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Zhang T, Wang J, Niu W, Wang F, Liu J, Xing Y, Jia P, Ren X, Wang J, Zang W, Chen X. Bioinformatic prediction of the structure and characteristics of human sperm acrosome membrane-associated protein 1 (hSAMP32) and evaluation of its antifertility function in vivo. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:1282-1292. [PMID: 33220718 DOI: 10.1071/rd20198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sperm acrosome membrane-associated protein 1 (hSAMP32) plays an important role in the acrosome reaction, sperm-egg primary binding, secondary binding and fusion processes. However, its spatial structural and invivo antifertility function remain unknown. In this study, we first analysed the physical and chemical characteristics and antigenic epitopes of immunised mice using bioinformatics. Then, we constructed the prokaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-hSAMP32 to immunise BALB/c mice invivo. IgG antibodies in the serum were detected, and the litter size of female mice and the number of the hamster eggs penetrated were counted. hSAMP32 was found to contain six hydrophilic regions and a signal peptide beginning at amino acid position 29. The transmembrane region of hSAMP32 was located within amino acids 217-239 with α-helices and random coil structures. We predicted five antigenic epitopes. The molecular weight of hSAMP32 was 59 kDa. Moreover, the results of invivo studies revealed that 56 days after the first immunisation, the litter size was significantly smaller for female pcDNA-3.1(+)-hSAMP32-immunised (mean±s.d. 4.33±1.21) than control mice (9.50±0.55), indicating that the immunocontraception vaccine had an antifertility effect. This experiment presents a theoretical and experimental basis for in-depth study of the hSAMP32 mechanism within the sperm-egg fusing process and for the screening of antigenic epitopes with immunocontraceptive properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianwu Zhang
- School of Computer Science, Henan University of Engineering, Xinzheng, Henan Province, 451191, China
| | - Junmin Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China
| | - Wenbin Niu
- Reproductive Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China
| | - Yinpei Xing
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China
| | - Peijun Jia
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China
| | - Xiuhua Ren
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China
| | - Jiarui Wang
- School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China; and Corresponding author.
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Martins YA, Tsuchida CJ, Antoniassi P, Demarchi IG. Efficacy and Safety of the Immunization with DNA for Alzheimer's Disease in Animal Models: A Systematic Review from Literature. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2017; 1:195-217. [PMID: 30480238 PMCID: PMC6159633 DOI: 10.3233/adr-170025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that does not have a proven cure; however, one of the most promising strategies for its treatment has been DNA vaccines. OBJECTIVE The present review is aimed to report the new developments of the efficacy and safety of DNA vaccines for AD in animal models. METHOD The method PRISMA was used for this review. The article search was made in the electronic databases PubMed, LILACS, and Scopus using the descriptors ''Alzheimer disease" and ''Vaccine, DNA". Articles published between January 2001 and September 2017 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were included. RESULTS Upon the consensus, the researchers identified 28 original articles. The studies showed satisfying results as for the decrease of amyloid plaques in mouse, rabbits, and monkeys brains using mostly the DNA Aβ42 vaccine, AV-1955, and AdPEDI-(Aβ1-6)11, mainly with a gene gun. In addition to a reduction in tau by the first DNA vaccine (AV-1980D) targeting this protein. The use of adjuvants and boosters also had positive results as they increased the destruction of the amyloid plaques and induced an anti-inflammatory response profile without side effects. CONCLUSION The results of DNA vaccines targeting the amyloid-β and the tau protein with or without adjuvants and boosters were promising in reducing amyloid plaques and tau protein without side effects in animals. Although there are many vaccines being tested in animals, few reach clinical trials. Thus, as a future perspective, we suggest that clinical studies should be conducted with vaccines that have been promising in animal models (e.g., DNA Aβ42 vaccine, AV-1955, and AdPEDI-(Aβ1-6)11).
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Management of Alzheimer’s disease—An insight of the enzymatic and other novel potential targets. Int J Biol Macromol 2017; 97:700-709. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.01.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Kudrna JJ, Ugen KE. Gene-based vaccines and immunotherapeutic strategies against neurodegenerative diseases: Potential utility and limitations. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:1921-6. [PMID: 26125436 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1065364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a recent expansion of vaccination and immunotherapeutic strategies from controlling infectious diseases to the targeting of non-infectious conditions including neurodegenerative disorders. In addition to conventional vaccine and immunotherapeutic modalities, gene-based methods that express antigens for presentation to the immune system by either live viral vectors or non-viral naked DNA plasmids have been developed and evaluated. This mini-review/commentary summarizes the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the research findings to date, of both of these gene-based vaccination approaches in terms of how they can be targeted against appropriate antigens within the Alzheimer and Parkinson disease pathogenesis processes as well as potentially against targets in other neurodegenerative diseases. Most recently, the novel utilization of these viral vector and naked DNA gene-based technologies includes the delivery of immunoglobulin genes from established biologically active monoclonal antibodies. This modified passive immunotherapeutic strategy has recently been applied to deliver passive antibody immunotherapy against the pathologically relevant amyloid β protein in Alzheimer disease. The advantages and disadvantages of this technological application of gene-based immune interventions, as well as research findings to date are also summarized. In sum, it is suggested that further evaluation of gene based vaccines and immunotherapies against neurodegenerative diseases are warranted to determine their potential clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy J Kudrna
- a Department of Molecular Medicine ; Morsani College of Medicine; University of South Florida ; Tampa , FL USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We reviewed clinical trials on active and passive anti-β-amyloid (Aβ) immunotherapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease with a particular focus on monoclonal antibodies against Aβ. RECENT FINDINGS Studies on anti-Alzheimer's disease immunotherapy published in the period from January 2012 to October 2013 were reviewed. SUMMARY Both active and passive anti-Aβ immunotherapies were shown to clear brain Aβ deposits. However, an active anti-Aβ vaccine (AN1792) has been discontinued because it caused meningoencephalitis in 6% of Alzheimer's disease patients treated. Among passive immunotherapeutics, two Phase III clinical trials in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease patients with bapineuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed at the N-terminal sequence of Aβ, were disappointing. Another antibody, solanezumab, directed at the mid-region of Aβ, failed in two Phase III clinical trials in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease patients. A third Phase III study with solanezumab is ongoing in mildly affected Alzheimer's disease patients based on encouraging results in this subgroup of patients. Second-generation active Aβ vaccines (ACC-001, CAD106, and Affitope AD02) and new passive anti-Aβ immunotherapies (gantenerumab and crenezumab) are being tested in prodromal Alzheimer's disease patients, in presymptomatic individuals with Alzheimer's disease-related mutations, or in asymptomatic individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease to definitely test the Aβ cascade hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Davtyan H, Ghochikyan A, Petrushina I, Hovakimyan A, Davtyan A, Cribbs DH, Agadjanyan MG. The MultiTEP platform-based Alzheimer's disease epitope vaccine activates a broad repertoire of T helper cells in nonhuman primates. Alzheimers Dement 2014; 10:271-83. [PMID: 24560029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2013] [Revised: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a prelude to clinical trials we have characterized B- and T-cell immune responses in macaques to AD vaccine candidates: AV-1955 and its slightly modified version, AV-1959 (with 3 additional promiscuous Th epitopes). METHODS T- and B-cell epitope mapping was performed using the ELISPOT assay and competition ELISA, respectively. RESULTS AV-1955 and AV-1959 did not stimulate potentially harmful autoreactive T cells, but instead activated a broad but individualized repertoire of Th cells specific to the MultiTEP platform in macaques. Although both vaccines induced robust anti-Aβ antibody responses without producing antibodies specific to Th epitopes of MultiTEP platforms, analyses of cellular immune responses in macaques demonstrated that the addition of Th epitopes in the case of AV-1959 created a more potent, superior vaccine. CONCLUSION AV-1959 is a promising vaccine candidate capable of producing therapeutically potent anti-amyloid antibody in a broader population of vaccinated subjects with high MHC class II gene polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayk Davtyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA, USA; Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Anahit Ghochikyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA, USA
| | - Irina Petrushina
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Armine Hovakimyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA, USA
| | - Arpine Davtyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA, USA
| | - David H Cribbs
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Michael G Agadjanyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA, USA; Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Davtyan H, Bacon A, Petrushina I, Zagorski K, Cribbs DH, Ghochikyan A, Agadjanyan MG. Immunogenicity of DNA- and recombinant protein-based Alzheimer disease epitope vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2014; 10:1248-55. [PMID: 24525778 DOI: 10.4161/hv.27882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) process involves the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, nevertheless the attempts at targeting the main culprits, neurotoxic β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, have thus far proven unsuccessful for improving cognitive function. Important lessons about anti-Aβ immunotherapeutic strategies were learned from the first active vaccination clinical trials. AD progression could be safely prevented or delayed if the vaccine (1) induces high titers of antibodies specific to toxic forms of Aβ; (2) does not activate the harmful autoreactive T cells that may induce inflammation; (3) is initiated before or at least at the early stages of the accumulation of toxic forms of Aβ. Data from the recent passive vaccination trials with bapineuzumab and solanezumab also indicated that anti-Aβ immunotherapy might be effective in reduction of the AD pathology and even improvement of cognitive and/or functional performance in patients when administered early in the course of the disease. For the prevention of AD the active immunization strategy may be more desirable than passive immunotherapy protocol and it can offer the potential for sustainable clinical and commercial advantages. Here we discuss the active vaccine approaches, which are still in preclinical development and vaccines that are already in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayk Davtyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology; Institute for Molecular Medicine; Huntington Beach, CA USA
| | | | - Irina Petrushina
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders; University of California at Irvine; Irvine, CA USA
| | - Karen Zagorski
- Department of Molecular Immunology; Institute for Molecular Medicine; Huntington Beach, CA USA
| | - David H Cribbs
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders; University of California at Irvine; Irvine, CA USA; Department of Neurology; University of California at Irvine; Irvine, CA USA
| | - Anahit Ghochikyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology; Institute for Molecular Medicine; Huntington Beach, CA USA
| | - Michael G Agadjanyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology; Institute for Molecular Medicine; Huntington Beach, CA USA; Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders; University of California at Irvine; Irvine, CA USA
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Panza F, Solfrizzi V, Imbimbo BP, Tortelli R, Santamato A, Logroscino G. Amyloid-based immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease in the time of prevention trials: the way forward. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 10:405-19. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2014.883921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common and devastating neurodegenerative disease. The incidence of AD is increasing in Western societies. The current treatment of AD is mostly symptomatic and ineffective in stopping or reversing the cognitive impairment. One of the exciting and effective new treatments developed in experimental AD is immunization against amyloid-beta peptide. This article provides an overview of immunization therapy in AD and examines the future prospects of this therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Mor
- Tel-Aviv University, Weizmann Institute of Science Department of Immunology, Rehovot, Israel.
