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Clarkson BD, Grund EM, Standiford MM, Mirchia K, Westphal MS, Muschler LS, Howe CL. CD8+ T cells recognizing a neuron-restricted antigen injure axons in a model of multiple sclerosis. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e162788. [PMID: 37676734 PMCID: PMC10617772 DOI: 10.1172/jci162788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells outnumber CD4+ cells in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions associated with disease progression, but the pathogenic role and antigenic targets of these clonally expanded effectors are unknown. Based on evidence that demyelination is necessary but not sufficient for disease progression in MS, we previously hypothesized that CNS-infiltrating CD8+ T cells specific for neuronal antigens directly drive the axonal and neuronal injury that leads to cumulative neurologic disability in patients with MS. We now show that demyelination induced expression of MHC class I on neurons and axons and resulted in presentation of a neuron-specific neoantigen (synapsin promoter-driven chicken ovalbumin) to antigen-specific CD8+ T cells (anti-ovalbumin OT-I TCR-transgenic T cells). These neuroantigen-specific effectors surveilled the CNS in the absence of demyelination but were not retained. However, upon induction of demyelination via cuprizone intoxication, neuroantigen-specific CD8+ T cells proliferated, accumulated in the CNS, and damaged neoantigen-expressing neurons and axons. We further report elevated neuronal expression of MHC class I and β2-microglobulin transcripts and protein in gray matter and white matter tracts in tissue from patients with MS. These findings support a pathogenic role for autoreactive anti-axonal and anti-neuronal CD8+ T cells in MS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D.S. Clarkson
- Department of Neurology
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Charles L. Howe
- Department of Neurology
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology
- Division of Experimental Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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2
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Jamann H, Cui QL, Desu HL, Pernin F, Tastet O, Halaweh A, Farzam-kia N, Mamane VH, Ouédraogo O, Cleret-Buhot A, Daigneault A, Balthazard R, Klement W, Lemaître F, Arbour N, Antel J, Stratton JA, Larochelle C. Contact-Dependent Granzyme B-Mediated Cytotoxicity of Th17-Polarized Cells Toward Human Oligodendrocytes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850616. [PMID: 35479072 PMCID: PMC9035748 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by the loss of myelin and of myelin-producing oligodendrocytes (OLs) in the central nervous system (CNS). Pro-inflammatory CD4+ Th17 cells are considered pathogenic in MS and are harmful to OLs. We investigated the mechanisms driving human CD4+ T cell-mediated OL cell death. Using fluorescent and brightfield in vitro live imaging, we found that compared to Th2-polarized cells, Th17-polarized cells show greater interactions with primary human OLs and human oligodendrocytic cell line MO3.13, displaying longer duration of contact, lower mean speed, and higher rate of vesicle-like structure formation at the sites of contact. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we assessed the transcriptomic profile of primary human OLs and Th17-polarized cells in direct contact or separated by an insert. We showed that upon close interaction, OLs upregulate the expression of mRNA coding for chemokines and antioxidant/anti-apoptotic molecules, while Th17-polarized cells upregulate the expression of mRNA coding for chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17A, IFN-γ, and granzyme B. We found that secretion of CCL3, CXCL10, IFN-γ, TNFα, and granzyme B is induced upon direct contact in cocultures of human Th17-polarized cells with human OLs. In addition, we validated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence that granzyme B levels are upregulated in Th17-polarized compared to Th2-polarized cells and are even higher in Th17-polarized cells upon direct contact with OLs or MO3.13 cells compared to Th17-polarized cells separated from OLs by an insert. Moreover, granzyme B is detected in OLs and MO3.13 cells following direct contact with Th17-polarized cells, suggesting the release of granzyme B from Th17-polarized cells into OLs/MO3.13 cells. To confirm granzyme B–mediated cytotoxicity toward OLs, we showed that recombinant human granzyme B can induce OLs and MO3.13 cell death. Furthermore, pretreatment of Th17-polarized cells with a reversible granzyme B blocker (Ac-IEPD-CHO) or a natural granzyme B blocker (serpina3N) improved survival of MO3.13 cells upon coculture with Th17 cells. In conclusion, we showed that human Th17-polarized cells form biologically significant contacts with human OLs and exert direct toxicity by releasing granzyme B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Jamann
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Qiao-Ling Cui
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Haritha L. Desu
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Florian Pernin
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Olivier Tastet
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Halaweh
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Negar Farzam-kia
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Victoria Hannah Mamane
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Oumarou Ouédraogo
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aurélie Cleret-Buhot
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Audrey Daigneault
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Renaud Balthazard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Wendy Klement
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Florent Lemaître
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Arbour
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jack Antel
