in the brain and circulates in the blood of patients with Alzheimer disease, alters the regulation of cerebral blood flow and may contribute to the brain dysfunction underlying the dementia. However, the contributions of brain and circulating Aβ1-40 to the vascular dysfunction have not been elucidated.

METHODS

We used transgenic mice overexpressing mutated forms of the amyloid precursor protein in which Aβ1-40 is elevated in blood and brain (Tg-2576) or only in brain (Tg-SwDI). Mice were equipped with a cranial window, and the increase in cerebral blood flow induced by neural activity (whisker stimulation), or by topical application of endothelium-dependent vasodilators, was assessed by laser-Doppler flowmetry.

RESULTS

The cerebrovascular dysfunction was observed also in Tg-SwDI mice, but despite ≈40% higher levels of brain Aβ1-40, the effect was less marked than in Tg-2576 mice. Intravascular administration of Aβ1-40 elevated plasma Aβ1-40 and enhanced the dysfunction in Tg-SwDI mice, but not in Tg-2576 mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provide evidence that Aβ1-40 acts on distinct luminal and abluminal vascular targets, the deleterious cerebrovascular effects of which are additive. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of circulating Aβ1-40 in the cerebrovascular dysfunction and may provide insight into the cerebrovascular alterations in conditions in which elevations in plasma Aβ1-40 occur.

Soluble CCL5 derived from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and activated by amyloid β ameliorates Alzheimer's disease in mice by recruiting bone marrow-induced microglia immune responses

Microglia have the ability to eliminate amyloid β (Aβ) by a cell-specific phagocytic mechanism, and bone marrow (BM) stem cells have shown a beneficial effect through endogenous microglia activation in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice. However, the mechanisms underlying BM-induced activation of microglia have not been resolved. Here we show that BM-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced the migration of microglia when exposed to Aβ in vitro. Cytokine array analysis of the BM-MSC media obtained after stimulation by Aβ further revealed elevated release of the chemoattractive factor, CCL5. We also observed that CCL5 was increased when BM-MSCs were transplanted into the brains of Aβ-deposited AD mice, but not normal mice. Interestingly, alternative activation of microglia in AD mice was associated with elevated CCL5 expression following intracerebral BM-MSC transplantation. Furthermore, by generating an AD-green fluorescent protein chimeric mouse, we ascertained that endogenous BM cells, recruited into the brain by CCL5, induced microglial activation. Additionally, we observed that neprilysin and interleukin-4 derived from the alternative microglia were associated with a reduction in Aβ deposition and memory impairment in AD mice. These results suggest that the beneficial effects observed in AD mice after intracerebral SC transplantation may be explained by alternative microglia activation. The recruitment of the alternative microglia into the brain is driven by CCL5 secretion from the transplanted BM-MSCs, which itself is induced by Aβ deposition in the AD brain.

β-Amyloid exacerbates inflammation in astrocytes lacking fatty acid amide hydrolase through a mechanism involving PPAR-α, PPAR-γ and TRPV1, but not CB₁ or CB₂ receptors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The endocannabinoid system may regulate glial cell functions and their responses to pathological stimuli, specifically, Alzheimer's disease. One experimental approach is the enhancement of endocannabinoid tone by blocking the activity of degradative enzymes, such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We examined the role of FAAH in the response of astrocytes to the pathologic form of β-amyloid (Aβ). Astrocytes from wild-type mice (WT) and from mice lacking FAAH (FAAH-KO) were incubated with Aβ for 8, 24 and 48 h, and their inflammatory responses were quantified by elisa, western-blotting and real-time quantitative-PCR.