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10
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Rosenberg RN, Lambracht-Washington D. DNA Aβ42 vaccination as possible alternative immunotherapy for Alzheimer disease. JAMA Neurol 2013; 70:772-3. [PMID: 23700123 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.1502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roger N Rosenberg
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9036, USA.
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11
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Lambracht-Washington D, Rosenberg RN. Anti-amyloid beta to tau - based immunization: Developments in immunotherapy for Alzheimer disease. Immunotargets Ther 2013; 2013:105-114. [PMID: 24926455 PMCID: PMC4051350 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s31428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy might provide an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A unique feature of AD immunotherapies is that an immune response against a self-antigen needs to be elicited without causing adverse autoimmune reactions. Current research is focused on two possible targets in this regard. One is the inhibition of accumulation and deposition of amyloid beta 1–42 (Aβ42), which is one of the major peptides found in senile plaques, and the second target is hyperphosphorylated tau, which forms neurofibrillary tangles inside the nerve cell and shows association with the progression of dementia. Mouse models have shown that immunotherapy targeting Aβ42 as well as tau with the respective anti-Aβ or anti-tau antibodies can provide significant improvements in these mice. While anti-Aβ immunotherapy (active and passive immunizations) is already in several stages of clinical trials, tau-based immunizations have been analyzed only in mouse models. Recently, as a significant correlation of progression of dementia and levels of phosphorylated tau have been found, high interest has again focused on further development of tau-based therapies. While Aβ immunotherapy might delay the onset of AD, immunotherapy targeting tau might provide benefits in later stages of this disease. Last but not least, targeting Aβ and tau simultaneously with immunotherapy might provide additional therapeutic effects, as these two pathologies are likely synergistic; this is an approach that has not been tested yet. In this review, we will summarize animal models used to test possible therapies for AD, some of the facts about Aβ42 and tau biology, and present an overview on halted, ongoing, and upcoming clinical trials together with ongoing preclinical studies targeting tau or Aβ42.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Lambracht-Washington
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Roger N Rosenberg
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Anand R, Gill KD, Mahdi AA. Therapeutics of Alzheimer's disease: Past, present and future. Neuropharmacology 2013; 76 Pt A:27-50. [PMID: 23891641 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 500] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. The etiology is multifactorial, and pathophysiology of the disease is complex. Data indicate an exponential rise in the number of cases of AD, emphasizing the need for developing an effective treatment. AD also imposes tremendous emotional and financial burden to the patient's family and community. The disease has been studied over a century, but acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are the only drugs currently approved for its management. These drugs provide symptomatic improvement alone but do less to modify the disease process. The extensive insight into the molecular and cellular pathomechanism in AD over the past few decades has provided us significant progress in the understanding of the disease. A number of novel strategies that seek to modify the disease process have been developed. The major developments in this direction are the amyloid and tau based therapeutics, which could hold the key to treatment of AD in the near future. Several putative drugs have been thoroughly investigated in preclinical studies, but many of them have failed to produce results in the clinical scenario; therefore it is only prudent that lessons be learnt from the past mistakes. The current rationales and targets evaluated for therapeutic benefit in AD are reviewed in this article. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The Synaptic Basis of Neurodegenerative Disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Anand
- Department of Biochemistry, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632002, Tamilnadu, India.
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Lambracht-Washington D, Rosenberg RN. Advances in the development of vaccines for Alzheimer's disease. DISCOVERY MEDICINE 2013; 15:319-326. [PMID: 23725605 PMCID: PMC3696351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
One of the challenges of our society is to find a treatment or cure for Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the leading form of age-related dementia and with the increase of life expectancy worldwide, the social and economic burden from this disease will increase dramatically. It is a progressive and, in regard to clinical scores, a highly variable disease. AD pathogenesis has been associated with the accumulation, aggregation, and deposition of amyloid beta (Abeta) peptides in the brain. Hallmarks of AD are the amyloid plaques consisting of fibrillar Abeta and neurofibrillary tangles which are intracellular fibrils of hyperphosphorylated tau protein that develop later in this disease. The amyloid cascade hypothesis postulates that Abeta deposition is an initial event in the multifactorial pathogenesis and Abeta deposition may precede AD symptoms in some patients by at least 20 years. Amyloid beta therapy with active and passive immunizations against Abeta has a high possibility to be effective in removing Abeta from brain and might thus prevent the downstream pathology. Since 2000 a number of clinical trials for AD immunotherapy have started, have failed, and are continuing to be pursued. This article will review these clinical trials and ongoing research in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Lambracht-Washington
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.
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Koppolu B, Zaharoff DA. The effect of antigen encapsulation in chitosan particles on uptake, activation and presentation by antigen presenting cells. Biomaterials 2012; 34:2359-69. [PMID: 23274070 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.11.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Particle-based vaccine delivery systems are under exploration to enhance antigen-specific immunity against safe but poorly immunogenic polypeptide antigens. Chitosan is a promising biomaterial for antigen encapsulation and delivery due to its ability to form nano- and microparticles in mild aqueous conditions thus preserving the antigenicity of loaded polypeptides. In this study, the influence of chitosan encapsulation on antigen uptake, activation and presentation by antigen presenting cells (APCs) is explored. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) and ovalbumin (OVA) were used as model protein antigens and encapsulated in chitosan particles via precipitation-coacervation at loading efficiencies >89%. Formulation conditions were manipulated to create antigen-encapsulated chitosan particles (AgCPs) with discrete nominal sizes (300 nm, 1 μm, and 3 μm). Uptake of AgCPs by dendritic cells and macrophages was found to be dependent on particle size, antigen concentration and exposure time. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that uptake of AgCPs enhanced upregulation of surface activation markers on APCs and increased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Lastly, antigen-specific T cells exhibited higher proliferative responses when stimulated with APCs activated with AgCPs versus soluble antigen. These data suggest that encapsulation of antigens in chitosan particles enhances uptake, activation and presentation by APCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanuprasanth Koppolu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 4188-B Bell Engineering Center, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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TLR4- and TRIF-dependent stimulation of B lymphocytes by peptide liposomes enables T cell-independent isotype switch in mice. Blood 2012; 121:85-94. [PMID: 23144170 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-02-413831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin class switching from IgM to IgG in response to peptides is generally T cell-dependent and vaccination in T cell-deficient individuals is inefficient. We show that a vaccine consisting of a dense array of peptides on liposomes induced peptide-specific IgG responses totally independent of T-cell help. Independency was confirmed in mice lacking T cells and in mice deficient for MHC class II, CD40L, and CD28. The IgG titers were high, long-lived, and comparable with titers obtained in wild-type animals, and the antibody response was associated with germinal center formation, expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase, and affinity maturation. The T cell-independent (TI) IgG response was strictly dependent on ligation of TLR4 receptors on B cells, and concomitant TLR4 and cognate B-cell receptor stimulation was required on a single-cell level. Surprisingly, the IgG class switch was mediated by TIR-domain-containing adapter inducing interferon-β (TRIF), but not by MyD88. This study demonstrates that peptides can induce TI isotype switching when antigen and TLR ligand are assembled and appropriately presented directly to B lymphocytes. A TI vaccine could enable efficient prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination of patients with T-cell deficiencies and find application in diseases where induction of T-cell responses contraindicates vaccination, for example, in Alzheimer disease.