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jo Anne Stratton
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Larochelle
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Catherine Larochelle,
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Kamiya M, Mizoguchi F, Takamura A, Kimura N, Kawahata K, Kohsaka H. A new in vitro model of polymyositis reveals CD8+ T cell invasion into muscle cells and its cytotoxic role. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:224-232. [PMID: 31257434 PMCID: PMC6927901 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The hallmark histopathology of PM is the presence of CD8+ T cells in the non-necrotic muscle cells. The aim of this study was to clarify the pathological significance of CD8+ T cells in muscle cells. Methods C2C12 cells were transduced retrovirally with the genes encoding MHC class I (H2Kb) and SIINFEKL peptide derived from ovalbumin (OVA), and then differentiated to myotubes (H2KbOVA-myotubes). H2KbOVA-myotubes were co-cultured with OT-I CD8+ T cells derived from OVA-specific class I restricted T cell receptor transgenic mice as an in vitro model of PM to examine whether the CD8+ T cells invade into the myotubes and if the myotubes with the invasion are more prone to die than those without. Muscle biopsy samples from patients with PM were examined for the presence of CD8+ T cells in muscle cells. The clinical profiles were compared between the patients with and without CD8+ T cells in muscle cells. Results Analysis of the in vitro model of PM with confocal microscopy demonstrated the invasion of OT-I CD8+ T cells into H2KbOVA-myotubes. Transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed an electron-lucent area between the invaded CD8+ T cell and the cytoplasm of H2KbOVA-myotubes. The myotubes invaded with OT-I CD8+ T cells died earlier than the uninvaded myotubes. The level of serum creatinine kinase was higher in patients with CD8+ T cells in muscle cells than those without these cells. Conclusion CD8+ T cells invade into muscle cells and contribute to muscle injury in PM. Our in vitro model of PM is useful to examine the mechanisms underlying muscle injury induced by CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Kamiya
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Mizoguchi
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akito Takamura
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Kimura
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimito Kawahata
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kohsaka
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
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Ehling P, Melzer N, Budde T, Meuth SG. CD8(+) T Cell-Mediated Neuronal Dysfunction and Degeneration in Limbic Encephalitis. Front Neurol 2015; 6:163. [PMID: 26236280 PMCID: PMC4502349 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2015.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune inflammation of the limbic gray matter structures of the human brain has recently been identified as major cause of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with interictal temporal epileptiform activity and slowing of the electroencephalogram, progressive memory disturbances, as well as a variety of other behavioral, emotional, and cognitive changes. Magnetic resonance imaging exhibits volume and signal changes of the amygdala and hippocampus, and specific anti-neuronal antibodies binding to either intracellular or plasma membrane neuronal antigens can be detected in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. While effects of plasma cell-derived antibodies on neuronal function and integrity are increasingly becoming characterized, potentially contributing effects of T cell-mediated immune mechanisms remain poorly understood. CD8+ T cells are known to directly interact with major histocompatibility complex class I-expressing neurons in an antigen-specific manner. Here, we summarize current knowledge on how such direct CD8+ T cell–neuron interactions may impact neuronal excitability, plasticity, and integrity on a single cell and network level and provide an overview on methods to further corroborate the in vivo relevance of these mechanisms mainly obtained from in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Ehling
- Department of Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University of Münster , Münster , Germany ; Institute of Physiology I - Neuropathophysiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University , Münster , Germany
| | - Nico Melzer
- Department of Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University of Münster , Münster , Germany
| | - Thomas Budde
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-University , Münster , Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University of Münster , Münster , Germany ; Institute of Physiology I - Neuropathophysiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University , Münster , Germany
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5
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Göbel K, Bittner S, Cerina M, Herrmann AM, Wiendl H, Meuth SG. An ex vivo model of an oligodendrocyte-directed T-cell attack in acute brain slices. J Vis Exp 2015. [PMID: 25741800 DOI: 10.3791/52205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Death of oligodendrocytes accompanied by destruction of neurons and axons are typical histopathological findings in cortical and subcortical grey matter lesions in inflammatory demyelinating disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS). In these disorders, mainly CD8+ T-cells of putative specificity for myelin- and oligodendrocyte-related antigens are found, so that neuronal apoptosis in grey matter lesions may be a collateral effect of these cells. Different types of animal models are established to study the underlying mechanisms of the mentioned pathophysiological processes. However, although they mimic some aspects of MS, it is impossible to dissect the exact mechanism and time course of ''collateral'' neuronal cell death. To address this course, here we show a protocol to study the mechanisms and time response of neuronal damage following an oligodendrocyte-directed CD8+ T cell attack. To target only the myelin sheath and the oligodendrocytes, in vitro activated oligodendrocyte-specific CD8+ T-cells are transferred into acutely isolated brain slices. After a defined incubation period, myelin and neuronal damage can be analysed in different regions of interest. Potential applications and limitations of this model will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Bittner