KEY RESULTS

FAAH-KO astrocytes were significantly more responsive to Aβ than WT astrocytes, as shown by the higher production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Expression of COX-2, inducible NOS and TNF-α was also increased in Aβ-exposed KO astrocytes compared with that in WTs. These effects were accompanied by a differential pattern of activation of signalling cascades involved in mediating inflammatory responses, such as ERK1/2, p38MAPK and NFκB. PPAR-α and PPAR-γ as well as transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1), but not cannabinoid CB₁ or CB₂ receptors, mediate some of the differential changes observed in Aβ-exposed FAAH-KO astrocytes. The pharmacological blockade of FAAH did not render astrocytes more sensitive to Aβ. In contrast, exogenous addition of several acylethanolamides (anandamide, palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide) induced an antiinflammatory response.

CONCLUSIONS

The genetic deletion of FAAH in astrocytes exacerbated their inflammatory phenotype against Aβ in a process involving PPAR-α, PPAR-γ and TRPV1 receptors.

CD36 in the periphery and brain synergizes in stroke injury in hyperlipidemia

OBJECTIVE

Hyperlipidemia exacerbates ischemic stroke outcome and increases CD36 expression in the postischemic brain as well as in peripheral monocytes/macrophages. By exchanging bone marrow-derived cells between CD36-expressing and CD36-deficient mice, this study investigates the contribution of peripheral CD36 in comparison with that of brain CD36 to stroke pathology in hyperlipidemia.

METHODS

Following bone marrow transplantation, mice were fed a high-fat diet for 11 weeks and then subjected to ischemic stroke. Stroke outcome, expression of brain CD36, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), CCR2, and plasma MCP-1 levels were determined at 3 days postischemia. CD36 and CCR2 expression were also determined in splenocytes incubated with serum obtained from CD36-expressing or CD36-deficient mice.

RESULTS

Infiltrating immune cells from the periphery are the major source of CD36 in the postischemic brain and contribute to stroke-induced brain injury. This CD36 effect was dependent on the modulation of MCP-1 and CCR2 expression in peripheral immune cells as well as CD36-expressing cells in the host brain.

INTERPRETATION

This study demonstrates that CD36 expressed in the periphery and brain synergize in ischemic brain injury through regulation of the MCP-1/CCR2 chemokine axis in hyperlipidemic conditions.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy impact on endothelium

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is an age-associated disease characterized by amyloid deposition in cerebral and meningeal vessel walls. CAA is detected in the majority of the individuals with dementia and also in a large number of non-demented elderly individuals. In addition, CAA is strongly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Mechanical consequences including intra-cerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage remains CAA most feared complication, but only a small fraction of CAA results in severe bleeding. On the hand the non-mechanical consequences in cerebrovascular regulation are prevalent and may be even more deleterious. Studies of animal models have provided strong evidence linking the vasoactive Aβ 1-40, the main species found in CAA, to disturbances in endothelial-dependent factors, disrupting cerebrovascular regulation Here, we aimed to review experimental findings regarding the non-mechanical consequences of CAA for cerebrovascular regulation and discuss the implications of these results to clinical practice.

Is There Inflammatory Synergy in Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease?

Metabolic dysregulation, including abnormal glucose utilization and insulin resistance or deficiency, occurs at an early stage of AD independent of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, AD has been considered as type 3 diabetes. T2DM is a risk factor for AD; the coexistence of these two diseases in a society with an increasing mean age is a significant issue. Recently, research has focused on shared molecular mechanisms in these two diseases with the goal of determining whether treating T2DM can lessen the severity of AD. The progress in this field lends strong support to several mechanisms that could affect these two diseases, including insulin resistance and signaling, vascular injuries, inflammation, and the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts and their ligands. In this paper, we focus on inflammation-based mechanisms in both diseases and discuss potential synergism in these mechanisms when these two diseases coexist in the same patient.