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Restrepo L, Stafford P, Johnston SA. Feasibility of an early Alzheimer's disease immunosignature diagnostic test. J Neuroimmunol 2012; 254:154-60. [PMID: 23084373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2012.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Revised: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A practical diagnostic test is needed for early Alzheimer's disease (AD) detection. Immunosignaturing, a technology that employs antibody binding to a random-sequence peptide microarray, generates profiles that distinguish transgenic mice engineered with familial AD mutations (APPswe/PSEN1-dE9) from non-transgenic littermates. It can also detect an AD-like signature in humans. Here, we assess the changes in the immunosignature at different time points of the disease in mice and humans. We also evaluate the accuracy of the late-stage signature as a test to discriminate between young mice with familial AD mutations from non-transgenic littermates. Plasma samples from AD patients were assayed 3-12 months apart, while APPswe/PSEN1-dE9 and non-transgenic controls supplied plasma at monthly intervals until they reached 15 months of age. Microarrays with 10,000 random-sequence peptides were used to compare antibody binding patterns. These patterns gradually changed over the life-span of mice. Strong, characteristic signatures were observed in transgenic mice at early, mid and late stages, but these profiles had minimal overlap. The signature of young transgenic mice had an error rate of 18% at classifying plasma samples from late-stage transgenic mice. Conversely, the late-stage transgenic mice signature discriminated between young transgenic mice and littermates with an error rate of 21%. Less distinctive profiles were recognizable throughout the transgenic mice lifespan, being detectable as early as 2 months. The human signature had minimal change on short-term follow-up. Our results call for a reappraisal of the way incipient AD is studied, as biomarkers seen in late-stages of the disease may not be relevant in earlier stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Restrepo
- Center for Innovations in Medicine, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-5901, United States
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A peptide prime-DNA boost immunization protocol provides significant benefits as a new generation Aβ42 DNA vaccine for Alzheimer disease. J Neuroimmunol 2012; 254:63-8. [PMID: 23036592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2012.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has the potential to provide a possible treatment therapy to prevent or delay Alzheimer disease. In a clinical trial (AN1792) in which patients received this immunotherapy and received active Aβ1-42 peptide immunizations, treatment was stopped when 6% of patients showed signs of meningoencephalitis. Follow up on these patients led to the conclusion that the antibody response was beneficial in removing Aβ1-42 from brain but an accompanying inflammatory Th1 T cell response was harmful. As a safe alternative treatment targeting the same self protein, Aβ1-42, in brain, we and others are working on a DNA Aβ1-42 immunization protocol as the immune response to DNA immunizations differs in many aspects from immunizations with peptide antigens. Because the immune response to DNA vaccination has different kinetics and has a significantly lower antibody production, we evaluated two different prime boost regimens, Aβ1-42 DNA prime/Aβ1-42 peptide boost and Aβ1-42 peptide prime/Aβ1-42 DNA boost for their effectiveness in antibody production and possible side effects due to inflammatory T cell responses. While both boost regimes significantly enhanced the specific antibody production with comparable antibody concentrations, the absence of the Aβ1-42 T cell response (no proliferation and no cytokine production) is consistent with our previous findings using this DNA Aβ1-42 trimer immunization and greatly enhances the safety aspect for possible clinical use.
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Wang W, Fan L, Xu D, Wen Z, Yu R, Ma Q. Immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2012; 44:807-14. [PMID: 22899646 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gms065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques consisted primarily of aggregated Aβ proteins and neurofibrillary tangles formed by hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Both Aβ and hyperphosphorylated tau are toxic both in vivo and in vitro. Immunotherapy targeting Aβ seems to provide a promising approach to reduce the toxic species in the brain. However, there is little evidence from clinical trials so far indicating the efficacy of Aβ immunotherapy in cognitive improvement. Immunization with tau peptides or anti-tau antibodies could remove the tau aggregates and improve the cognitive function in preclinical study, which provides a novel strategy of AD therapy. In this article, we will summarize the immunotherapeutic strategies targeting either Aβ or tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihua Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Li Y, Ma Y, Zong LX, Xing XN, Guo R, Jiang TZ, Sha S, Liu L, Cao YP. Intranasal inoculation with an adenovirus vaccine encoding ten repeats of Aβ3-10 reduces AD-like pathology and cognitive impairment in Tg-APPswe/PSEN1dE9 mice. J Neuroimmunol 2012; 249:16-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2012.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Sha S, Xing XN, Guo WS, Li Y, Zong LX, Guo R, Cao YP. In Vivo Electroporation of a New Gene Vaccine Encoding Ten Repeats of Aβ3-10 Prevents Brain Aβ Deposition and Delays Cognitive Impairment in Young Tg-APPswe/PSEN1dE9 Mice. Neurochem Res 2012; 37:1534-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-012-0748-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Abstract
As a neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia found in the aging population. Immunotherapy with passive or active immunizations targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) build-up in the brain may provide a possible treatment option and may help prevent AD from progressing. A number of passive immunizations with anti-Aβ42 antibodies are in different phases of clinical trials. One active immunization approach, AN-1792, was stopped after the development of autoimmune encephalitis in 6% of patients and a second one, CAD106, in which a small Aβ epitope is used, is currently in safety and tolerability studies. Besides active immunizations with proteins or peptides, active immunizations using DNA which codes for the protein against which the immune response will be directed, so called genetic immunizations, provide additional safety as the immune response in DNA immunizations differs quantitatively and qualitatively from the response elicited by peptide immunizations. In this review, we summarize our data using DNA Aβ42 immunizations in mouse models and discuss the results together with the results presented by other groups working on a DNA vaccine as treatment option for AD.
