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Schaer R, Mueller FS, Notter T, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Meyer U. Intrauterine position effects in a mouse model of maternal immune activation. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 120:391-402. [PMID: 38897330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Rodent models of maternal immune activation (MIA) are increasingly used as experimental tools in preclinical research of immune-mediated neurodevelopmental disorders and mental illnesses. Using a viral-like MIA model that is based on prenatal poly(I:C) exposure in mice, we have recently identified the existence of subgroups of MIA-exposed offspring that show dissociable behavioral, transcriptional, brain network and inflammatory profiles even under conditions of genetic homogeneity and identical MIA. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the intrauterine positions of fetuses, which are known to shape individual variability in litter-bearing mammals through variations in fetal hormone exposure, may contribute to the variable outcomes of MIA in mice. MIA was induced by maternal administration of poly(I:C) on gestation day 12 in C57BL/6N mice. Determining intrauterine positions using delivery by Cesarean section (C-section), we found that MIA-exposed offspring developing between female fetuses only (0M-MIA offspring) displayed significant deficits in sociability and sensorimotor gating at adult age, whereas MIA-exposed offspring developing between one or two males in utero (1/2M-MIA offspring) did not show the same deficits. These intrauterine position effects similarly emerged in male and female offspring. Furthermore, while MIA elevated fetal brain levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines independently of the precise intrauterine position and sex of adjacent fetuses during the acute phase, fetal brain levels of TNF-α remained elevated in 0M-MIA but not 1/2M-MIA offspring until the post-acute phase in late gestation. As expected, 1/2M offspring generally showed higher testosterone levels in the fetal brain during late gestation as compared to 0M offspring, confirming the transfer of testosterone from male fetuses to adjacent male or female fetuses. Taken together, our findings identify a novel source of within-litter variability contributing to heterogeneous outcomes of short- and long-term effects in a mouse model of MIA. In broader context, our findings highlight that individual differences in fetal exposure to hormonal and inflammatory signals may be a perinatal factor that shapes risk and resilience to MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Schaer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flavia S Mueller
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tina Notter
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Maddock RJ, Vlasova RM, Chen S, Iosif AM, Bennett J, Tanase C, Ryan AM, Murai T, Hogrefe CE, Schumann CD, Geschwind DH, Van de Water J, Amaral DG, Lesh TA, Styner MA, Kimberley McAllister A, Carter CS, Bauman MD. Altered brain metabolites in male nonhuman primate offspring exposed to maternal immune activation. Brain Behav Immun 2024:S0889-1591(24)00480-X. [PMID: 39032543 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Converging data show that exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) in utero alters brain development in animals and increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in humans. A recently developed non-human primate MIA model affords opportunities for studies with uniquely strong translational relevance to human neurodevelopment. The current longitudinal study used 1H-MRS to investigate the developmental trajectory of prefrontal cortex metabolites in male rhesus monkey offspring of dams (n = 14) exposed to a modified form of the inflammatory viral mimic, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly IC), in the late first trimester. Brain metabolites in these animals were compared to offspring of dams that received saline (n = 10) or no injection (n = 4). N-acetylaspartate (NAA), glutamate, creatine, choline, myo-inositol, taurine, and glutathione were estimated from PRESS and MEGA-PRESS acquisitions obtained at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 45 months of age. Prior investigations of this cohort reported reduced frontal cortical gray and white matter and subtle cognitive impairments in MIA offspring. We hypothesized that the MIA-induced neurodevelopmental changes would extend to abnormal brain metabolite levels, which would be associated with the observed cognitive impairments. Prefrontal NAA was significantly higher in the MIA offspring across all ages (p < 0.001) and was associated with better performance on the two cognitive measures most sensitive to impairment in the MIA animals (p < 0.05). Myo-inositol was significantly lower across all ages in MIA offspring but was not associated with cognitive performance. Taurine was elevated in MIA offspring at 36 and 45 months. Glutathione did not differ between groups. MIA exposure in male non-human primates is associated with altered prefrontal cortex metabolites during childhood and adolescence. A positive association between elevated NAA and cognitive performance suggests the hypothesis that elevated NAA throughout these developmental stages reflects a protective or resilience-related process in MIA-exposed offspring. The potential relevance of these findings to human neurodevelopmental disorders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Maddock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Roza M Vlasova
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shuai Chen
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Iosif
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bennett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Costin Tanase
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Amy M Ryan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Takeshi Murai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Casey E Hogrefe
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Cynthia D Schumann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Rheumatology/Allergy and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - David G Amaral
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Tyler A Lesh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Martin A Styner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Cameron S Carter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Melissa D Bauman
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Physiology and Membrane Biology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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3
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Otero AM, Connolly MG, Gonzalez-Ricon RJ, Wang SS, Allen JM, Antonson AM. Influenza A virus during pregnancy disrupts maternal intestinal immunity and fetal cortical development in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02648-9. [PMID: 38961232 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02648-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies link exposure to viral infection during pregnancy, including influenza A virus (IAV) infection, with increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in offspring. Models of maternal immune activation (MIA) using viral mimetics demonstrate that activation of maternal intestinal T helper 17 (TH17) cells, which produce effector cytokine interleukin (IL)-17, leads to aberrant fetal brain development, such as neocortical malformations. Fetal microglia and border-associated macrophages (BAMs) also serve as potential cellular mediators of MIA-induced cortical abnormalities. However, neither the inflammation-induced TH17 cell pathway nor fetal brain-resident macrophages have been thoroughly examined in models of live viral infection during pregnancy. Here, we inoculated pregnant mice with two infectious doses of IAV and evaluated peak innate and adaptive immune responses in the dam and fetus. While respiratory IAV infection led to dose-dependent maternal colonic shortening and microbial dysregulation, there was no elevation in intestinal TH17 cells nor IL-17. Systemically, IAV resulted in consistent dose- and time-dependent increases in IL-6 and IFN-γ. Fetal cortical abnormalities and global changes in fetal brain transcripts were observable in the high-but not the moderate-dose IAV group. Profiling of fetal microglia and BAMs revealed dose- and time-dependent differences in the numbers of meningeal but not choroid plexus BAMs, while microglial numbers and proliferative capacity of Iba1+ cells remained constant. Fetal brain-resident macrophages increased phagocytic CD68 expression, also in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Taken together, our findings indicate that certain features of MIA are conserved between mimetic and live virus models, while others are not. Overall, we provide consistent evidence of an infection severity threshold for downstream maternal inflammation and fetal cortical abnormalities, which recapitulates a key feature of the epidemiological data and further underscores the importance of using live pathogens in NDD modeling to better evaluate the complete immune response and to improve translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Otero
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Meghan G Connolly
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Selena S Wang
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jacob M Allen
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Adrienne M Antonson
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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Guma E, Chakravarty MM. Immune Alterations in the Intrauterine Environment Shape Offspring Brain Development in a Sex-Specific Manner. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01260-5. [PMID: 38679357 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to immune dysregulation in utero or in early life has been shown to increase risk for neuropsychiatric illness. The sources of inflammation can be varied, including acute exposures due to maternal infection or acute stress, or persistent exposures due to chronic stress, obesity, malnutrition, or autoimmune diseases. These exposures may cause subtle alteration in brain development, structure, and function that can become progressively magnified across the life span, potentially increasing the likelihood of developing a neuropsychiatric conditions. There is some evidence that males are more susceptible to early-life inflammatory challenges than females. In this review, we discuss the various sources of in utero or early-life immune alteration and the known effects on fetal development with a sex-specific lens. To do so, we leveraged neuroimaging, behavioral, cellular, and neurochemical findings. Gaining clarity about how the intrauterine environment affects offspring development is critically important for informing preventive and early intervention measures that may buffer against the effects of these early-life risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Guma
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts.