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster; Germany and Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF) Münster
| | - Manuela Cerina
- Institute of Physiology I - Neuropathophysiology I, University of Münster
| | | | | | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster; Institute of Physiology I - Neuropathophysiology I, University of Münster
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6
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Melzer N, Hicking G, Bittner S, Bobak N, Göbel K, Herrmann AM, Wiendl H, Meuth SG. Excitotoxic neuronal cell death during an oligodendrocyte-directed CD8+ T cell attack in the CNS gray matter. J Neuroinflammation 2013; 10:121. [PMID: 24093512 PMCID: PMC3853237 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neural-antigen reactive cytotoxic CD8+ T cells contribute to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in a variety of inflammatory CNS disorders. Facing excess numbers of target cells, CNS-invading CD8+ T cells cause neuronal cell death either via confined release of cytotoxic effector molecules towards neurons, or via spillover of cytotoxic effector molecules from 'leaky’ immunological synapses and non-confined release by CD8+ T cells themselves during serial and simultaneous killing of oligodendrocytes or astrocytes. Methods Wild-type and T cell receptor transgenic CD8+ T cells were stimulated in vitro, their activation status was assessed by flow cytometry, and supernatant glutamate levels were determined using an enzymatic assay. Expression regulation of molecules involved in vesicular glutamate release was examined by quantitative real-time PCR, and mechanisms of non-vesicular glutamate release were studied by pharmacological blocking experiments. The impact of CD8+ T cell-mediated glutamate liberation on neuronal viability was studied in acute brain slice preparations. Results Following T cell receptor stimulation, CD8+ T cells acquire the molecular repertoire for vesicular glutamate release: (i) they upregulate expression of glutaminase required to generate glutamate via deamination of glutamine and (ii) they upregulate expression of vesicular proton-ATPase and vesicular glutamate transporters required for filling of vesicles with glutamate. Subsequently, CD8+ T cells release glutamate in a strictly stimulus-dependent manner. Upon repetitive T cell receptor stimulation, CD25high CD8+ T effector cells exhibit higher estimated single cell glutamate release rates than CD25low CD8+ T memory cells. Moreover, glutamate liberation by oligodendrocyte-reactive CD25high CD8+ T effector cells is capable of eliciting collateral excitotoxic cell death of neurons (despite glutamate re-uptake by glia cells and neurons) in intact CNS gray matter. Conclusion Glutamate release may represent a crucial effector pathway of neural-antigen reactive CD8+ T cells, contributing to excitotoxicity in CNS inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Melzer
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Münster 48149, Germany.
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Puentes F, van der Star BJ, Victor M, Kipp M, Beyer C, Peferoen-Baert R, Ummenthum K, Pryce G, Gerritsen W, Huizinga R, Reijerkerk A, van der Valk P, Baker D, Amor S. Characterization of immune response to neurofilament light in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neuroinflammation 2013; 10:118. [PMID: 24053384 PMCID: PMC3856490 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmunity to neuronal proteins occurs in several neurological syndromes, where cellular and humoral responses are directed to surface as well as intracellular antigens. Similar to myelin autoimmunity, pathogenic immune response to neuroaxonal components such as neurofilaments may contribute to neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis. METHODS We studied the immune response to the axonal protein neurofilament light (NF-L) in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis animal model of multiple sclerosis. To examine the association between T cells and axonal damage, pathology studies were performed on NF-L immunized mice. The interaction of T cells and axons was analyzed by confocal microscopy of central nervous system tissues and T-cell and antibody responses to immunodominant epitopes identified in ABH (H2-Ag7) and SJL/J (H2-As) mice. These epitopes, algorithm-predicted peptides and encephalitogenic motifs within NF-L were screened for encephalitogenicity. RESULTS Confocal microscopy revealed both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells alongside damaged axons in the lesions of NF-L immunized mice. CD4+ T cells dominated the areas of axonal injury in the dorsal column of spastic mice in which the expression of granzyme B and perforin was detected. Identified NF-L epitopes induced mild neurological signs similar to the observed with the NF-L protein, yet distinct from those characteristic of neurological disease induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that CD4+ T cells are associated with spasticity, axonal damage and neurodegeneration in NF-L immunized mice. In addition, defined T-cell epitopes in the NF-L protein might be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Puentes
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Blizard Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK.
