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Achón Buil B, Rentsch NH, Weber RZ, Rickenbach C, Halliday SJ, Hotta A, Tackenberg C, Rust R. Beneath the radar: immune-evasive cell sources for stroke therapy. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:223-238. [PMID: 38272713 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy is an emerging treatment paradigm for stroke patients with remaining neurological deficits. While allogeneic cell transplants overcome the manufacturing constraints of autologous grafts, they can be rejected by the recipient's immune system, which identifies foreign cells through the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system. The heterogeneity of HLA molecules in the human population would require a very high number of cell lines, which may still be inadequate for patients with rare genetic HLAs. Here, we outline key progress in genetic HLA engineering in pluripotent stem and derived cells to evade the host's immune system, reducing the number of allogeneic cell lines required, and examine safety measures explored in both preclinical studies and upcoming clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Achón Buil
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nora H Rentsch
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Z Weber
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Rickenbach
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie J Halliday
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Akitsu Hotta
- Center for iPS cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Christian Tackenberg
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruslan Rust
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1501 San Pablo St, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Chen KS, Noureldein MH, McGinley LM, Hayes JM, Rigan DM, Kwentus JF, Mason SN, Mendelson FE, Savelieff MG, Feldman EL. Human neural stem cells restore spatial memory in a transgenic Alzheimer's disease mouse model by an immunomodulating mechanism. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1306004. [PMID: 38155736 PMCID: PMC10753006 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1306004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stem cells are a promising therapeutic in Alzheimer's disease (AD) given the complex pathophysiologic pathways involved. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of stem cells remain unclear. Here, we used spatial transcriptomics to elucidate therapeutic mechanisms of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) in an animal model of AD. Methods hNSCs were transplanted into the fimbria fornix of the hippocampus using the 5XFAD mouse model. Spatial memory was assessed by Morris water maze. Amyloid plaque burden was quantified. Spatial transcriptomics was performed and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified both globally and within the hippocampus. Subsequent pathway enrichment and ligand-receptor network analysis was performed. Results hNSC transplantation restored learning curves of 5XFAD mice. However, there were no changes in amyloid plaque burden. Spatial transcriptomics showed 1,061 DEGs normalized in hippocampal subregions. Plaque induced genes in microglia, along with populations of stage 1 and stage 2 disease associated microglia (DAM), were normalized upon hNSC transplantation. Pathologic signaling between hippocampus and DAM was also restored. Discussion hNSCs normalized many dysregulated genes, although this was not mediated by a change in amyloid plaque levels. Rather, hNSCs appear to exert beneficial effects in part by modulating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and signaling in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S. Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Mohamed H. Noureldein
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lisa M. McGinley
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John M. Hayes
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Diana M. Rigan
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jacquelin F. Kwentus
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Shayna N. Mason
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Faye E. Mendelson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Masha G. Savelieff
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Eva L. Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Chen KS, Noureldein MH, McGinley LM, Hayes JM, Rigan DM, Kwentus JF, Mason SN, Mendelson FE, Savelieffd MG, Feldman EL. Human neural stem cells restore spatial memory in a transgenic Alzheimer's disease mouse model by an immunomodulating mechanism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.01.565161. [PMID: 37961246 PMCID: PMC10635057 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.565161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stem cells are a promising therapeutic in Alzheimer's disease (AD) given the complex pathophysiologic pathways involved. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of stem cells remain unclear. Here, we used spatial transcriptomics to elucidate therapeutic mechanisms of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) in an animal model of AD. METHODS hNSCs were transplanted into the fimbria fornix of the hippocampus using the 5XFAD mouse model. Spatial memory was assessed by Morris water maze. Amyloid plaque burden was quantified. Spatial transcriptomics was performed and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified both globally and within the hippocampus. Subsequent pathway enrichment and ligand-receptor network analysis was performed. RESULTS hNSC transplantation restored learning curves of 5XFAD mice. However, there were no changes in amyloid plaque burden. Spatial transcriptomics showed 1061 DEGs normalized in hippocampal subregions. Plaque induced genes in microglia, along with populations of stage 1 and stage 2 disease associated microglia (DAM), were normalized upon hNSC transplantation. Pathologic signaling between hippocampus and DAM was also restored. DISCUSSION hNSCs normalized many dysregulated genes, although this was not mediated by a change in amyloid plaque levels. Rather, hNSCs appear to exert beneficial effects in part by modulating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and signaling in AD.
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Murayama MA. The past and present of therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's diseases: potential for stem cell therapy. Exp Anim 2023; 72:285-293. [PMID: 36878603 PMCID: PMC10435354 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.22-0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms, is the most prevalent form of dementia among the elderly. Amyloid aggregation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neural cell loss are the main pathological features. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the development of AD. Some therapeutic agents have shown clinical benefits in patients with AD; however, many of these agents have failed. The degree of neural cell loss is associated with the severity of AD. Adult neurogenesis, which governs cognitive and emotional behaviors, occurs in the hippocampus, and some research groups have reported that neural cell transplantation into the hippocampus improves cognitive dysfunction in AD model mice. Based on these clinical findings, stem cell therapy for patients with AD has recently attracted attention. This review provides past and present therapeutic strategies for the management and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori A Murayama
- Department of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, Shinmachi 2-5-1, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
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Zeng XX, Zeng JB. Systems Medicine as a Strategy to Deal with Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:1411-1426. [PMID: 37980671 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The traits of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include amyloid plaques made of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42, and neurofibrillary tangles by the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. AD is a complex disorder that is heterogenous in genetical, neuropathological, and clinical contexts. Current available therapeutics are unable to cure AD. Systems medicine is a strategy by viewing the body as a whole system, taking into account each individual's unique health profile, provide treatment and associated nursing care clinically for the patient, aiming for precision. Since the onset of AD can lead towards cognitive impairment, it is vital to intervene and diagnose early and prevent further progressive loss of neurons. Moreover, as the individual's brain functions are impaired due to neurodegeneration in AD, it is essential to reconstruct the neurons or brain cells to enable normal brain functions. Although there are different subtypes of AD due to varied pathological lesions, in the majority cases of AD, neurodegeneration and severe brain atrophy develop at the chronic stage. Novel approaches including RNA based gene therapy, stem cell based technology, bioprinting technology, synthetic biology for brain tissue reconstruction are researched in recent decades in the hope to decrease neuroinflammation and restore normal brain function in individuals of AD. Systems medicine include the prevention of disease, diagnosis and treatment by viewing the individual's body as a whole system, along with systems medicine based nursing as a strategy against AD that should be researched further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xue Zeng
- Department of Health Management, Centre of General Practice, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Lishui Town, Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Jie Bangzhe Zeng
- Benjoe Institute of Systems Bio-Engineering, High Technology Park, Xinbei District, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
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