| | - M Mallar Chakravarty
- Computational Brain Anatomy Laboratory, Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Liu Y, Hang X, Zhang Y, Fang Y, Yuan S, Zhang Y, Wu B, Kong Y, Kuang Z, Sun W. Maternal immune activation induces sex-dependent behavioral differences in a rat model of schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1375999. [PMID: 38659461 PMCID: PMC11040086 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1375999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a mature means to construct a schizophrenia model. However, some preclinical studies have reported that a MIA-induced schizophrenia model seemed to have gender heterogeneity in behavioral phenotype. On the other hand, the MIA's paradigms were diverse in different studies, and many details could affect the effect of MIA. To some extent, it is not credible and scientific to directly compare the gender differences of different MIA programs. Therefore, it is necessary to study whether the sex of the exposed offspring leads to behavioral differences on the premise of maintaining a consistent MIA mode. Methods An animal model of schizophrenia was established by the administration of 10 mg/kg Poly (I: C) when dams were on day 9 of gestation. Then, a number of female and male offspring completed a series of behavioral tests during postnatal days 61-75. Results Compared with the female control group (n = 14), female MIA offspring (n = 12) showed a longer movement distance (d = 1.07, p < 0.05) and higher average speed (d = 1.08, p < 0.05) in the open field test (OFT). In the Y maze test, the percentage of entering the novel arm of female MIA offspring was lower (d = 0.92, p < 0.05). Compared with the male control group (n = 14), male MIA offspring (n = 13) displayed less movement distance (d = 0.93, p < 0.05) and a lower average speed (d = 0.94, p < 0.05) in the OFT. In the Y maze test, the proportion of exploration time in the novel arm of male MIA offspring was lower (d = 0.96, p < 0.05). In the EPM, male MIA offspring showed less time (d = 0.85, p < 0.05) and a lower percentage of time spent in the open arms (d = 0.85, p < 0.05). Male MIA offspring also had a lower PPI index (76 dB + 120 dB, d = 0.81, p < 0.05; 80 dB + 120 dB, d = 1.45, p < 0.01). Conclusions Our results showed that the behavioral phenotypes induced by prenatal immune activation were highly dependent on the sex of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Liu
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyi Hang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yilin Fang
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shanfang Yuan
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Encephalopathy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Wu
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Kong
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zihe Kuang
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjun Sun
- Department of Encephalopathy, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing, China
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Moreno-Fernández M, Ucha M, Reis-de-Paiva R, Marcos A, Ambrosio E, Higuera-Matas A. Lack of interactions between prenatal immune activation and Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure during adolescence in behaviours relevant to symptom dimensions of schizophrenia in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 129:110889. [PMID: 37918558 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The causality in the association between cannabis use and the risk of developing schizophrenia has been the subject of intense debate in the last few years. The development of animal models recapitulating several aspects of the disease is crucial for shedding light on this issue. Given that maternal infections are a known risk for schizophrenia, here, we used the maternal immune activation (MIA) model combined with THC exposure during adolescence to examine several behaviours in rats (working memory in the Y maze, sociability in the three-chamber test, sucrose preference as a measure, prepulse inhibition and formation of incidental associations) that are similar to the different symptom clusters of the disease. To this end, we administered LPS to pregnant dams and when the offspring reached adolescence, we exposed them to a mild dose of THC to examine their behaviour in adulthood. We also studied several parameters in the dams, including locomotor activity in the open field, elevated plus maze performance and their response to LPS, that could predict symptom severity of the offspring, but found no evidence of any predictive value of these variables. In the adult offspring, MIA was associated with impaired working memory and sensorimotor gating, but surprisingly, it increased sociability, social novelty and sucrose preference. THC, on its own, impaired sociability and social memory, but there were no interactions between MIA and THC exposure. These results suggest that, in this model, THC during adolescence does not trigger or aggravate symptoms related to schizophrenia in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Moreno-Fernández
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), Madrid, Spain; UNED International Graduate School (EIDUNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Ucha
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Raquel Reis-de-Paiva
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Marcos
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Ambrosio
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Higuera-Matas
- Department of Psychobiology, School of Psychology, National University for Distance Learning (UNED), Madrid, Spain.
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Gillespie B, Panthi S, Sundram S, Hill RA. The impact of maternal immune activation on GABAergic interneuron development: A systematic review of rodent studies and their translational implications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 156:105488. [PMID: 38042358 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105488] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Mothers exposed to infections during pregnancy disproportionally birth children who develop autism and schizophrenia, disorders associated with altered GABAergic function. The maternal immune activation (MIA) model recapitulates this risk factor, with many studies also reporting disruptions to GABAergic interneuron expression, protein, cellular density and function. However, it is unclear if there are species, sex, age, region, or GABAergic subtype specific vulnerabilities to MIA. Furthermore, to fully comprehend the impact of MIA on the GABAergic system a synthesised account of molecular, cellular, electrophysiological and behavioural findings was required. To this end we conducted a systematic review of GABAergic interneuron changes in the MIA model, focusing on the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. We reviewed 102 articles that revealed robust changes in a number of GABAergic markers that present as gestationally-specific, region-specific and sometimes sex-specific. Disruptions to GABAergic markers coincided with distinct behavioural phenotypes, including memory, sensorimotor gating, anxiety, and sociability. Findings suggest the MIA model is a valid tool for testing novel therapeutics designed to recover GABAergic function and associated behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Sandesh Panthi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Suresh Sundram
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Rachel A Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
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Sharova V, Ignatiuk V, Izvolskaia M, Zakharova L. Disruption of Intranasal GnRH Neuronal Migration Route into the Brain Induced by Proinflammatory Cytokine IL-6: Ex Vivo and In Vivo Rodent Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15983. [PMID: 37958965 PMCID: PMC10648422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation results in altered levels of cytokines in the maternal-fetal system, which has a negative impact on fetal development, including the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system, which is crucial for the reproduction. Suppression of GnRH-neuron migration may be associated with cytokine imbalances, and primarily with proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6. This study aimed to determine the effects of IL-6 and monoclonal antibody to IL-6 or IL-6R or polyclonal IgG on the formation of migration route of GnRH-neurons in ex vivo and in vivo rodent models on day 11.5 of embryonic development. The increased level of IL-6 in mouse nasal explants suppressed peripherin-positive fiber outgrowth, while this led to an increase in the number of GnRH-neurons in the nose and olfactory bulbs and a decrease in their number in the fetal brain. This effect is likely to be realized via IL-6 receptors along the olfactory nerves. The suppressive effect of IL-6 was diminished by monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 or its receptors and by IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Sharova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Street, 26, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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Lesh TA, Iosif AM, Tanase C, Vlasova RM, Ryan AM, Bennett J, Hogrefe CE, Maddock RJ, Geschwind DH, Van de Water J, McAllister AK, Styner MA, Bauman MD, Carter CS. Extracellular free water elevations are associated with brain volume and maternal cytokine response in a longitudinal nonhuman primate maternal immune activation model. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4185-4194. [PMID: 37582858 PMCID: PMC10867284 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02213-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Maternal infection has emerged as an important environmental risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. Animal model systems of maternal immune activation (MIA) suggest that the maternal immune response plays a significant role in the offspring's neurodevelopment and behavioral outcomes. Extracellular free water is a measure of freely diffusing water in the brain that may be associated with neuroinflammation and impacted by MIA. The present study evaluates the brain diffusion characteristics of male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) born to MIA-exposed dams (n = 14) treated with a modified form of the viral mimic polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid at the end of the first trimester. Control dams received saline injections at the end of the first trimester (n = 10) or were untreated (n = 4). Offspring underwent diffusion MRI scans at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 45 months. Offspring born to MIA-exposed dams showed significantly increased extracellular free water in cingulate cortex gray matter starting as early as 6 months of age and persisting through 45 months. In addition, offspring gray matter free water in this region was significantly correlated with the magnitude of the maternal IL-6 response in the MIA-exposed dams. Significant correlations between brain volume and extracellular free water in the MIA-exposed offspring also indicate converging, multimodal evidence of the impact of MIA on brain development. These findings provide strong evidence for the construct validity of the nonhuman primate MIA model as a system of relevance for investigating the pathophysiology of human neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders. Elevated free water in individuals exposed to immune activation in utero could represent an early marker of a perturbed or vulnerable neurodevelopmental trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler A Lesh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Iosif
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Costin Tanase
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Roza M Vlasova
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Amy M Ryan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bennett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Richard J Maddock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Rheumatology/Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - A Kimberley McAllister
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Martin A Styner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Melissa D Bauman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Cameron S Carter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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Fujii S, Murata Y, Imamura Y, Nakachi Y, Bundo M, Kubota-Sakashita M, Kato T, Iwamoto K. Sex-dependent behavioral alterations in a poly(I:C)-induced maternal immune activation mouse model without segment filamentous bacteria. Neurosci Lett 2023; 814:137467. [PMID: 37652351 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137467] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Maternal immune activation is one of the environmental risk factors for offspring to develop psychiatric disorders. A synthetic viral mimetic immunogen, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), is used to induce maternal immune activation in animal models of psychiatric disorders. In the mouse poly(I:C) model, the existence of segment filamentous bacteria (SFB) in the maternal intestine has been reported to be important for the induction of ASD-related behavioral alterations as well as atypical cortical development called cortical patches. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of a single poly(I:C) injection during embryonic day (E) 9 to E16 on offspring's behavior in the ensured absence of maternal SFB by vancomycin drinking in C57BL/6N mice. The cortical patches were not found at either injection timings with poly(I:C) or PBS vehicle, tested in male or female offspring at postnatal day 0 or 1. Prepulse inhibition was decreased in male adult offspring most strongly at poly(I:C) injection timings later than E11, whereas a modest but significant decrease was observed in female offspring with an injection during E12 to E15. The decrease in social interaction was observed in female offspring most conspicuously at injection timings later than E11, whereas a significant decrease was observed in male offspring with an injection during E12 to E15. In conclusion, this study indicated that behavioral alterations could be induced without maternal SFB. The effect on behavior was substantially different between males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Fujii
- Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yui Murata
- Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yuko Imamura
- Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yutaka Nakachi
- Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Miki Bundo
- Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Mie Kubota-Sakashita
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Department of Molecular Pathology of Mood Disorders, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Tadafumi Kato
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Department of Molecular Pathology of Mood Disorders, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kazuya Iwamoto
- Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.
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11
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Perez-Palomar B, Erdozain AM, Erkizia-Santamaría I, Ortega JE, Meana JJ. Maternal Immune Activation Induces Cortical Catecholaminergic Hypofunction and Cognitive Impairments in Offspring. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2023; 18:348-365. [PMID: 37208550 PMCID: PMC10577104 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-023-10070-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairment of specific cognitive domains in schizophrenia has been associated with prefrontal cortex (PFC) catecholaminergic deficits. Among other factors, prenatal exposure to infections represents an environmental risk factor for schizophrenia development in adulthood. However, it remains largely unknown whether the prenatal infection-induced changes in the brain may be associated with concrete switches in a particular neurochemical circuit, and therefore, if they could alter behavioral functions. METHODS In vitro and in vivo neurochemical evaluation of the PFC catecholaminergic systems was performed in offspring from mice undergoing maternal immune activation (MIA). The cognitive status was also evaluated. Prenatal viral infection was mimicked by polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) administration to pregnant dams (7.5 mg/kg i.p., gestational day 9.5) and consequences were evaluated in adult offspring. RESULTS MIA-treated offspring showed disrupted recognition memory in the novel object recognition task (t = 2.30, p = 0.031). This poly(I:C)-based group displayed decreased extracellular dopamine (DA) concentrations compared to controls (t = 3.17, p = 0.0068). Potassium-evoked release of DA and noradrenaline (NA) were impaired in the poly(I:C) group (DA: Ft[10,90] = 43.33, p < 0.0001; Ftr[1,90] = 1.224, p = 0.2972; Fi[10,90] = 5.916, p < 0.0001; n = 11); (NA: Ft[10,90] = 36.27, p < 0.0001; Ftr[1,90] = 1.841, p = 0.208; Fi[10,90] = 8.686, p < 0.0001; n = 11). In the same way, amphetamine-evoked release of DA and NA were also impaired in the poly(I:C) group (DA: Ft[8,328] = 22.01, p < 0.0001; Ftr[1,328] = 4.507, p = 0.040; Fi[8,328] = 2.319, p = 0.020; n = 43); (NA: Ft[8,328] = 52.07; p < 0.0001; Ftr[1,328] = 4.322; p = 0.044; Fi[8,398] = 5.727; p < 0.0001; n = 43). This catecholamine imbalance was accompanied by increased dopamine D1 and D2 receptor expression (t = 2.64, p = 0.011 and t = 3.55, p = 0.0009; respectively), whereas tyrosine hydroxylase, DA and NA tissue content, DA and NA transporter (DAT/NET) expression and function were unaltered. CONCLUSIONS MIA induces in offspring a presynaptic catecholaminergic hypofunction in PFC with cognitive impairment. This poly(I:C)-based model reproduces catecholamine phenotypes reported in schizophrenia and represents an opportunity for the study of cognitive impairment associated to this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Perez-Palomar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, E-48940, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, ISCIII, Leioa, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Bizkaia, Spain
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Amaia M Erdozain
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, E-48940, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, ISCIII, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ines Erkizia-Santamaría
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, E-48940, Spain
| | - Jorge E Ortega
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, E-48940, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, ISCIII, Leioa, Spain.