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Restrepo L, Stafford P, Magee DM, Johnston SA. Application of immunosignatures to the assessment of Alzheimer's disease. Ann Neurol 2011; 70:286-95. [PMID: 21823156 DOI: 10.1002/ana.22405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Accurate assessment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), both presymptomatically and at different disease stages, will become increasingly important with the expanding elderly population. There are a number of indications that the immune system is engaged in AD. Here we explore the ability of an antibody-profiling technology to characterize AD and screen for peptides that may be used for a simple diagnostic test. METHODS We developed an array-based system to profile the antibody repertoire of transgenic mice with cerebral amyloidosis (TG) and elderly individuals with or without AD. The array consists of 10,000 random sequence peptides (20-mers) capable of detecting antibody binding patterns, allowing the identification of peptides that mimic epitopes targeted by a donor's serum. RESULTS TG mice exhibited a distinct immunoprofile compared to nontransgenic littermates. Further, we show that dementia patients, including autopsy-confirmed AD subjects, have distinguishable profiles compared to age-matched nondemented people. Using antibodies to different forms of Aβ peptide and blocking protocols, we demonstrate that most of this signature is not due to the subject's antibodies raised against Aβ. INTERPRETATION We propose that "immunosignaturing" technology may have potential as a diagnostic tool in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Restrepo
- Center for Innovations in Medicine, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-5901, USA
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Nojima J, Maeda A, Aoki S, Suo S, Yanagihara D, Watanabe Y, Yoshida T, Ishiura S. Effect of rice-expressed amyloid β in the Tg2576 Alzheimer's disease transgenic mouse model. Vaccine 2011; 29:6252-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.06.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2011] [Revised: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Shah S, Federoff HJ. Therapeutic potential of vaccines for Alzheimer's disease. Immunotherapy 2011; 3:287-98. [PMID: 21322764 DOI: 10.2217/imt.10.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and Tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles. Although the relationship between neuronal loss and the presence of plaques/tangles is not well understood, the prevailing Aβ hypothesis posits that excessive accumulation of conformers and assemblies of Aβ protein precedes AD-related dementia and neuronal loss. Consequently, most disease-modifying immunotherapy approaches are directed towards modulating the levels of Aβ. The first AD vaccine clinical trial (AN1792) was suspended after the patients developed meningoencephalitis. In spite of the setback, the trial provided insights to refine development second-generation vaccines, which are attempting to resolve the side effects observed in the trial. This article provides an analysis of these efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salim Shah
- Georgetown University Medical Center, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW 120 Building D, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Lambracht-Washington D, Qu BX, Fu M, Anderson LD, Stüve O, Eagar TN, Rosenberg RN. DNA immunization against amyloid beta 42 has high potential as safe therapy for Alzheimer's disease as it diminishes antigen-specific Th1 and Th17 cell proliferation. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2011; 31:867-74. [PMID: 21625960 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-011-9680-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been strongly associated with the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides in brain, and immunotherapy targeting Aβ provides potential for AD prevention. A clinical trial in which AD patients were immunized with Aβ42 peptide was stopped when 6% of participants showed meningoencephalitis, apparently due to an inflammatory Th1 immune response. Previously, we and other have shown that Aβ42 DNA vaccination via gene gun generates a Th2 cellular immune response, which was shown by analyses of the respective antibody isotype profiles. We also determined that in vitro T cell proliferation in response to Aβ42 peptide re-stimulation was absent in DNA Aβ42 trimer-immunized mice when compared to Aβ42 peptide-immunized mice. To further characterize this observation prospectively and longitudinally, we analyzed the immune response in wild-type mice after vaccination with Aβ42 trimer DNA and Aβ42 peptide with Quil A adjuvant. Wild-type mice were immunized with short-term (1-3× vaccinations) or long-term (6× vacinations) immunization strategies. Antibody titers and isotype profiles of the Aβ42 specific antibodies, as well as cytokine profiles and cell proliferation studies from this longitudinal study were determined. Sufficient antibody titers to effectively reduce Aβ42, but an absent T cell proliferative response and no IFNγ or IL-17 secretion after Aβ42 DNA trimer immunization minimizes the risk of inflammatory activities of the immune system towards the self antigen Aβ42 in brain. Therefore, Aβ42 DNA trimer immunization has a high probability to be effective and safe to treat patients with early AD.
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Boche D, Denham N, Holmes C, Nicoll JAR. Neuropathology after active Abeta42 immunotherapy: implications for Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Acta Neuropathol 2010; 120:369-84. [PMID: 20632020 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-010-0719-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The amyloid cascade hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is testable: it implies that interference with Abeta aggregation and plaque formation may be therapeutically useful. Abeta42 immunisation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice prevented plaque formation and caused removal of existing plaques. The first clinical studies of Abeta immunisation in AD patients (AN1792, Elan Pharmaceuticals) were halted when some patients suffered side effects. Since our confirmation that Abeta immunisation can prompt plaque removal in human AD, we have performed a clinical and neuropathological follow up of AD patients in the initial Elan Abeta immunisation trial. In immunised AD patients, we found: a lower Abeta load, with evidence that plaques had been removed; a reduced tau load in neuronal processes, but not in cell bodies; and no evidence of a beneficial effect on synapses. There were pathological "side effects" including: increased microglial activation; increased cerebral amyloid angiopathy; and there is some evidence for increased soluble/oligomeric Abeta. A pathophysiological mechanism involving effects on the cerebral vasculature is proposed for the clinical side effects observed with some active and passive vaccine protocols. Our current knowledge of the effects of Abeta immunotherapy is based on functional information from the early clinical trials and a few post mortem cases. Several further clinical studies are underway using a variety of protocols and important clinical, imaging and neuropathological data will become available in the near future. The information obtained will be important in helping to understand the pathogenesis not only of AD but also of other neurodegenerative disorders associated with protein aggregation.
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Cribbs DH. Abeta DNA vaccination for Alzheimer's disease: focus on disease prevention. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2010; 9:207-16. [PMID: 20205639 DOI: 10.2174/187152710791012080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pre-clinical and clinical data suggest that the development of a safe and effective anti-amyloid-beta (Abeta) immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) will require therapeutic levels of anti-Abeta antibodies, while avoiding proinflammatory adjuvants and autoreactive T cells which may increase the incidence of adverse events in the elderly population targeted to receive immunotherapy. The first active immunization clinical trial with AN1792 in AD patients was halted when a subset of patients developed meningoencephalitis. The first passive immunotherapy trial with bapineuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the end terminus of Abeta, also encountered some dose dependent adverse events during the Phase II portion of the study, vasogenic edema in 12 cases, which were significantly over represented in ApoE4 carriers. The proposed remedy is to treat future patients with lower doses, particularly in the ApoE4 carriers. Currently there are at least five ongoing anti-Abeta immunotherapy clinical trials. Three of the clinical trials use humanized monoclonal antibodies, which are expensive and require repeated dosing to maintain therapeutic levels of the antibodies in the patient. However in the event of an adverse response to the passive therapy antibody delivery can simply be halted, which may provide a resolution to the problem. Because at this point we cannot readily identify individuals in the preclinical or prodromal stages of AD pathogenesis, passive immunotherapy is reserved for those that already have clinical symptoms. Unfortunately those individuals have by that point accumulated substantial neuropathology in affected regions of the brain. Moreover, if Abeta pathology drives tau pathology as reported in several transgenic animal models, and once established if tau pathology can become self propagating, then early intervention with anti-Abeta immunotherapy may be critical for favorable clinical outcomes. On the other hand, active immunization has several significant advantages, including lower cost and the typical immunization protocol should be much less intrusive to the patient relative to passive therapy, in the advent of Abeta-antibody immune complex-induced adverse events the patients will have to receive immuno-supperssive therapy for an extended period until the anti Abeta antibody levels drop naturally as the effects of the vaccine decays over time. Obviously, improvements in vaccine design are needed to improve both the safety, as well as the efficacy of anti-Abeta immunotherapy. The focus of this review is on the advantages of DNA vaccination for anti-Abeta immunotherapy, and the major hurdles, such as immunosenescence, selection of appropriate molecular adjuvants, universal T cell epitopes, and possibly a polyepitope design based on utilizing existing memory T cells in the general population that were generated in response to childhood or seasonal vaccines, as well as various infections. Ultimately, we believe that the further refinement of our AD DNA epitope vaccines, possibly combined with a prime boost regime will facilitate translation to human clinical trials in either very early AD, or preferably in preclinical stage individuals identified by validated AD biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Cribbs
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 92697-4540, USA.