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Lymphocytes with cytotoxic activity induce rapid microtubule axonal destabilization independently and before signs of neuronal death. ASN Neuro 2013; 5:e00105. [PMID: 23289514 PMCID: PMC3565378 DOI: 10.1042/an20120087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MS (multiple sclerosis) is the most prevalent autoimmune disease of the CNS (central nervous system) historically characterized as an inflammatory and demyelinating disease. More recently, extensive neuronal pathology has lead to its classification as a neurodegenerative disease as well. While the immune system initiates the autoimmune response it remains unclear how it orchestrates neuronal damage. In our previous studies, using in vitro cultured embryonic neurons, we demonstrated that MBP (myelin basic protein)-specific encephalitogenic CD4 T-cells induce early neuronal damage. In an extension of those studies, here we show that polarized CD4 Th1 and Th17 cells as wells as CD8 T-cells and NK (natural killer) cells induce microtubule destabilization within neurites in a contact-independent manner. Owing to the cytotoxic potential of these immune cells, we isolated the luminal components of lytic granules and determined that they were sufficient to drive microtubule destabilization. Since lytic granules contain cytolytic proteins, we determined that the induction of microtubule destabilization occurred prior to signs of apoptosis. Furthermore, we determined that microtubule destabilization was largely restricted to axons, sparing dendrites. This study demonstrated that lymphocytes with cytolytic activity have the capacity to directly drive MAD (microtubule axonal destabilization) in a bystander manner that is independent of neuronal death.
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Ip CW, Kroner A, Groh J, Huber M, Klein D, Spahn I, Diem R, Williams SK, Nave KA, Edgar JM, Martini R. Neuroinflammation by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes impairs retrograde axonal transport in an oligodendrocyte mutant mouse. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42554. [PMID: 22905147 PMCID: PMC3414455 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice overexpressing proteolipid protein (PLP) develop a leukodystrophy-like disease involving cytotoxic, CD8+ T-lymphocytes. Here we show that these cytotoxic T-lymphocytes perturb retrograde axonal transport. Using fluorogold stereotactically injected into the colliculus superior, we found that PLP overexpression in oligodendrocytes led to significantly reduced retrograde axonal transport in retina ganglion cell axons. We also observed an accumulation of mitochondria in the juxtaparanodal axonal swellings, indicative for a disturbed axonal transport. PLP overexpression in the absence of T-lymphocytes rescued retrograde axonal transport defects and abolished axonal swellings. Bone marrow transfer from wildtype mice, but not from perforin- or granzyme B-deficient mutants, into lymphocyte-deficient PLP mutant mice led again to impaired axonal transport and the formation of axonal swellings, which are predominantly located at the juxtaparanodal region. This demonstrates that the adaptive immune system, including cytotoxic T-lymphocytes which release perforin and granzyme B, are necessary to perturb axonal integrity in the PLP-transgenic disease model. Based on our observations, so far not attended molecular and cellular players belonging to the immune system should be considered to understand pathogenesis in inherited myelin disorders with progressive axonal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Wang Ip
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antje Kroner
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Janos Groh
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marianne Huber
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Klein
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Irene Spahn
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ricarda Diem
- Department of Neuro-oncology, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah K. Williams
- Department of Neuro-oncology, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus-Armin Nave
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Julia M. Edgar
- Applied Neurobiology Group, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Rudolf Martini
- Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Göbel K, Bittner S, Melzer N, Pankratz S, Dreykluft A, Schuhmann MK, Meuth SG, Wiendl H. CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells suppress cytotoxicity of CD8(+) effector T cells: implications for their capacity to limit inflammatory central nervous system damage at the parenchymal level. J Neuroinflammation 2012; 9:41. [PMID: 22373353 PMCID: PMC3308921 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-9-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD4(+) CD25(+) forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)(+) regulatory T cells (T reg cells) are known to suppress adaptive immune responses, key control tolerance and autoimmunity. METHODS We challenged the role of CD4(+) T reg cells in suppressing established CD8(+) T effector cell responses by using the OT-I/II system in vitro and an OT-I-mediated, oligodendrocyte directed ex vivo model (ODC-OVA model). RESULTS CD4(+) T reg cells dampened cytotoxicity of an ongoing CD8(+) T effector cell attack in vitro and within intact central nervous system tissue ex vivo. However, their suppressive effect was limited by the strength of the antigen signal delivered to the CD8(+) T effector cells and the ratio of regulatory to effector T cells. CD8(+) T effector cell suppression required T cell receptor-mediated activation together with costimulation of CD4(+) T reg cells, but following activation, suppression did not require restimulation and was antigen non-specific. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that CD4(+) T reg cells are capable of suppressing CD8(+) T effector cell responses at the parenchymal site, that is, limiting parenchymal damage in autoimmune central nervous system inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Göbel
- Department of Neurology - Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System and Neurooncology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Stefan Bittner