The toxicity of amyloid β oligomers

In this review, we elucidate the mechanisms of Aβ oligomer toxicity which may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, we discuss on the interaction of Aβ oligomers with the membrane through the process of adsorption and insertion. Such interaction gives rises to phase transitions in the sub-structures of the Aβ peptide from α-helical to β-sheet structure. By means of a coarse-grained model, we exhibit the tendency of β-sheet structures to aggregate, thus providing further insights to the process of membrane induced aggregation. We show that the aggregated oligomer causes membrane invagination, which is a precursor to the formation of pore structures and ion channels. Other pathological progressions to AD due to Aβ oligomers are also covered, such as their interaction with the membrane receptors, and their direct versus indirect effects on oxidative stress and intraneuronal accumulation. We further illustrate that the molecule curcumin is a potential Aβ toxicity inhibitor as a β-sheet breaker by having a high propensity to interact with certain Aβ residues without binding to them. The comprehensive understanding gained from these current researches on the various toxicity mechanisms show promises in the provision of better therapeutics and treatment strategies in the near future.

Expression of scavenger receptor A on antigen presenting cells is important for CD4+ T-cells proliferation in EAE mouse model

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by damage to the neuronal myelin sheath. One of the key effectors for inflammatory injury is the antigen-presenting cell (APC). The class A scavenger receptor (SRA), constitutively expressed by APCs, such as macrophages and dendritic cells in peripheral tissues and the CNS, was shown to play a role in the phagocytosis of myelin; however, the role of SRA in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and autoimmune reaction in the periphery has not yet been studied.

METHODS

We investigated EAE progression in wild-type (WT) vs. SRA-/- mice using clinical score measurements and characterized CNS pathology using staining. Furthermore, we assessed SRA role in mediating anti myelin pro-inflammatory response in cell cultures.

RESULTS

We discovered that EAE progression and CNS demyelination were significantly reduced in SRA-/- mice compared to WT mice. In addition, there was a reduction of infiltrating peripheral immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages, in the CNS lesion of SRA-/- mice, which was associated with reduced astrogliosis. Immunological assessment showed that SRA deficiency resulted in significant reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines that play a major role in EAE progression, such as IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-17 and IL-6. Furthermore, we discovered that SRA-/- APCs showed impairments in activation and in their ability to induce pro-inflammatory CD4+ T cell proliferation.

CONCLUSION

Expression of SRA on APCs is important for CD4+ T-cells proliferation in EAE mouse model. Further studies of SRA-mediated cellular pathways in APCs may offer useful insights into the development of MS and other autoimmune diseases, providing future avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Amyloid-β induces hepatic insulin resistance by activating JAK2/STAT3/SOCS-1 signaling pathway

Epidemiological studies indicate that patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and experimental studies suggest that AD exacerbates T2DM, but the underlying mechanism is still largely unknown. This study aims to investigate whether amyloid-β (Aβ), a key player in AD pathogenesis, contributes to the development of insulin resistance, as well as the underlying mechanism. We find that plasma Aβ40/42 levels are increased in patients with hyperglycemia. APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic AD model mice with increased plasma Aβ40/42 levels show impaired glucose and insulin tolerance and hyperinsulinemia. Furthermore, Aβ impairs insulin signaling in mouse liver and cultured hepatocytes. Aβ can upregulate suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1, a well-known insulin signaling inhibitor. Knockdown of SOCS-1 alleviates Aβ-induced impairment of insulin signaling. Moreover, JAK2/STAT3 is activated by Aβ, and inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling attenuates Aβ-induced upregulation of SOCS-1 and insulin resistance in hepatocytes. Our results demonstrate that Aβ induces hepatic insulin resistance by activating JAK2/STAT3/SOCS-1 signaling pathway and have implications toward resolving insulin resistance and T2DM.

Microglial scavenger receptors and their roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing in prevalence with the aging population. Deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain of AD patients is a hallmark of the disease and is associated with increased microglial numbers and activation state. The interaction of microglia with Aβ appears to play a dichotomous role in AD pathogenesis. On one hand, microglia can phagocytose and clear Aβ, but binding of microglia to Aβ also increases their ability to produce inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and neurotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Scavenger receptors, a group of evolutionally conserved proteins expressed on the surface of microglia act as receptors for Aβ. Of particular interest are SCARA-1 (scavenger receptor A-1), CD36, and RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products). SCARA-1 appears to be involved in the clearance of Aβ, while CD36 and RAGE are involved in activation of microglia by Aβ. In this review, we discuss the roles of various scavenger receptors in the interaction of microglia with Aβ and propose that these receptors play complementary, nonredundant functions in the development of AD pathology. We also discuss potential therapeutic applications for these receptors in AD.