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Chen S, Zhang XJ, Li L, Le WD. Current experimental therapy for Alzheimer's disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2010; 5:127-34. [PMID: 18615180 DOI: 10.2174/157015907780866901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2006] [Revised: 12/14/2006] [Accepted: 01/18/2007] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, enormous efforts have been devoted to understand the genetics and molecular pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which has been transferred into extensive experimental approaches aimed at reversing disease progression. The trend in future AD therapy has been shifted from traditional anti-acetylcholinesterase treatment to multiple mechanisms-based therapy targeting amyloid plaques formation and amyloid peptides (Abeta)-mediated cytotoxicity, and neurofibrillary tangles generation. This review will cover current experimental studies with the focus on secretases-based drug development, immunotherapy, and anti-neurofibrillary tangles intervention. The outcome of these on-going studies may provide high hope that AD can be cured in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Chen
- Institutes of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Qu BX, Lambracht-Washington D, Fu M, Eagar TN, Stüve O, Rosenberg RN. Analysis of three plasmid systems for use in DNA A beta 42 immunization as therapy for Alzheimer's disease. Vaccine 2010; 28:5280-7. [PMID: 20562015 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2010] [Revised: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In an effort to optimize DNA immunization-elicited antibody production responses against A beta 1-42 (A beta 42) as a therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD), comparisons were made between three distinct plasmid systems using gene gun delivery. Plasmids encoding A beta 42 monomer and a novel A beta 42 trimeric fusion protein were evaluated in conjunction with CMV or Gal4/UAS promoter elements. It was found that vaccination A beta 42 trimer under the Gal4/UAS promoter elicited high levels of anti-A beta 42 antibody production. Serum antibody levels from Gal4/UAS-A beta 42 trimer immunized mice were found to be 16.6+/-5.5 microg/ml compared to 6.5+/-2.5 microg/ml with Gal4/UAS-A beta 42 monomer or even less with CMV-A beta 42 trimer. As compared to monomeric A beta 42 or A beta 42 trimer expressed under the CMV promoter, injection of the Gal4/UAS-A beta 42 trimer induced high levels of A beta 42 antigen expression in tissue suggesting a mechanism for the increase in anti-A beta 42 antibody. Antibodies were found to be primarily IgG1 suggesting a predominant Th2 response (IgG1/IgG2a ratio of 9). Serum from A beta 42 trimer-vaccinated mice was also found to identify amyloid plaques in the brains of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. These results demonstrate the potential therapeutic use of Gal4/UAS DNA A beta 42 trimer immunization in preventing Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Xi Qu
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9036, USA
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Tabira T. Immunization Therapy for Alzheimer Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Active Immunization Strategies. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2010; 220:95-106. [DOI: 10.1620/tjem.220.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Tabira
- Department of Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Dementia, Graduate School of Juntendo University
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Panza F, Solfrizzi V, Frisardi V, Imbimbo BP, Capurso C, D'Introno A, Colacicco AM, Seripa D, Vendemiale G, Capurso A, Pilotto A. Beyond the neurotransmitter-focused approach in treating Alzheimer's disease: drugs targeting beta-amyloid and tau protein. Aging Clin Exp Res 2009; 21:386-406. [PMID: 20154508 DOI: 10.1007/bf03327445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Drugs currently used to treat Alzheimer's Disease (AD) have limited therapeutic value and do not affect the main neuropathological hallmarks of the disease, i.e., senile plaques and neurofibrillar tangles. Senile plaques are mainly formed of beta-amyloid (Abeta), a 42-aminoacid peptide. Neurofibrillar tangles are composed of paired helical filaments of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. New, potentially disease-modifying, therapeutic approaches are targeting Abeta and tau protein. Drugs directed against Abeta include active and passive immunization, that have been found to accelerate Abeta clearance from the brain. The most developmentally advanced monoclonal antibody directly targeting Abeta is bapineuzumab, now being studied in a large Phase III clinical trial. Compounds that interfere with proteases regulating Abeta formation from amyloid precursor protein (APP) are also actively pursued. The discovery of inhibitors of beta-secretase, the enzyme that regulates the first step of the amyloidogenic metabolism of APP, has been revealed to be particularly difficult due to inherent medicinal chemistry problems, and only one compound (CTS-21166) has reached clinical testing. Conversely, several compounds that inhibit gamma-secretase, the pivotal enzyme that generates Abeta, have been identified, the most advanced being LY-450139 (semagacestat), now in Phase III clinical development. Compounds that stimulate alpha-secretase, the enzyme responsible for the non-amyloidogenic metabolism of APP, are also being developed, and one of them, EHT-0202, has recently entered Phase II testing. Potent inhibitors of Abeta aggregation have also been identified, and one of such compounds, PBT-2, has provided encouraging neuropsychological results in a recently completed Phase II study. Therapeutic approaches directed against tau protein include inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase- 3 (GSK-3), the enzyme responsible for tau phosphorylation and tau protein aggregation inhibitors. NP-12, a promising GSK-3 inhibitor, is being tested in a Phase II study, and methylthioninium chloride, a tau protein aggregation inhibitor, has given initial encouraging results in a 50-week study. With all these approaches on their way, the hope for disease-modifying therapy in this devastating disease may become a reality in the next 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panza
- Department of Geriatrics, Center for Aging Brain, Memory Unit, University of Bari, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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Lambracht-Washington D, Qu BX, Fu M, Eagar TN, Stüve O, Rosenberg RN. DNA beta-amyloid(1-42) trimer immunization for Alzheimer disease in a wild-type mouse model. JAMA 2009; 302:1796-802. [PMID: 19861672 PMCID: PMC2896011 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2009.1547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT DNA beta-amyloid(1-42) (Abeta42) trimer immunization was developed to produce specific T helper 2 cell (T(H)2)-type antibodies to provide an effective and safe therapy for Alzheimer disease (AD) by reducing elevated levels of Abeta42 peptide that occur in the brain of patients with AD. OBJECTIVE To compare the immune response in wild-type mice after immunization with DNA Abeta42 trimer and Abeta42 peptide. DESIGN AND INTERVENTION Wild-type mice received either 4 microg of DNA Abeta42 trimer immunization administered with gene gun (n = 8) or intraperitoneal injection of 100 microg of human Abeta42 peptide with the adjuvant Quil A (n = 8). Titers, epitope mapping, and isotypes of the Abeta42-specific antibodies were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Antibody titers, mapping of binding sites (epitopes), isotype profiles of the Abeta42-specific antibodies, and T-cell activation. RESULTS DNA Abeta42 trimer immunization resulted in antibody titers with a mean of 15 microg per milliliter of plasma. The isotype profile of the antibodies differed markedly. A predominant IgG1 antibody response was found in the DNA-immunized mice, indicating a T(H)2 type of immune response (IgG1/IgG2a ratio of 10). The peptide-immunized mice showed a mixed T(H)1/T(H)2 immune response (IgG1/IgG2a ratio of 1) (P < .001). No increased T-cell proliferation was observed in the DNA-immunized mice (P = .03). CONCLUSION In this preliminary study in a wild-type mouse model, DNA Abeta42 trimer immunization protocol produced a T(H)2 immune response and appeared to have low potential to cause an inflammatory T-cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Lambracht-Washington
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9108, USA
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Movsesyan N, Mkrtichyan M, Petrushina I, Ross TM, Cribbs DH, Agadjanyan MG, Ghochikyan A. DNA epitope vaccine containing complement component C3d enhances anti-amyloid-beta antibody production and polarizes the immune response towards a Th2 phenotype. J Neuroimmunol 2008; 205:57-63. [PMID: 18838175 PMCID: PMC2637203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2008.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2008] [Revised: 08/28/2008] [Accepted: 08/29/2008] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We have engineered a DNA epitope vaccine that expresses 3 self-B cell epitopes of Abeta(42) (3Abeta(1-11)), a non-self T helper (Th) cell epitope (PADRE), and 3 copies of C3d (3C3d), a component of complement as a molecular adjuvant, designed to safely reduce CNS Abeta. Immunization of mice with 3Abeta(1-11)-PADRE epitope vaccine alone generated only moderate levels of anti-Abeta antibodies and a pro-inflammatory T helper (Th1 phenotype) cellular immune response. However, the addition of 3C3d to the vaccine construct significantly augmented the anti-Abeta humoral immune response and, importantly, shifted the cellular immune response towards the potentially safer anti-inflammatory Th2 phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Movsesyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, United States
- Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
| | - Mikayel Mkrtichyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, United States
| | - Irina Petrushina
- Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
| | - Ted M. Ross
- Center for Vaccine Research and Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - David H. Cribbs
- Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
| | - Michael G. Agadjanyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, United States
- Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
| | - Anahit Ghochikyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, United States