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Bizkaia, Spain.
| | - J Javier Meana
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, E-48940, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, ISCIII, Leioa, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Bizkaia, Spain
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12
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Gundacker A, Cuenca Rico L, Stoehrmann P, Tillmann KE, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Pollak DD. Interaction of the pre- and postnatal environment in the maternal immune activation model. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 3:15. [PMID: 37622027 PMCID: PMC10444676 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-023-00042-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Adverse influences during pregnancy are associated with a range of unfavorable outcomes for the developing offspring. Maternal psychosocial stress, exposure to infections and nutritional imbalances are known risk factors for neurodevelopmental derangements and according psychiatric and neurological manifestations later in offspring life. In this context, the maternal immune activation (MIA) model has been extensively used in preclinical research to study how stimulation of the maternal immune system during gestation derails the tightly coordinated sequence of fetal neurodevelopment. The ensuing consequence of MIA for offspring brain structure and function are majorly manifested in behavioral and cognitive abnormalities, phenotypically presenting during the periods of adolescence and adulthood. These observations have been interpreted within the framework of the "double-hit-hypothesis" suggesting that an elevated risk for neurodevelopmental disorders results from an individual being subjected to two adverse environmental influences at distinct periods of life, jointly leading to the emergence of pathology. The early postnatal period, during which the caregiving parent is the major determinant of the newborn´s environment, constitutes a window of vulnerability to external stimuli. Considering that MIA not only affects the developing fetus, but also impinges on the mother´s brain, which is in a state of heightened malleability during pregnancy, the impact of MIA on maternal brain function and behavior postpartum may importantly contribute to the detrimental consequences for her progeny. Here we review current information on the interaction between the prenatal and postnatal maternal environments in the modulation of offspring development and their relevance for the pathophysiology of the MIA model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gundacker
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse, 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Cuenca Rico
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse, 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Stoehrmann
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse, 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina E. Tillmann
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse, 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniela D. Pollak
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse, 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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13
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Meyer U. Sources and Translational Relevance of Heterogeneity in Maternal Immune Activation Models. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 61:71-91. [PMID: 36306055 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiological literature reporting increased risk for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders after prenatal exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) is still evolving, and so are the attempts to model this association in animals. Epidemiological studies of MIA offer the advantage of directly evaluating human populations but are often limited in their ability to uncover pathogenic mechanisms. Animal models, on the other hand, are limited in their generalizability to psychiatric disorders but have made significant strides toward discovering causal relationships and biological pathways between MIA and neurobiological phenotypes. Like in any other model system, both planned and unplanned sources of variability exist in animal models of MIA. Therefore, the design, implementation, and interpretation of MIA models warrant a careful consideration of these sources, so that appropriate strategies can be developed to handle them satisfactorily. While every research group may have its own strategy to this aim, it is essential to report the methodological details of the chosen MIA model in order to enhance the transparency and comparability of models across research laboratories. Even though it poses a challenge for attempts to compare experimental findings across laboratories, variability does not undermine the utility of MIA models for translational research. In fact, variability and heterogenous outcomes in MIA models offer unique opportunities for new discoveries and developments in this field, including the identification of disease pathways and molecular mechanisms determining susceptibility and resilience to MIA. This review summarizes the most important sources of variability in animal models of MIA and discusses how model variability can be used to investigate neurobiological and immunological factors causing phenotypic heterogeneity in offspring exposed to MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urs Meyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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14
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Bhat A, Irizar H, Couch ACM, Raval P, Duarte RRR, Dutan Polit L, Hanger B, Powell T, Deans PJM, Shum C, Nagy R, McAlonan G, Iyegbe CO, Price J, Bramon E, Bhattacharyya S, Vernon AC, Srivastava DP. Attenuated transcriptional response to pro-inflammatory cytokines in schizophrenia hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 105:82-97. [PMID: 35716830 PMCID: PMC9810540 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) during prenatal development is an environmental risk factor for psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia (SZ). Converging lines of evidence from human and animal model studies suggest that elevated cytokine levels in the maternal and fetal compartments are an important indication of the mechanisms driving this association. However, there is variability in susceptibility to the psychiatric risk conferred by MIA, likely influenced by genetic factors. How MIA interacts with a genetic profile susceptible to SZ is challenging to test in animal models. To address this gap, we examined whether differential gene expression responses occur in forebrain-lineage neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) generated from three individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and three healthy controls. Following acute (24 h) treatment with either interferon-gamma (IFNγ; 25 ng/μl) or interleukin (IL)-1β (10 ng/μl), we identified, by RNA sequencing, 3380 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the IFNγ-treated control lines (compared to untreated controls), and 1980 DEGs in IFNγ-treated SZ lines (compared to untreated SZ lines). Out of 4137 genes that responded significantly to IFNγ across all lines, 1223 were common to both SZ and control lines. The 2914 genes that appeared to respond differentially to IFNγ treatment in SZ lines were subjected to a further test of significance (multiple testing correction applied to the interaction effect between IFNγ treatment and SZ diagnosis), yielding 359 genes that passed the significance threshold. There were no differentially expressed genes in the IL-1β-treatment conditions after Benjamini-Hochberg correction. Gene set enrichment analysis however showed that IL-1β impacts immune function and neuronal differentiation. Overall, our data suggest that a) SZ NPCs show an attenuated transcriptional response to IFNγ treatment compared to controls; b) Due to low IL-1β receptor expression in NPCs, NPC cultures appear to be less responsive to IL-1β than IFNγ; and c) the genes differentially regulated in SZ lines - in the face of a cytokine challenge - are primarily associated with mitochondrial, "loss-of-function", pre- and post-synaptic gene sets. Our findings particularly highlight the role of early synaptic development in the association between maternal immune activation and schizophrenia risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Bhat
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK; Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Haritz Irizar
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK; Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, NY, USA
| | - Amalie C M Couch
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK
| | - Pooja Raval
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK
| | - Rodrigo R R Duarte
- Department of Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, NY, USA
| | - Lucia Dutan Polit
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK
| | - Bjorn Hanger
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK
| | - Timothy Powell
- Department of Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, NY, USA
| | - P J Michael Deans
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK
| | - Carole Shum
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK
| | - Roland Nagy
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK
| | - Grainne McAlonan
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK; Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Conrad O Iyegbe
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Price
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK
| | - Elvira Bramon
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK; Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anthony C Vernon
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK.
| | - Deepak P Srivastava
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, UK.