- Department of Neurology - Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System and Neurooncology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Nico Melzer
- Department of Neurology - Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System and Neurooncology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Susann Pankratz
- Department of Neurology - Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System and Neurooncology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Angela Dreykluft
- Department of Neurology - Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System and Neurooncology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Michael K Schuhmann
- Department of Neurology - Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System and Neurooncology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology - Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System and Neurooncology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- Institute of Physiology - Neuropathophysiology, University of Muenster, Robert-Koch-Strasse 27a, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology - Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System and Neurooncology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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Schneider R, Mohebiany AN, Ifergan I, Beauseigle D, Duquette P, Prat A, Arbour N. B cell-derived IL-15 enhances CD8 T cell cytotoxicity and is increased in multiple sclerosis patients. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:4119-28. [PMID: 21911607 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1100885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest that CD8 T cells contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the sources and involvement of cytokines such as IL-15 in activating these cells is still unresolved. To investigate the role of IL-15 in enhancing the activation of CD8 T cells in the context of MS, we determined cell types expressing the bioactive surface IL-15 in the peripheral blood of patients and evaluated the impact of this cytokine on CD8 T cell cytotoxicity and migration. Flow cytometric analysis showed a significantly greater proportion of B cells and monocytes from MS patients expressing IL-15 relative to controls. We established that CD40L activation of B cells from healthy donors increased their IL-15 levels, reaching those of MS patients. We also demonstrated an enhanced cytotoxic profile in CD8 T cells from MS patients upon stimulation with IL-15. Furthermore, we showed that IL-15 expressed by B cells and monocytes is sufficient and functional, enhancing granzyme B production by CD8 T cells upon coculture. Exposure of CD8 T cells to this cytokine enhanced their ability to kill glial cells as well as to migrate across an in vitro inflamed human blood-brain barrier. The elevated levels of IL-15 in patients relative to controls, the greater susceptibility of CD8 T cells from patients to IL-15, in addition to the enhanced cytotoxic responses by IL-15-exposed CD8 T cells, stresses the potential of therapeutic strategies to reduce peripheral sources of IL-15 in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Schneider
- Département de Médecine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H2L 4M1, Canada
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Protein S blocks the extrinsic apoptotic cascade in tissue plasminogen activator/N-methyl D-aspartate-treated neurons via Tyro3-Akt-FKHRL1 signaling pathway. Mol Neurodegener 2011; 6:13. [PMID: 21291561 PMCID: PMC3042387 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-6-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) benefits patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, tPA increases the risk for intracerebral bleeding and enhances post-ischemic neuronal injury if administered 3-4 hours after stroke. Therefore, combination therapies with tPA and neuroprotective agents have been considered to increase tPA's therapeutic window and reduce toxicity. The anticoagulant factor protein S (PS) protects neurons from hypoxic/ischemic injury. PS also inhibits N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) excitotoxicity by phosphorylating Bad and Mdm2 which blocks the downstream steps in the intrinsic apoptotic cascade. To test whether PS can protect neurons from tPA toxicity we studied its effects on tPA/NMDA combined injury which in contrast to NMDA alone kills neurons by activating the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Neither Bad nor Mdm2 which are PS's targets and control the intrinsic apoptotic pathway can influence the extrinsic cascade. Thus, based on published data one cannot predict whether PS can protect neurons from tPA/NMDA injury by blocking the extrinsic pathway. Neurons express all three TAM (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) receptors that can potentially interact with PS. Therefore, we studied whether PS can activate TAM receptors during a tPA/NMDA insult. Results We show that PS protects neurons from tPA/NMDA-induced apoptosis by suppressing Fas-ligand (FasL) production and FasL-dependent caspase-8 activation within the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. By transducing neurons with adenoviral vectors expressing the kinase-deficient Akt mutant AktK179A and a triple FKHRL1 Akt phosphorylation site mutant (FKHRL1-TM), we show that Akt activation and Akt-mediated phosphorylation of FKHRL1, a member of the Forkhead family of transcription factors, are critical for FasL down-regulation and caspase-8 inhibition. Using cultured neurons from Tyro3, Axl and Mer mutants, we show that Tyro3, but not Axl and Mer, mediates phosphorylation of FHKRL1 that is required for PS-mediated neuronal protection after tPA/NMDA-induced injury. Conclusions PS blocks the extrinsic apoptotic cascade through a novel mechanism mediated by Tyro3-dependent FKHRL1 phosphorylation which inhibits FasL-dependent caspase-8 activation and can control tPA-induced neurotoxicity associated with pathologic activation of NMDA receptors. The present findings should encourage future studies in animal stroke models to determine whether PS can increase the therapeutic window of tPA by reducing its post-ischemic neuronal toxicity.