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Movsesyan N, Ghochikyan A, Mkrtichyan M, Petrushina I, Davtyan H, Olkhanud PB, Head E, Biragyn A, Cribbs DH, Agadjanyan MG. Reducing AD-like pathology in 3xTg-AD mouse model by DNA epitope vaccine - a novel immunotherapeutic strategy. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2124. [PMID: 18461171 PMCID: PMC2358976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2008] [Accepted: 04/02/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of a safe and effective AD vaccine requires a delicate balance between providing an adequate anti-Abeta antibody response sufficient to provide therapeutic benefit, while eliminating an adverse T cell-mediated proinflammatory autoimmune response. To achieve this goal we have designed a prototype chemokine-based DNA epitope vaccine expressing a fusion protein that consists of 3 copies of the self-B cell epitope of Abeta(42) (Abeta(1-11)) , a non-self T helper cell epitope (PADRE), and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22) as a molecular adjuvant to promote a strong anti-inflammatory Th2 phenotype. METHODS AND FINDINGS We generated pMDC-3Abeta(1-11)-PADRE construct and immunized 3xTg-AD mouse model starting at age of 3-4 months old. We demonstrated that prophylactic immunizations with the DNA epitope vaccine generated a robust Th2 immune response that induced high titers of anti-Abeta antibody, which in turn inhibited accumulation of Abeta pathology in the brains of older mice. Importantly, vaccination reduced glial activation and prevented the development of behavioral deficits in aged animals without increasing the incidence of microhemorrhages. CONCLUSIONS Data from this transitional pre-clinical study suggest that our DNA epitope vaccine could be used as a safe and effective strategy for AD therapy. Future safety and immunology studies in large animals with the goal to achieve effective humoral immunity without adverse effects should help to translate this study to human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Movsesyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, California, United States of America
- Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Anahit Ghochikyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, California, United States of America
| | - Mikayel Mkrtichyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, California, United States of America
| | - Irina Petrushina
- Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Hayk Davtyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, California, United States of America
| | - Purevdorj B. Olkhanud
- Immunotherapeutics Unit, Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Arya Biragyn
- Immunotherapeutics Unit, Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David H. Cribbs
- Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Michael G. Agadjanyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, California, United States of America
- Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Subramanian S, Divya Shree AN. Enhanced Th2 immunity after DNA prime-protein boost immunization with amyloid beta (1-42) plus CpG oligodeoxynucleotides in aged rats. Neurosci Lett 2008; 436:219-22. [PMID: 18394801 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2007] [Revised: 02/25/2008] [Accepted: 03/12/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Generation and accumulation of fibrillar amyloid beta (Abeta) is widely considered as the pathogenic basis of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both active immunization with fibrillar Abeta and passive immunization with anti-Abeta antibodies in transgenic mouse models of AD result in prevention/dissociation of Abeta plaque formation and restoration of cognitive functions. However, similar immunization studies in humans had to be halted because 6% of the AD patients developed acute meningoencephalitis, likely due to anti-Abeta specific autoimmune Th1 cells. Hence, making Abeta immunotherapy successful requires production of strong antibody responses without Th1-type immunity. In an attempt to develop safer vaccines, we examined the influence of oligodeoxynucleotides as adjuvant on the Th1 and Th2 immune response to Abeta in aged rats. We further investigated whether a DNA prime-protein boost strategy could elicit a more robust Th2 response. The results of the present study showed that all the animals injected with either Abeta peptide alone or Abeta encoding plasmid alone or plasmid DNA prime followed by peptide boost have elicited specific anti-Abeta antibodies. When co-administered, synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) further enhanced the anti-Abeta titres. More importantly, the IgG subclasses of the antibodies generated by DNA prime-peptide boost regimen with ODN as adjuvant were primarily of IgG2b and IgG1 isotypes, suggesting that heterologous immunization strategy along with ODN would be advantageous in eliciting more beneficial Th2-type humoral immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarada Subramanian
- Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India.
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37
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Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized pathologically by the deposition of beta-amyloid (A beta)-containing extracellular neuritic plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and neuronal loss. Much evidence supports the hypothesis that A beta peptide aggregation contributes to AD pathogenesis, however, currently approved therapeutic treatments do nothing to stop or reverse A beta deposition. The success of active and passive anti-A beta immunotherapies in both preventing and clearing parenchymal amyloid in transgenic mouse models led to the initiation of an active anti-A beta vaccination (AN1792) trial in human patients with mild-to-moderate AD, but was prematurely halted when 6% of inoculated patients developed aseptic meningoencephalitis. Autopsy results from the brains of four individuals treated with AN1792 revealed decreased plaque burden in select brain areas, as well as T-cell lymphocytes in three of the patients. Furthermore, antibody responders showed some improvement in memory task measures. These findings indicated that anti-A beta therapy might still be a viable option for the treatment of AD, if potentially harmful proinflammatory processes can be avoided. Over the past 6 years, this target has led to the development of novel experimental immunization strategies, including selective A beta epitope targeting, antibody and adjuvant modifications, as well as alternative routes and mechanisms of vaccine delivery, to generate anti-A beta antibodies that selectively target and remove specific A beta species without evoking autoimmunity. Results from the passive vaccination AD clinical trials that are currently underway will provide invaluable information about both the effectiveness of newly improved anti-A beta vaccines in clinical treatment, as well as the role of the A beta peptide in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Hawkes
- Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Kim HD, Jin JJ, Maxwell JA, Fukuchi KI. Enhancing Th2 immune responses against amyloid protein by a DNA prime-adenovirus boost regimen for Alzheimer's disease. Immunol Lett 2007; 112:30-8. [PMID: 17686533 PMCID: PMC2001313 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2007.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2007] [Revised: 06/22/2007] [Accepted: 06/24/2007] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of aggregated amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) in the brain is thought to be the initiating event leading to neurodegeneration and dementia in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, therapeutic strategies that clear accumulated Abeta and/or prevent Abeta production and its aggregation are predicted to be effective against AD. Immunization of AD mouse models with synthetic Abeta prevented or reduced Abeta load in the brain and ameliorated their memory and learning deficits. The clinical trials of Abeta immunization elicited immune responses in only 20% of AD patients and caused T-lymphocyte meningoencephalitis in 6% of AD patients. In attempting to develop safer vaccines, we previously demonstrated that an adenovirus vector, AdPEDI-(Abeta1-6)11, which encodes 11 tandem repeats of Abeta1-6 can induce anti-inflammatory Th2 immune responses in mice. Here, we investigated whether a DNA prime-adenovirus boost regimen could elicit a more robust Th2 response using AdPEDI-(Abeta1-6)11 and a DNA plasmid encoding the same antigen. All mice (n=7) subjected to the DNA prime-adenovirus boost regimen were positive for anti-Abeta antibody, while, out of 7 mice immunized with only AdPEDI-(Abeta1-6)11, four mice developed anti-Abeta antibody. Anti-Abeta titers were indiscernible in mice (n=7) vaccinated with only DNA plasmid. The mean anti-Abeta titer induced by the DNA prime-adenovirus boost regimen was approximately 7-fold greater than that by AdPEDI-(Abeta1-6)11 alone. Furthermore, anti-Abeta antibodies induced by the DNA prime-adenovirus boost regimen were predominantly of the IgG1 isotype. These results indicate that the DNA prime-adenovirus boost regimen can enhance Th2-biased responses with AdPEDI-(Abeta1-6)11 in mice and suggest that heterologous prime-boost strategies may make AD immunotherapy more effective in reducing accumulated Abeta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Duck Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, P.O. Box 1649, Peoria, IL 61656, USA
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Qu BX, Xiang Q, Li L, Johnston SA, Hynan LS, Rosenberg RN. Abeta42 gene vaccine prevents Abeta42 deposition in brain of double transgenic mice. J Neurol Sci 2007; 260:204-13. [PMID: 17574274 PMCID: PMC2587214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2007.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2007] [Revised: 05/09/2007] [Accepted: 05/10/2007] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Abeta42 peptide aggregation and deposition is an important component of the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Gene-gun mediated gene vaccination targeting Abeta42 is a potential method to prevent and treat AD. APPswe/PS1DeltaE9 transgenic (Tg) mice were immunized with an Abeta42 gene construct delivered by the gene gun. The vaccinated mice developed Th2 antibodies (IgG1) against Abeta42. The Abeta42 levels in brain were decreased by 41% and increased in plasma 43% in the vaccinated compared with control mice as assessed by ELISA analysis. Abeta42 plaque deposits in cerebral cortex and hippocampus were reduced by 51% and 52%, respectively, as shown by quantitative immunolabeling. Glial cell activation was also significantly attenuated in vaccinated compared with control mice. One rhesus monkey was vaccinated and developed anti-Abeta42 antibody. These new findings advance significantly our knowledge that gene-gun mediated Abeta42 gene immunization effectively induces a Th2 immune response and reduces the Abeta42 levels in brain in APPswe/PS1DeltaE9 mice. Abeta42 gene vaccination may be safe and efficient immunotherapy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Xi Qu