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15
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Otero AM, Antonson AM. At the crux of maternal immune activation: Viruses, microglia, microbes, and IL-17A. Immunol Rev 2022; 311:205-223. [PMID: 35979731 PMCID: PMC9804202 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation during prenatal development can be detrimental to neurodevelopmental processes, increasing the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. Prenatal exposure to maternal viral infection during pregnancy is a leading environmental risk factor for manifestation of these disorders. Preclinical animal models of maternal immune activation (MIA), established to investigate this link, have revealed common immune and microbial signaling pathways that link mother and fetus and set the tone for prenatal neurodevelopment. In particular, maternal intestinal T helper 17 cells, educated by endogenous microbes, appear to be key drivers of effector IL-17A signals capable of reaching the fetal brain and causing neuropathologies. Fetal microglial cells are particularly sensitive to maternally derived inflammatory and microbial signals, and they shift their functional phenotype in response to MIA. Resulting cortical malformations and miswired interneuron circuits cause aberrant offspring behaviors that recapitulate core symptoms of human neurodevelopmental disorders. Still, the popular use of "sterile" immunostimulants to initiate MIA has limited translation to the clinic, as these stimulants fail to capture biologically relevant innate and adaptive inflammatory sequelae induced by live pathogen infection. Thus, there is a need for more translatable MIA models, with a focus on relevant pathogens like seasonal influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M. Otero
- Neuroscience ProgramUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Adrienne M. Antonson
- Department of Animal SciencesUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
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16
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Pavlinek A, Matuleviciute R, Sichlinger L, Dutan Polit L, Armeniakos N, Vernon AC, Srivastava DP. Interferon-γ exposure of human iPSC-derived neurons alters major histocompatibility complex I and synapsin protein expression. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:836217. [PMID: 36186864 PMCID: PMC9515429 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.836217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epidemiological data links maternal immune activation (MIA) during gestation with increased risk for psychiatric disorders with a putative neurodevelopmental origin, including schizophrenia and autism. Animal models of MIA provide evidence for this association and suggest that inflammatory cytokines represent one critical link between maternal infection and any potential impact on offspring brain and behavior development. However, to what extent specific cytokines are necessary and sufficient for these effects remains unclear. It is also unclear how specific cytokines may impact the development of specific cell types. Using a human cellular model, we recently demonstrated that acute exposure to interferon-γ (IFNγ) recapitulates molecular and cellular phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we extend this work to test whether IFNγ can impact the development of immature glutamatergic neurons using an induced neuronal cellular system. We find that acute exposure to IFNγ activates a signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)-pathway in immature neurons, and results in significantly increased major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) expression at the mRNA and protein level. Furthermore, acute IFNγ exposure decreased synapsin I/II protein in neurons but did not affect the expression of synaptic genes. Interestingly, complement component 4A (C4A) gene expression was significantly increased following acute IFNγ exposure. This study builds on our previous work by showing that IFNγ-mediated disruption of relevant synaptic proteins can occur at early stages of neuronal development, potentially contributing to neurodevelopmental disorder phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Pavlinek
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rugile Matuleviciute
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Sichlinger
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia Dutan Polit
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolaos Armeniakos
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Christopher Vernon
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deepak Prakash Srivastava
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Prendergast K, McAllister AK. Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using Poly(I:C) to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring. J Vis Exp 2022:10.3791/64095. [PMID: 36063000 PMCID: PMC9933952 DOI: 10.3791/64095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy is consistently linked to increased risk of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring. Animal models of MIA are used to test causality, investigate mechanisms, and develop diagnostics and treatments for these disorders. Despite their widespread use, many MIA models suffer from a lack of reproducibility and almost all ignore two important aspects of this risk factor: (i) many offspring are resilient to MIA, and (ii) susceptible offspring can exhibit distinct combinations of phenotypes. To increase reproducibility and model both susceptibility and resilience to MIA, the baseline immunoreactivity (BIR) of female mice before pregnancy is used to predict which pregnancies will result in either resilient offspring or offspring with defined behavioral and molecular abnormalities after exposure to MIA. Here, a detailed method of inducing MIA via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the double stranded RNA (dsRNA) viral mimic poly(I:C) at 12.5 days of gestation is provided. This method induces an acute inflammatory response in the dam, which results in perturbations in brain development in mice that map onto similarly impacted domains in human psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
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18
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Cattane N, Vernon AC, Borsini A, Scassellati C, Endres D, Capuron L, Tamouza R, Benros ME, Leza JC, Pariante CM, Riva MA, Cattaneo A. Preclinical animal models of mental illnesses to translate findings from the bench to the bedside: Molecular brain mechanisms and peripheral biomarkers associated to early life stress or immune challenges. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 58:55-79. [PMID: 35235897 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal models are useful preclinical tools for studying the pathogenesis of mental disorders and the effectiveness of their treatment. While it is not possible to mimic all symptoms occurring in humans, it is however possible to investigate the behavioral, physiological and neuroanatomical alterations relevant for these complex disorders in controlled conditions and in genetically homogeneous populations. Stressful and infection-related exposures represent the most employed environmental risk factors able to trigger or to unmask a psychopathological phenotype in animals. Indeed, when occurring during sensitive periods of brain maturation, including pre, postnatal life and adolescence, they can affect the offspring's neurodevelopmental trajectories, increasing the risk for mental disorders. Not all stressed or immune challenged animals, however, develop behavioral alterations and preclinical animal models can explain differences between vulnerable or resilient phenotypes. Our review focuses on different paradigms of stress (prenatal stress, maternal separation, social isolation and social defeat stress) and immune challenges (immune activation in pregnancy) and investigates the subsequent alterations in several biological and behavioral domains at different time points of animals' life. It also discusses the "double-hit" hypothesis where an initial early adverse event can prime the response to a second negative challenge. Interestingly, stress and infections early in life induce the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, alter the levels of neurotransmitters, neurotrophins and pro-inflammatory cytokines and affect the functions of microglia and oxidative stress. In conclusion, animal models allow shedding light on the pathophysiology of human mental illnesses and discovering novel molecular drug targets for personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Cattane
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anthony C Vernon
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandra Borsini
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Catia Scassellati
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Dominique Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lucile Capuron
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ryad Tamouza
- Département Medico-Universitaire de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie (DMU ADAPT), Laboratoire Neuro-psychiatrie translationnelle, AP-HP, UniversitéParis Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Fondation FondaMental, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Michael Eriksen Benros
- Biological and Precision Psychiatry, Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 4th floor, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Juan C Leza
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUIN-UCM. Spain
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco A Riva
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
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19
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Maternal P2X7 receptor inhibition prevents autism-like phenotype in male mouse offspring through the NLRP3-IL-1β pathway. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:318-332. [PMID: 35065198 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition caused by interactions of environmental and genetic factors. Recently we showed that activation of the purinergic P2X7 receptors is necessary and sufficient to convert maternal immune activation (MIA) to ASD-like features in male offspring mice. Our aim was to further substantiate these findings and identify downstream signaling pathways coupled to P2X7 upon MIA. Maternal treatment with the NLRP3 antagonist MCC950 and a neutralising IL-1β antibody during pregnancy counteracted the development of autistic characteristics in offspring mice. We also explored time-dependent changes of a widespread cytokine and chemokine profile in maternal blood and fetal brain samples of poly(I:C)/saline-treated dams. MIA-induced increases in plasma IL-1β, RANTES, MCP-1, and fetal brain IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, MCP-1 concentrations are regulated by the P2X7/NLRP3 pathway. Offspring treatment with the selective P2X7 receptor antagonist JNJ47965567 was effective in the prevention of autism-like behavior in mice using a repeated dosing protocol. Our results highlight that in addition to P2X7, NLRP3, as well as inflammatory cytokines, may also be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of social deficits and repetitive behaviors observed in autism spectrum disorder.
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20
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Kwon HK, Choi GB, Huh JR. Maternal inflammation and its ramifications on fetal neurodevelopment. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:230-244. [PMID: 35131181 PMCID: PMC9005201 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to heightened inflammation in pregnancy caused by infections or other inflammatory insults has been associated with the onset of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in children. Rodent models have provided unique insights into how this maternal immune activation (MIA) disrupts brain development. Here, we discuss the key immune factors involved, highlight recent advances in determining the molecular and cellular pathways of MIA, and review how the maternal immune system affects fetal development. We also examine the roles of microbiomes in shaping maternal immune function and the development of autism-like phenotypes. A comprehensive understanding of the gut bacteria-immune-neuro interaction in MIA is essential for developing diagnostic and therapeutic measures for high-risk pregnant women and identifying targets for treating inflammation-induced neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Keun Kwon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases and Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea.