Alzheimer's disease: redox dysregulation as a common denominator for diverse pathogenic mechanisms

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and a progressive neurodegeneration that appears to result from multiple pathogenic mechanisms (including protein misfolding/aggregation, involved in both amyloid β-dependent senile plaques and tau-dependent neurofibrillary tangles), metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction, excitoxicity, calcium handling impairment, glial cell dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, which could be secondary to several of the other pathophysiological mechanisms, appears to be a major determinant of the pathogenesis and progression of AD. The identification of oxidized proteins common for mild cognitive impairment and AD suggests that key oxidation pathways are triggered early and are involved in the initial progression of the neurodegenerative process. Abundant data support that oxidative stress, also considered as a main factor for aging, the major risk factor for AD, can be a common key element capable of articulating the divergent nature of the proposed pathogenic factors. Pathogenic mechanisms influence each other at different levels. Evidence suggests that it will be difficult to define a single-target therapy resulting in the arrest of progression or the improvement of AD deterioration. Since oxidative stress is present from early stages of disease, it appears as one of the main targets to be included in a clinical trial. Exploring the articulation of AD pathogenic mechanisms by oxidative stress will provide clues for better understanding the pathogenesis and progression of this dementing disorder and for the development of effective therapies to treat this disease.

Complement component C3 and complement receptor type 3 contribute to the phagocytosis and clearance of fibrillar Aβ by microglia

Complement components and their receptors are found within and around amyloid β (Aβ) cerebral plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglia defend against pathogens through phagocytosis via complement component C3 and/or engagement of C3 cleavage product iC3b with complement receptor type 3 (CR3, Mac-1). Here, we provide direct evidence that C3 and Mac-1 mediate, in part, phagocytosis and clearance of fibrillar amyloid-β (fAβ) by murine microglia in vitro and in vivo. Microglia took up not only synthetic fAβ(42) but also amyloid cores from patients with AD, transporting them to lysosomes in vitro. Fibrillar Aβ(42) uptake was significantly attenuated by the deficiency or knockdown of C3 or Mac-1 and scavenger receptor class A ligands. In addition, C3 or Mac-1 knockdown combined with a scavenger receptor ligand, fucoidan, further attenuated fibrillar Aβ(42) uptake by N9 microglia. Fluorescent fibrillar Aβ(42) microinjected cortically was significantly higher in C3 and Mac-1 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice 5 days after surgery, indicating reduced clearance in vivo. Together, these results demonstrate that C3 and Mac-1 are involved in phagocytosis and clearance of fAβ by microglia, providing support for a potential beneficial role for microglia and the complement system in AD pathogenesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Stromal cell-derived factor 1α decreases β-amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease mouse model

β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregates are known to induce neuronal and synaptic dysfunction, and thus are involved in learning and memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD), making Aβ deposits a potential target for prevention or treatment. Microglia, especially bone marrow-derived microglia (BMDM), has been recently thought to play important roles in internalizing and phagocytozing Aβ. BMDM originate in the bone marrow, migrate into the blood as hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and enter the brain in a chemokine-dependent manner. An effective chemoattractant for HPCs is stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), which is also involved in regulating HPCs differentiation. Therefore, we hypothesize that SDF-1 might have influence on the migration of BMDM from peripheral cycle to brain. To explore whether treatment with SDF-1α can decrease Aβ burden, APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were given intracerebroventricular injection of SDF-1α weekly from the age of 28 to 32 weeks (4 weeks of injections) or from 28 to 36 weeks (8 weeks of injections). The results of our study showed that SDF-1α treatment decreased the area and the number of Aβ deposits, increased the level of Iba-1, a marker of microglia, and increased the number of plaque associated microglia in the parenchyma of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. These results suggest that SDF-1 could provide a novel and promising target for the purpose of lowering Aβ pathology in AD.