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Qun Xiang
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Liping Li
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Stephen Albert Johnston
- The Center for Innovations in Medicine/Biodesign Institute, The Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Linda S. Hynan
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, Departments of Clinical Sciences (Biostatistics) and Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Roger N. Rosenberg
- Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75390-9036, USA. Tel.: +1 214 648 3239; fax: +1 214 648 6824. E-mail address: (R.N. Rosenberg)
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Kim HD, Tahara K, Maxwell JA, Lalonde R, Fukuiwa T, Fujihashi K, Van Kampen KR, Kong FK, Tang DCC, Fukuchi KI. Nasal inoculation of an adenovirus vector encoding 11 tandem repeats of Abeta1-6 upregulates IL-10 expression and reduces amyloid load in a Mo/Hu APPswe PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. J Gene Med 2007; 9:88-98. [PMID: 17219449 PMCID: PMC2446608 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is deposits of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) in neuritic plaques and cerebral vessels. Immunization of AD mouse models with Abeta reduces Abeta deposits and improves memory and learning deficits. Because recent clinical trials of immunization with Abeta were halted due to brain inflammation that was presumably induced by a T-cell-mediated autoimmune response, vaccination modalities that elicit predominantly humoral immune responses are currently being developed. METHODS We have nasally immunized a young AD mouse model with an adenovirus vector encoding 11 tandem repeats of Abeta1-6 fused to the receptor-binding domain (Ia) of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PEDI), AdPEDI-(Abeta1-6)(11), in order to evaluate the efficacy of the vector in preventing Abeta deposits in the brain. We also have investigated immune responses of mice to AdPEDI-(Abeta1-6)(11). RESULTS Nasal immunization of an AD mouse model with AdPEDI-(Abeta1-6)(11) elicited a predominant IgG1 response and reduced Abeta load in the brain. The plasma IL-10 level in the AD mouse model was upregulated after immunization and, upon the stimulation with PEDI-(Abeta1-6)(11), marked IL-10 responses were found in splenic CD4(+) T cells from C57BL/6 mice that had been immunized with AdPEDI-(Abeta1-6)(11). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the induction of Th2-biased responses with AdPEDI-(Abeta1-6)(11) in mice is mediated in part through the upregulation of IL-10, which inhibits activation of dendritic cells that dictate the induction of Th1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Duck Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, PO Box 1649, Peoria, IL 61656, USA
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Muhs A, Hickman DT, Pihlgren M, Chuard N, Giriens V, Meerschman C, van der Auwera I, van Leuven F, Sugawara M, Weingertner MC, Bechinger B, Greferath R, Kolonko N, Nagel-Steger L, Riesner D, Brady RO, Pfeifer A, Nicolau C. Liposomal vaccines with conformation-specific amyloid peptide antigens define immune response and efficacy in APP transgenic mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:9810-5. [PMID: 17517595 PMCID: PMC1887581 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0703137104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the therapeutic effects of two different versions of Abeta(1-15 (16)) liposome-based vaccines. Inoculation of APP-V717IxPS-1 (APPxPS-1) double-transgenic mice with tetra-palmitoylated amyloid 1-15 peptide (palmAbeta(1-15)), or with amyloid 1-16 peptide (PEG-Abeta(1-16)) linked to a polyethyleneglycol spacer at each end, and embedded within a liposome membrane, elicited fast immune responses with identical binding epitopes. PalmAbeta(1-15) liposomal vaccine elicited an immune response that restored the memory defect of the mice, whereas that of PEG-Abeta(1-16) had no such effect. Immunoglobulins that were generated were predominantly of the IgG class with palmAbeta(1-15), whereas those elicited by PEG-Abeta(1-16) were primarily of the IgM class. The IgG subclasses of the antibodies generated by both vaccines were mostly IgG2b indicating noninflammatory Th2 isotype. CD and NMR revealed predominantly beta-sheet conformation of palmAbeta(1-15) and random coil of PEG-Abeta(1-16). We conclude that the association with liposomes induced a variation of the immunogenic structures and thereby different immunogenicities. This finding supports the hypothesis that Alzheimer's disease is a "conformational" disease, implying that antibodies against amyloid sequences in the beta-sheet conformation are preferred as potential therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Muhs
- *AC Immune, PSE-B, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David T. Hickman
- *AC Immune, PSE-B, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria Pihlgren
- *AC Immune, PSE-B, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Chuard
- *AC Immune, PSE-B, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie Giriens
- *AC Immune, PSE-B, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carine Meerschman
- *AC Immune, PSE-B, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Fred van Leuven
- Experimental Genetics Group, KULeuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Masae Sugawara
- Institut de Science et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires, Université Louis Pasteur, F-67083 Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Burkhard Bechinger
- Institut de Science et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires, Université Louis Pasteur, F-67083 Strasbourg, France
| | - Ruth Greferath
- *AC Immune, PSE-B, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Kolonko
- *AC Immune, PSE-B, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luitgard Nagel-Steger
- Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine Universität, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Detlev Riesner
- Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine Universität, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Roscoe O. Brady
- Developmental and Metabolic Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892; and
- **To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail: or
| | - Andrea Pfeifer
- *AC Immune, PSE-B, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claude Nicolau
- *AC Immune, PSE-B, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111
- **To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail: or
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Wilhelm KR, Yanamandra K, Gruden MA, Zamotin V, Malisauskas M, Casaite V, Darinskas A, Forsgren L, Morozova-Roche LA. Immune reactivity towards insulin, its amyloid and protein S100B in blood sera of Parkinson's disease patients. Eur J Neurol 2007; 14:327-34. [PMID: 17355556 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2006.01667.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral immune responses can be sensitive indicators of disease pathology. We evaluated the autoimmune reactions to endocrine (insulin) and astrocytical (S100B) biomarkers in the blood sera of 26 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients compared with controls by using ELISA. We found a statistically significant increase of the autoimmune responses to both antigens in PD patients compared with controls with a mean increase of 70% and 50% in the autoimmune reactions towards insulin and S100B, respectively. Heterogeneity of the immune responses observed in patients may reflect the modulating effect of multiple variables associated with neurodegeneration and also changes in the basic mechanisms of individual autoimmune reactivity. We did not detect any pronounced immune reactions towards insulin amyloid fibrils and oligomers in PD patients, indicating that an amyloid-specific conformational epitope is not involved in immune recognition of this amyloid type, while sequential epitope of native insulin is hidden within the amyloid structures. Immune reactions towards S100B and insulin may reflect the neurodegenerative brain damaging processes and impaired insulin homeostasis occurring in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Wilhelm
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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43
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Abstract
Currently, there are no disease-modifying therapies available for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are licensed for AD and have moderate symptomatic benefits. Epidemiological studies have suggested that NSAIDs, estrogen, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) or tocopherol (vitamin E) can prevent AD. However, prospective, randomised studies have not convincingly been able to demonstrate clinical efficacy. Major progress in molecular medicine suggests further drug targets. The metabolism of the amyloid-precursor protein and the aggregation of its Abeta fragment are the focus of current studies. Abeta peptides are produced by the enzymes beta- and gamma-secretase. Inhibition of gamma-secretase has been shown to reduce Abeta production. However, gamma-secretase activity is also involved in other vital physiological pathways. Involvement of gamma-secretase in cell differentiation may preclude complete blockade of gamma-secretase for prolonged times in vivo. Inhibition of beta-secretase seems to be devoid of serious adverse effects according to studies with knockout animals. However, targeting beta-secretase is hampered by the lack of suitable inhibitors to date. Other approaches focus on enzymes that cut inside the Abeta sequence such as alpha-secretase and neprilysin. Stimulation of the expression or activity of alpha-secretase or neprilysin has been shown to enhance Abeta degradation. Furthermore, inhibitors of Abeta aggregation have been described and clinical trials have been initiated. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma agonists and selected NSAIDs may be suitable to modulate both Abeta production and inflammatory activation. On the basis of autopsy reports, active immunisation against Abeta in humans seems to have proven its ability to clear amyloid deposits from the brain. However, a first clinical trial with active vaccination against the full length Abeta peptide has been halted because of adverse effects. Further trials with vaccination or passive transfer of antibodies are planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hüll
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79108 Freiburg, Germany.