| | - Gloria B. Choi
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jun R. Huh
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Correspondence: Ho-Keun Kwon () and Jun R. Huh ()
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21
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Han VX, Jones HF, Patel S, Mohammad SS, Hofer MJ, Alshammery S, Maple-Brown E, Gold W, Brilot F, Dale RC. Emerging evidence of Toll-like receptors as a putative pathway linking maternal inflammation and neurodevelopmental disorders in human offspring: A systematic review. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 99:91-105. [PMID: 34562595 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is increasingly recognised to play a major role in gene-environment interactions in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). The effects of aberrant immune responses to environmental stimuli in the mother and in the child can affect neuroimmune signalling that is central to brain development. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are the best known innate immune pattern and danger recognition sensors to various environmental threats. In animal models, maternal immune activation (MIA), secondary to inflammatory factors including maternal gestational infection, obesity, diabetes, and stress activate the TLR pathway in maternal blood, placenta, and fetal brain, which correlate with offspring neurobehavioral abnormalities. Given the central role of TLR activation in animal MIA models, we systematically reviewed the human evidence for TLR activation and response to stimulation across the maternal-fetal interface. Firstly, we included 59 TLR studies performed in peripheral blood of adults in general population (outside of pregnancy) with six chronic inflammatory factors which have epidemiological evidence for increased risk of offspring NDDs, namely, obesity, diabetes mellitus, depression, low socio-economic status, autoimmune diseases, and asthma. Secondly, eight TLR studies done in human pregnancies with chronic inflammatory factors, involving maternal blood, placenta, and cord blood, were reviewed. Lastly, ten TLR studies performed in peripheral blood of individuals with NDDs were included. Despite these studies, there were no studies which examined TLR function in both the pregnant mother and their offspring. Increased TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA and/or protein levels in peripheral blood were common in obesity, diabetes mellitus, depression, autoimmune thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. To a lesser degree, TLR 3, 7, 8, and 9 activation were found in peripheral blood of humans with autoimmune diseases and depression. In pregnancy, increased TLR4 mRNA levels were found in the peripheral blood of women with diabetes mellitus and systemic lupus erythematosus. Placental TLR activation was found in mothers with obesity or diabetes. Postnatally, dysregulated TLR response to stimulation was found in peripheral blood of individuals with NDDs. This systematic review found emerging evidence that TLR activation may represent a mechanistic link between maternal inflammation and offspring NDD, however the literature is incomplete and longitudinal outcome studies are lacking. Identification of pathogenic mechanisms in MIA could create preventive and therapeutic opportunities to mitigate NDD prevalence and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velda X Han
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Khoo-Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore; School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hannah F Jones
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Neuroservices, Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Shrujna Patel
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shekeeb S Mohammad
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Markus J Hofer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Alshammery
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, and The Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Maple-Brown
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, and The Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wendy Gold
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, and The Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fabienne Brilot
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, and The Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Russell C Dale
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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22
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Maternal immune activation with high molecular weight poly(I:C) in Wistar rats leads to elevated immune cell chemoattractants. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 364:577813. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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23
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Murlanova K, Begmatova D, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Meyer U, Pletnikov M, Pinhasov A. Double trouble: Prenatal immune activation in stress sensitive offspring. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 99:3-8. [PMID: 34547401 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections during pregnancy are associated with increased incidence of psychiatric disorders in offspring. The pathological outcomes of viral infection appear to be caused by the deleterious effects of innate immune response-associated factors on development of the fetus, which predispose the offspring to pathological conditions in adulthood. The negative impact of viral infections varies substantially between pregnancies. Here, we explored whether differential stress sensitivity underlies the high heterogeneity of immune reactivity and whether this may influence the pathological consequences of maternal immune activation. Using mouse models of social dominance (Dom) and submissiveness (Sub), which possess innate features of stress resilience and vulnerability, respectively, we identified differential immune reactivity to the synthetic analogue of viral double-stranded RNA, Poly(I:C), in Sub and Dom nulliparous and pregnant females. More specifically, we found that Sub females showed an exacerbated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine response to Poly(I:C) as compared with Dom females. Sub offspring born to Sub mothers (stress sensitive offspring) showed enhanced locomotory response to the non-competitive NMDA antagonist, MK-801, which was potentiated by prenatal Poly(I:C) exposure. Our findings suggest that inherited stress sensitivity may lead to functional changes in glutamatergic signaling, which in turn is further exacerbated by prenatal exposure to viral-like infection. The maternal immunome seems to play a crucial role in these observed phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Murlanova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Dilorom Begmatova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH, Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH, Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mikhail Pletnikov
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Albert Pinhasov
- Department of Molecular Biology and Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
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24
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The urgent need for more basic research on SARS-Cov2 infection and vaccines in assessing potential psychoneurological effects using maternal immune activation (MIA) and other preclinical modeling. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 97:1-3. [PMID: 34217811 PMCID: PMC8247198 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid development and application of different SARS-Cov2 vaccines world-wide has resulted in impressive efficacy and protection from this deadly pandemic. However, the existence of different and continuously developing vaccine candidates coupled with the likelihood of continued application due to both waning immune responses and emergence of viral mutants, means that more basic research regarding their efficacy and continued application are needed. This is particularly true with use of preclinical models involving effects when given during pregnancy. The substantial body of data on the impact of maternal immune activation (MIA) on neurologic development and behavior in the progeny necessitates the need to have all vaccine candidates, particularly when inducing strong toll receptor (TLR) responses, involving these models. Use of other preclinical models involving autoimmunity and allergy coupled with incorporation of human modifying variables of aging and obesity should also be applied to better reflect the heterogeneity of the general population and potential off-target effects that may arise. Additionally, the use of human ACE2 receptor transgenic mouse models can shed insights given the differential tissues expression at different stages in development. However, to foster these types of basic research studies involving different vaccine products, initiatives must first be implemented and supported at the governmental level even while clinical data still accumulates.
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25
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Han VX, Patel S, Jones HF, Dale RC. Maternal immune activation and neuroinflammation in human neurodevelopmental disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:564-579. [PMID: 34341569 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00530-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Maternal health during pregnancy plays a major role in shaping health and disease risks in the offspring. The maternal immune activation hypothesis proposes that inflammatory perturbations in utero can affect fetal neurodevelopment, and evidence from human epidemiological studies supports an association between maternal inflammation during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Diverse maternal inflammatory factors, including obesity, asthma, autoimmune disease, infection and psychosocial stress, are associated with an increased risk of NDDs in the offspring. In addition to inflammation, epigenetic factors are increasingly recognized to operate at the gene-environment interface during NDD pathogenesis. For example, integrated brain transcriptome and epigenetic analyses of individuals with NDDs demonstrate convergent dysregulated immune pathways. In this Review, we focus on the emerging human evidence for an association between maternal immune activation and childhood NDDs, including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and Tourette syndrome. We refer to established pathophysiological concepts in animal models, including immune signalling across the placenta, epigenetic 'priming' of offspring microglia and postnatal immune-brain crosstalk. The increasing incidence of NDDs has created an urgent need to mitigate the risk and severity of these conditions through both preventive strategies in pregnancy and novel postnatal therapies targeting disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velda X Han
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shrujna Patel
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hannah F Jones
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Neuroservices, Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Russell C Dale
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. .,The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. .,The Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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26