Microglia function in Alzheimer's disease

Contrary to early views, we now know that systemic inflammatory/immune responses transmit to the brain. The microglia, the resident "macrophages" of the brain's innate immune system, are most responsive, and increasing evidence suggests that they enter a hyper-reactive state in neurodegenerative conditions and aging. As sustained over-production of microglial pro-inflammatory mediators is neurotoxic, this raises great concern that systemic inflammation (that also escalates with aging) exacerbates or possibly triggers, neurological diseases (Alzheimer's, prion, motoneuron disease). It is known that inflammation has an essential role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), since amyloid-β (Aβ) is able to activate microglia, initiating an inflammatory response, which could have different consequences for neuronal survival. On one hand, microglia may delay the progression of AD by contributing to the clearance of Aβ, since they phagocyte Aβ and release enzymes responsible for Aβ degradation. Microglia also secrete growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are neuroprotective. In addition, microglia removal of damaged cells is a very important step in the restoration of the normal brain environment, as if left such cells can become potent inflammatory stimuli, resulting in yet further tissue damage. On the other hand, as we age microglia become steadily less efficient at these processes, tending to become over-activated in response to stimulation and instigating too potent a reaction, which may cause neuronal damage in its own right. Therefore, it is critical to understand the state of activation of microglia in different AD stages to be able to determine the effect of potential anti-inflammatory therapies. We discuss here recent evidence supporting both the beneficial or detrimental performance of microglia in AD, and the attempt to find molecules/biomarkers for early diagnosis or therapeutic interventions.

Accessory molecules for Toll-like receptors and their function

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are essential components of the innate immune system. Accessory proteins are required for the biosynthesis and activation of TLRs. Here, we summarize recent findings on TLR accessory proteins that are required for cell-surface and endosomal TLR function, and we classify these proteins based on their function as ligand-recognition and delivery cofactors, chaperones and trafficking proteins. Because of their essential roles in TLR function, targeting of such accessory proteins may benefit strategies aimed at manipulating TLR activation for therapeutic applications.

CD36 participates in PrP(106-126)-induced activation of microglia

Microglial activation is a characteristic feature of the pathogenesis of prion diseases. The molecular mechanisms that underlie prion-induced microglial activation are not very well understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of the class B scavenger receptor CD36 in microglial activation induced by neurotoxic prion protein (PrP) fragment 106-126 (PrP(106-126)). We first examined the time course of CD36 mRNA expression upon exposure to PrP(106-126) in BV2 microglia. We then analyzed different parameters of microglial activation in PrP(106-126)-treated cells in the presence or not of anti-CD36 monoclonal antibody (mAb). The cells were first incubated for 1 h with CD36 monoclonal antibody to block the CD36 receptor, and were then treated with neurotoxic prion peptides PrP(106-126). The results showed that PrP(106-126) treatment led to a rapid yet transitory increase in the mRNA expression of CD36, upregulated mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), increased iNOS expression and nitric oxide (NO) production, stimulated the activation of NF-κB and caspase-1, and elevated Fyn activity. The blockade of CD36 had no effect on PrP(106-126)-stimulated NF-κB activation and TNF-α protein release, abrogated the PrP(106-126)-induced iNOS stimulation, downregulated IL-1β and IL-6 expression at both mRNA and protein levels as well as TNF-α mRNA expression, decreased NO production and Fyn phosphorylation, reduced caspase-1 cleavage induced by moderate PrP(106-126)-treatment, but had no effect on caspase-1 activation after treatment with a high concentration of PrP(106-126). Together, these results suggest that CD36 is involved in PrP(106-126)-induced microglial activation and that the participation of CD36 in the interaction between PrP(106-126) and microglia may be mediated by Src tyrosine kinases. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the activation of microglia by neurotoxic prion peptides and open perspectives for new therapeutic strategies for prion diseases by modulation of CD36 signaling.