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44
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Abstract
The pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include beta-amyloid (Abeta) plaques, dystrophic neurites and neurofibrillary pathology, which eventually result in the degeneration of neurons and subsequent dementia. In 1999, international interest in a new therapeutic approach to the treatment of AD was ignited following transgenic mouse studies that indicated that it might be possible to immunise against the pathological alterations in Abeta that lead to aggregation of this protein in the brain. A subsequent phase I human trial for safety, tolerability and immunogenicity using an active immunisation strategy against Abeta had a positive outcome. However, phase IIA human trials involving active immunisation were halted following the diagnosis of aseptic meningoencephalitis in 6% of immunised subjects. Research into immunisation strategies involving transgenic AD mouse models has subsequently been refocused to determine the mechanisms by which plaque clearance and reduced memory deficits are attained, and to establish safer therapeutic approaches that may reduce potentially harmful brain inflammation. The vigour of international research on immunotherapy for AD provides significant hope for a strong therapeutic lead for the escalating number of individuals who will develop this otherwise incurable condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Woodhouse
- School of Medicine, NeuroRepair Group, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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45
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Affiliation(s)
- T Augy
- Service de Pharmacie, Hôpital de la Conception, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13395 Marseille cedex 5
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46
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Wang YJ, Zhou HD, Zhou XF. Clearance of amyloid-beta in Alzheimer's disease: progress, problems and perspectives. Drug Discov Today 2006; 11:931-8. [PMID: 16997144 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2006.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2006] [Revised: 07/14/2006] [Accepted: 08/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of senile dementia and the fourth highest cause of disability and death in the elderly. Amyloid-beta (Abeta) has been widely implicated in the etiology of AD. Several mechanisms have been proposed for Abeta clearance, including receptor-mediated Abeta transport across the blood-brain barrier and enzyme-mediated Abeta degradation. Moreover, pre-existing immune responses to Abeta might also be involved in Abeta clearance. In AD, such mechanisms appear to have become impaired. Recently, therapeutic approaches for Abeta clearance, targeting immunotherapy and molecules binding Abeta, have been developed. In this review, we discuss recent progress and problems with respect to Abeta clearance mechanisms and propose strategies for the development of therapeutics targeting Abeta clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jiang Wang
- Department of Human Physiology and Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia
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47
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Okura Y, Miyakoshi A, Kohyama K, Park IK, Staufenbiel M, Matsumoto Y. Nonviral Abeta DNA vaccine therapy against Alzheimer's disease: long-term effects and safety. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:9619-24. [PMID: 16769900 PMCID: PMC1480456 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0600966103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It was recently demonstrated that amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide vaccination was effective in reducing the Abeta burden in Alzheimer model mice. However, the clinical trial was halted because of the development of meningoencephalitis in some patients. To overcome this problem, anti-Abeta antibody therapy and other types of vaccination are now in trial. In this study, we have developed safe and effective nonviral Abeta DNA vaccines against Alzheimer's disease. We administered these vaccines to model (APP23) mice and evaluated Abeta burden reduction. Prophylactic treatments started before Abeta deposition reduced Abeta burden to 15.5% and 38.5% of that found in untreated mice at 7 and 18 months of age, respectively. Therapeutic treatment started after Abeta deposition reduced Abeta burden to approximately 50% at the age of 18 months. Importantly, this therapy induced neither neuroinflammation nor T cell responses to Abeta peptide in both APP23 and wild-type B6 mice, even after long-term vaccination. Although it is reported that other anti-Abeta therapies have pharmacological and/or technical difficulties, nonviral DNA vaccines are highly secure and easily controllable and are promising for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshio Okura
- *Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience, Musashidai 2-6, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8526, Japan; and
| | - Akira Miyakoshi
- *Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience, Musashidai 2-6, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8526, Japan; and
| | - Kuniko Kohyama
- *Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience, Musashidai 2-6, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8526, Japan; and
| | - Il-Kwon Park
- *Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience, Musashidai 2-6, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8526, Japan; and
| | - Matthias Staufenbiel
- Neuroscience Research, Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yoh Matsumoto
- *Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience, Musashidai 2-6, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8526, Japan; and
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Virus and virus-like particle-based immunogens for Alzheimer's disease induce antibody responses against amyloid-beta without concomitant T cell responses. Vaccine 2006; 24:6321-31. [PMID: 16806604 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.05.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2005] [Revised: 05/15/2006] [Accepted: 05/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A vaccine targeting the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide is a promising potential immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease patients. However, experience from a recent clinical trial of a candidate Abeta vaccine has suggested that it is important to develop techniques to induce high titer antibodies against Abeta associated with vaccine efficacy while reducing the T cell responses against Abeta that were potentially responsible for serious side effects. We have previously demonstrated that immunization with self- and foreign antigens arrayed in a repetitive fashion on the surface of virus-like particles (VLPs) induces high titer antibody responses at low doses and in the absence of potentially inflammatory adjuvants. In this study, we examined the antibody and T cell responses upon immunization with human papillomavirus VLP- and Qbeta bacteriophage-based Abeta vaccines. Immunization with Abeta conjugated to VLPs or Qbeta elicited anti-Abeta antibody responses at low doses and without the use of adjuvants. The flexibility of these virus-based display systems allowed us to link and induce antibodies against short Abeta-derived peptides from the amino- and carboxyl-termini of the peptide. Immunization of mice with Abeta peptide in combination with Freund's adjuvant elicited predominantly IgG2c antibodies and strong T cell proliferative responses against Abeta. In contrast, VLP-conjugated Abeta peptides elicited more balanced isotype responses, dominated by IgG1. Both VLP and Qbeta-based Abeta vaccines induced weak or negligible T cell responses against Abeta. T cell responses were largely directed against linked viral epitopes. Taken together, virus-based vaccines that allow the presentation of Abeta in a repetitive dense array are new and potentially more effective vaccine candidates for Alzheimer's disease.
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49
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Qu B, Boyer PJ, Johnston SA, Hynan LS, Rosenberg RN. Abeta42 gene vaccination reduces brain amyloid plaque burden in transgenic mice. J Neurol Sci 2006; 244:151-8. [PMID: 16556449 PMCID: PMC1531642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2006.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2005] [Accepted: 02/02/2006] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To demonstrate that in APPswe/PS1DeltaE9 transgenic mice, gene gun mediated Abeta42 gene vaccination elicits a high titer of anti-Abeta42 antibodies causal of a significant reduction of Abeta42 deposition in brain. METHODS Gene gun immunization is conducted with transgenic mice using the Abeta42 gene in a bacterial plasmid with the pSP72-E3L-Abeta42 construct. Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays (ELISA) and Western blots are used to monitor anti-Abeta42 antibody levels in serum and Abeta42 levels in brain tissues. Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays are used for detection of peripheral blood T cells to release gamma-interferon. Immunofluorescence detection of Abeta42 plaques and quantification of amyloid burden of brain tissue were measured and sections were analyzed with Image J (NIH) software. RESULTS Gene gun vaccination with the Abeta42 gene resulted in high titers of anti-Abeta42 antibody production of the Th2-type. Levels of Abeta42 in treated transgenic mouse brain were reduced by 60-77.5%. The Mann-Whitney U-test P=0.0286. INTERPRETATION We have developed a gene gun mediated Abeta42 gene vaccination method that is efficient to break host Abeta42 tolerance without using adjuvant and induces a Th2 immune response. Abeta42 gene vaccination significantly reduces the Abeta42 burden of the brain in treated APPswe/PS1DeltaE9 transgenic mice with no overlap between treated and control mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoxi Qu
- Alzheimer's Diseases Center, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323, Harry Hines, Dallas, 75390-9036, USA
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50
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Town T, Tan J, Flavell RA, Mullan M. T-cells in Alzheimer's disease. Neuromolecular Med 2006; 7:255-64. [PMID: 16247185 DOI: 10.1385/nmm:7:3:255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2005] [Revised: 06/15/2005] [Accepted: 06/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common dementing illness and is pathologically characterized by deposition of the 40-42 amino acid peptide, amyloid-beta (Abeta), as senile plaques. It is well documented that brain inflammatory mechanisms mediated by reactive glia are activated in response to Abeta plaques. A number of reports further suggest that T-cells are activated in AD patients, and that these cells exist both in the periphery and as infiltrates in the brain. We explore the potential role of T-cells in the AD process, a controversial area, by reviewing reports that show disturbed activation profiles and/or altered numbers of various subsets of T-cells in the circulation as well as in the AD brain parenchyma and in cerebral amyloid angiopathy. We also discuss the recent Abeta immunotherapy approach vis-à-vis the activated, autoaggressive T-cell infiltrates that contributed to aseptic meningoencephalitis in a small percentage of patients, and present possible alternative approaches that may be both efficacious and safe. Finally, we explore the use of mouse models of AD as a system within which to definitively test the possible contribution of T-cells to AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrence Town
- Section of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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