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Herrmann AM, Göbel K, Simon OJ, Melzer N, Schuhmann MK, Stenner MP, Weishaupt A, Kleinschnitz C, Bittner S, Meuth P, Stuve O, Budde T, Kieseier BC, Wiendl H, Meuth SG. Glatiramer acetate attenuates pro-inflammatory T cell responses but does not directly protect neurons from inflammatory cell death. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 177:3051-60. [PMID: 21037084 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.100442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Glatiramer acetate (GA) is a synthetic, random, basic copolymer capable of modulating adaptive T cell responses. In animal models of various inflammatory and degenerative central nervous system disorders, GA-induced T cells cross the blood-brain barrier, secrete high levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophins, and thus both reduce neuronal damage and promote neurogenesis. Recently, it has been suggested that GA itself may permeate the (impaired) blood-brain-barrier and directly protect neurons under conditions of inflammation-mediated neurodegeneration. To test this hypothesis, we examined the direct effects of GA on neuronal functionality and T cell-mediated neuronal apoptosis in culture, acute brain slices, and focal experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. GA caused a depolarization of the resting membrane potential and led to an immediate impairment of action potential generation in neurons. Moreover, GA-incubated neurons underwent dose-dependent apoptosis. Apoptosis of ovalbumin peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex class I-expressing neurons induced by ovalbumin-specific effector T cells could be reduced by pre-incubation of T cells, but not neurons with GA. Similar results could be found using acute brain slices. In focal experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, lesion size and neuronal apoptosis could be limited by pretreating rats with GA, whereas intracerebral GA application into the inflammatory lesion had no effect on neuronal survival. Our data suggest that GA attenuates adaptive pro-inflammatory T cell responses, but does not exert direct neuroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Herrmann
- Department of Neurology-Inflammatory Disorders of the Nervous System and Neurooncology, University of Münster, Domagkstr. 13, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Johnson TA, Jirik FR, Fournier S. Exploring the roles of CD8+ T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of autoimmune demyelination. Semin Immunopathol 2010; 32:197-209. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-010-0199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2009] [Accepted: 01/28/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Cytotoxic CD8+ T cell-neuron interactions: perforin-dependent electrical silencing precedes but is not causally linked to neuronal cell death. J Neurosci 2010; 29:15397-409. [PMID: 20007464 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4339-09.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells are considered important effector cells contributing to neuronal damage in inflammatory and degenerative CNS disorders. Using time-lapse video microscopy and two-photon imaging in combination with whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, we here show that major histocompatibility class I (MHC I)-restricted neuronal antigen presentation and T cell receptor specificity determine CD8(+) T-cell locomotion and neuronal damage in culture and hippocampal brain slices. Two separate functional consequences result from a direct cell-cell contact between antigen-presenting neurons and antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells. (1) An immediate impairment of electrical signaling in single neurons and neuronal networks occurs as a result of massive shunting of the membrane capacitance after insertion of channel-forming perforin (and probably activation of other transmembrane conductances), which is paralleled by an increase of intracellular Ca(2+) levels (within <10 min). (2) Antigen-dependent neuronal apoptosis may occur independently of perforin and members of the granzyme B cluster (within approximately 1 h), suggesting that extracellular effects can substitute for intracellular delivery of granzymes by perforin. Thus, electrical silencing is an immediate consequence of MHC I-restricted interaction of CD8(+) T cells with neurons. This mechanism is clearly perforin-dependent and precedes, but is not causally linked, to neuronal cell death.
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