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Notarangelo FM, Schwarcz R. A single prenatal lipopolysaccharide injection has acute, but not long-lasting, effects on cerebral kynurenine pathway metabolism in mice. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:5968-5981. [PMID: 34363411 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In rodents, a single injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) during gestation causes chemical and functional abnormalities in the offspring. These effects may involve changes in the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation and may provide insights into the pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases. Using CD1 mice, we examined acute and long-term effects of prenatal LPS treatment on the levels of kynurenine and its neuroactive downstream products kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and quinolinic acid. To this end, LPS (100 μg/kg, i.p.) was administered on gestational day 15, and KP metabolites were measured 4 and 24 h later or in adulthood. After 4 h, kynurenine, KYNA and 3-HK levels were elevated in the fetal brain, 3-HK and KYNA levels were increased in the maternal plasma, and kynurenine was increased in the maternal brain, whereas no changes were seen in the placenta. These effects were less prominent after 24 h, and prenatal LPS did not affect the basal levels of KP metabolites in the forebrain of adult animals. In addition, a second LPS injection (1 mg/kg) in adulthood in the offspring of prenatally saline- and LPS-treated mice caused a similar elevation in 3-HK levels in both groups after 24 h, but the effect was significantly more pronounced in male mice. Thus, acute immune activation during pregnancy has only short-lasting effects on KP metabolism and does not cause cerebral KP metabolites to be disproportionally affected by a second immune challenge in adulthood. However, prenatal KYNA elevations still contribute to functional abnormalities in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca M Notarangelo
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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27
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Zengeler KE, Lukens JR. Innate immunity at the crossroads of healthy brain maturation and neurodevelopmental disorders. Nat Rev Immunol 2021; 21:454-468. [PMID: 33479477 PMCID: PMC9213174 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-020-00487-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The immune and nervous systems have unique developmental trajectories that individually build intricate networks of cells with highly specialized functions. These two systems have extensive mechanistic overlap and frequently coordinate to accomplish the proper growth and maturation of an organism. Brain resident innate immune cells - microglia - have the capacity to sculpt neural circuitry and coordinate copious and diverse neurodevelopmental processes. Moreover, many immune cells and immune-related signalling molecules are found in the developing nervous system and contribute to healthy neurodevelopment. In particular, many components of the innate immune system, including Toll-like receptors, cytokines, inflammasomes and phagocytic signals, are critical contributors to healthy brain development. Accordingly, dysfunction in innate immune signalling pathways has been functionally linked to many neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and schizophrenia. This review discusses the essential roles of microglia and innate immune signalling in the assembly and maintenance of a properly functioning nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine E Zengeler
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - John R Lukens
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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28
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Forestieri S, Pintus R, Marcialis MA, Pintus MC, Fanos V. COVID-19 and developmental origins of health and disease. Early Hum Dev 2021; 155:105322. [PMID: 33571742 PMCID: PMC7837628 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
From the moment of the identification of SARS-CoV-2 as an etiological agent of the severe clinical pictures of pneumonia that were being slowly observed all over the world, numerous studies have been conducted to increase the knowledge about what was an unknown virus until then. The efforts were mainly aimed to acquire epidemiological, microbiological, pathogenetic, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive information in order to increase the available weapons to fight an infection which was rapidly taking on the characteristics of the pandemic. Given the topicality of the problem, not everything has yet been fully understood and clarified, especially in the maternal-fetal‑neonatal field, where we are beginning to question what could be the outcomes of newborn babies born to mothers who contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Thus, the aim of this review is to analyze the long-term outcomes of this infection that could affect the offspring, regardless of a possible maternal-fetal transmission, focusing on, above all, the role of maternal immune activation and the expression of the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in particular at the placental level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Pintus
- Department of Surgery, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | - Vassilios Fanos
- Department of Surgery, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU, Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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29
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Lyall K, Ames JL, Pearl M, Traglia M, Weiss LA, Windham GC, Kharrazi M, Yoshida CK, Yolken R, Volk HE, Ashwood P, Van de Water J, Croen LA. A profile and review of findings from the Early Markers for Autism study: unique contributions from a population-based case-control study in California. Mol Autism 2021; 12:24. [PMID: 33736683 PMCID: PMC7977191 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00429-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Early Markers for Autism (EMA) study is a population-based case-control study designed to learn more about early biologic processes involved in ASD. METHODS Participants were drawn from Southern California births from 2000 to 2003 with archived prenatal and neonatal screening specimens. Across two phases, children with ASD (n = 629) and intellectual disability without ASD (ID, n = 230) were ascertained from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), with diagnoses confirmed according to DSM-IV-TR criteria based on expert clinical review of abstracted records. General population controls (GP, n = 599) were randomly sampled from birth certificate files and matched to ASD cases by sex, birth month and year after excluding individuals with DDS records. EMA has published over 20 papers examining immune markers, endogenous hormones, environmental chemicals, and genetic factors in association with ASD and ID. This review summarizes the results across these studies, as well as the EMA study design and future directions. RESULTS EMA enabled several key contributions to the literature, including the examination of biomarker levels in biospecimens prospectively collected during critical windows of neurodevelopment. Key findings from EMA include demonstration of elevated cytokine and chemokine levels in maternal mid-pregnancy serum samples in association with ASD, as well as aberrations in other immune marker levels; suggestions of increased odds of ASD with prenatal exposure to certain endocrine disrupting chemicals, though not in mixture analyses; and demonstration of maternal and fetal genetic influence on prenatal chemical, and maternal and neonatal immune marker and vitamin D levels. We also observed an overall lack of association with ASD and measured maternal and neonatal vitamin D, mercury, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. LIMITATIONS Covariate and outcome data were limited to information in Vital Statistics and DDS records. As a study based in Southern California, generalizability for certain environmental exposures may be reduced. CONCLUSIONS Results across EMA studies support the importance of the prenatal and neonatal periods in ASD etiology, and provide evidence for the role of the maternal immune response during pregnancy. Future directions for EMA, and the field of ASD in general, include interrogation of mechanistic pathways and examination of combined effects of exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Lyall
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Suite 560, 3020 Market St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Ames
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Pearl
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Michela Traglia
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren A Weiss
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gayle C Windham
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Martin Kharrazi
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Cathleen K Yoshida
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Robert Yolken
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Heather E Volk
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
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Canales CP, Estes ML, Cichewicz K, Angara K, Aboubechara JP, Cameron S, Prendergast K, Su-Feher L, Zdilar I, Kreun EJ, Connolly EC, Seo JM, Goon JB, Farrelly K, Stradleigh TW, van der List D, Haapanen L, Van de Water J, Vogt D, McAllister AK, Nord AS. Sequential perturbations to mouse corticogenesis following in utero maternal immune activation. eLife 2021; 10:e60100. [PMID: 33666173 PMCID: PMC7979158 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In utero exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) is an environmental risk factor for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Animal models provide an opportunity to identify mechanisms driving neuropathology associated with MIA. We performed time-course transcriptional profiling of mouse cortical development following induced MIA via poly(I:C) injection at E12.5. MIA-driven transcriptional changes were validated via protein analysis, and parallel perturbations to cortical neuroanatomy were identified via imaging. MIA-induced acute upregulation of genes associated with hypoxia, immune signaling, and angiogenesis, by 6 hr following exposure. This acute response was followed by changes in proliferation, neuronal and glial specification, and cortical lamination that emerged at E14.5 and peaked at E17.5. Decreased numbers of proliferative cells in germinal zones and alterations in neuronal and glial populations were identified in the MIA-exposed cortex. Overall, paired transcriptomic and neuroanatomical characterization revealed a sequence of perturbations to corticogenesis driven by mid-gestational MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Myka L Estes
- Center for Neuroscience, UC DavisDavisUnited States
| | | | - Kartik Angara
- Department of Pediatrics & Human Development, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
| | | | | | | | | | - Iva Zdilar
- Center for Neuroscience, UC DavisDavisUnited States
| | | | | | | | - Jack B Goon
- Center for Neuroscience, UC DavisDavisUnited States
| | | | | | | | - Lori Haapanen
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, UC DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, UC DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Daniel Vogt
- Department of Pediatrics & Human Development, Michigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
| | | | - Alex S Nord
- Center for Neuroscience, UC DavisDavisUnited States
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31
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Mueller FS, Scarborough J, Schalbetter SM, Richetto J, Kim E, Couch A, Yee Y, Lerch JP, Vernon AC, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Meyer U. Behavioral, neuroanatomical, and molecular correlates of resilience and susceptibility to maternal immune activation. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:396-410. [PMID: 33230204 PMCID: PMC7850974 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00952-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Infectious or noninfectious maternal immune activation (MIA) is an environmental risk factor for psychiatric and neurological disorders with neurodevelopmental etiologies. Whilst there is increasing evidence for significant health consequences, the effects of MIA on the offspring appear to be variable. Here, we aimed to identify and characterize subgroups of isogenic mouse offspring exposed to identical MIA, which was induced in C57BL6/N mice by administration of the viral mimetic, poly(I:C), on gestation day 12. Cluster analysis of behavioral data obtained from a first cohort containing >150 MIA and control offspring revealed that MIA offspring could be stratified into distinct subgroups that were characterized by the presence or absence of multiple behavioral dysfunctions. The two subgroups also differed in terms of their transcriptional profiles in cortical and subcortical brain regions and brain networks of structural covariance, as measured by ex vivo structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In a second, independent cohort containing 50 MIA and control offspring, we identified a subgroup of MIA offspring that displayed elevated peripheral production of innate inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, in adulthood. This subgroup also showed significant impairments in social approach behavior and sensorimotor gating, whereas MIA offspring with a low inflammatory cytokine status did not. Taken together, our results highlight the existence of subgroups of MIA-exposed offspring that show dissociable behavioral, transcriptional, brain network, and immunological profiles even under conditions of genetic homogeneity. These data have relevance for advancing our understanding of the variable neurodevelopmental effects induced by MIA and for biomarker-guided approaches in preclinical psychiatric research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia S Mueller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Scarborough
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sina M Schalbetter
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juliet Richetto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eugene Kim
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Amalie Couch
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Yohan Yee
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anthony C Vernon
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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32
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Nakamura JP, Gillespie B, Gibbons A, Jaehne EJ, Du X, Chan A, Schroeder A, van den Buuse M, Sundram S, Hill RA. Maternal immune activation targeted to a window of parvalbumin interneuron development improves spatial working memory: Implications for autism. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 91:339-349. [PMID: 33096253 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) increases risk for neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring later in life through unknown causal mechanisms. Growing evidence implicates parvalbumin-containing GABAergic interneurons as a key target in rodent MIA models. We targeted a specific neurodevelopmental window of parvalbumin interneurons in a mouse MIA model to examine effects on spatial working memory, a key domain in ASD that can manifest as either impairments or improvements both clinically and in animal models. Pregnant dams received three consecutive intraperitoneal injections of Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C), 5 mg/kg) at gestational days 13, 14 and 15. Spatial working memory was assessed in young adult offspring using touchscreen operant chambers and the Trial-Unique Non-matching to Location (TUNL) task. Anxiety, novelty seeking and short-term memory were assessed using Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Y-maze novelty preference tasks. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was used to assess hippocampal parvalbumin cell density, intensity and co-expression with perineuronal nets. qPCR was used to assess the expression of putatively implicated gene pathways. MIA targeting a window of parvalbumin interneuron development increased spatial working memory performance on the TUNL touchscreen task which was not influenced by anxiety or novelty seeking behaviour. The model reduced fetal mRNA levels of Gad1 and adult hippocampal mRNA levels of Pvalb and the distribution of low intensity parvalbumin interneurons was altered. We speculate a specific timing window for parvalbumin interneuron development underpins the apparently paradoxical improved spatial working memory phenotype found both across several rodent models of autism and clinically in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay P Nakamura
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Brendan Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew Gibbons
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Emily J Jaehne
- School of Psychology and Public Health, Department of Psychology, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Aaron Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Anna Schroeder
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- School of Psychology and Public Health, Department of Psychology, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; The College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Suresh Sundram
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Rachel A Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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Volk HE, Park B, Hollingue C, Jones KL, Ashwood P, Windham GC, Lurman F, Alexeeff SE, Kharrazi M, Pearl M, Van de Water J, Croen LA. Maternal immune response and air pollution exposure during pregnancy: insights from the Early Markers for Autism (EMA) study. J Neurodev Disord 2020; 12:42. [PMID: 33327930 PMCID: PMC7745402 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-020-09343-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal exposure to air pollution and immune system dysregulation are two factors consistently associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, little is known about how air pollution may influence maternal immune function during pregnancy. OBJECTIVES To assess the relationship between mid-gestational circulating levels of maternal cytokines/chemokines and previous month air pollution exposure across neurodevelopmental groups, and to assess whether cytokines/chemokines mediate the relationship between air pollution exposures and risk of ASD and/or intellectual disability (ID) in the Early Markers for Autism (EMA) study. METHODS EMA is a population-based, nested case-control study which linked archived maternal serum samples collected during weeks 15-19 of gestation for routine prenatal screening, birth records, and Department of Developmental Services (DDS) records. Children receiving DDS services for ASD without intellectual disability (ASD without ID; n = 199), ASD with ID (ASD with ID; n = 180), ID without ASD (ID; n = 164), and children from the general population (GP; n = 414) with no DDS services were included in this analysis. Serum samples were quantified for 22 cytokines/chemokines using Luminex multiplex analysis technology. Air pollution exposure for the month prior to maternal serum collection was assigned based on the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality System data using the maternal residential address reported during the prenatal screening visit. RESULTS Previous month air pollution exposure and mid-gestational maternal cytokine and chemokine levels were significantly correlated, though weak in magnitude (ranging from - 0.16 to 0.13). Ten pairs of mid-pregnancy immune markers and previous month air pollutants were significantly associated within one of the child neurodevelopmental groups, adjusted for covariates (p < 0.001). Mid-pregnancy air pollution was not associated with any neurodevelopmental outcome. IL-6 remained associated with ASD with ID even after adjusting for air pollution exposure. CONCLUSION This study suggests that maternal immune activation is associated with risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. Furthermore, that prenatal air pollution exposure is associated with small, but perhaps biologically relevant, effects on maternal immune system function during pregnancy. Additional studies are needed to better evaluate how prenatal exposure to air pollution affects the trajectory of maternal immune activation during pregnancy, if windows of heightened susceptibility can be identified, and how these factors influence neurodevelopment of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Volk
- Department of Mental Health, Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Kennedy Krieger Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, 624 N. Broadway, HH833, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Bo Park
- Department of Public Health, California State University, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Calliope Hollingue
- Department of Mental Health, Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Kennedy Krieger Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, 624 N. Broadway, HH833, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Karen L Jones
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Gayle C Windham
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | | | - Stacey E Alexeeff
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Martin Kharrazi
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Pearl
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
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34
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Maternal immune activation alters visual acuity and retinogeniculate axon pruning in offspring mice. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 89:518-523. [PMID: 32827701 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been found to have a variety of sensory processing deficits. Here we report that maternal immune activation, a known factor for ASD, alters visual acuity in the offspring mice. By intraperitoneally injecting polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyI:C) to induce maternal immune activation during embryonic days 10 to 14, we found that polyI:C treatment impairs visual acuity in young adult offspring mice as examined by their optomotor responses. Concurrently, polyI:C treatment suppresses retinogeniculate axon elimination, resulting in a high fraction of weak optical fibers innervating the relay neurons in the visual thalamus. The results link in-utero maternal inflammation to defective optical fiber pruning and arrested developmental strengthening of single optic fibers which may underlie impaired visual acuity.
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