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Mandolfo O, Parker H, Aguado È, Ishikawa Learmonth Y, Liao AY, O'Leary C, Ellison S, Forte G, Taylor J, Wood S, Searle R, Holley RJ, Boutin H, Bigger BW. Systemic immune challenge exacerbates neurodegeneration in a model of neurological lysosomal disease. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:1579-1602. [PMID: 38890537 PMCID: PMC11251277 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00092-4] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA) is a rare paediatric lysosomal storage disorder, caused by the progressive accumulation of heparan sulphate, resulting in neurocognitive decline and behavioural abnormalities. Anecdotal reports from paediatricians indicate a more severe neurodegeneration in MPS IIIA patients, following infection, suggesting inflammation as a potential driver of neuropathology. To test this hypothesis, we performed acute studies in which WT and MPS IIIA mice were challenged with the TLR3-dependent viral mimetic poly(I:C). The challenge with an acute high poly(I:C) dose exacerbated systemic and brain cytokine expression, especially IL-1β in the hippocampus. This was accompanied by an increase in caspase-1 activity within the brain of MPS IIIA mice with concomitant loss of hippocampal GFAP and NeuN expression. Similar levels of cell damage, together with exacerbation of gliosis, were also observed in MPS IIIA mice following low chronic poly(I:C) dosing. While further investigation is warranted to fully understand the extent of IL-1β involvement in MPS IIIA exacerbated neurodegeneration, our data robustly reinforces our previous findings, indicating IL-1β as a pivotal catalyst for neuropathological processes in MPS IIIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriana Mandolfo
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Helen Parker
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Èlia Aguado
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Yuko Ishikawa Learmonth
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Ai Yin Liao
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Claire O'Leary
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Stuart Ellison
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Gabriella Forte
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Jessica Taylor
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Shaun Wood
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rachel Searle
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rebecca J Holley
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Hervé Boutin
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance & University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- INSERM, UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Brian W Bigger
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 3.721 Stopford Building, Manchester, UK.
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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Coll De Peña A, Vaduva M, Li NS, Shah S, Ben Frej M, Tripathi A. Enzymatic isolation and microfluidic electrophoresis analysis of residual dsRNA impurities in mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. Analyst 2024; 149:1509-1517. [PMID: 38265070 DOI: 10.1039/d3an02157b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The versatility, rapid development, and ease of production scalability of mRNA therapeutics have placed them at the forefront of biopharmaceutical research. However, despite their vast potential to treat diseases, their novelty comes with unsolved analytical challenges. A key challenge in ensuring sample purity has been monitoring residual, immunostimulatory dsRNA impurities generated during the in vitro transcription of mRNA. Here, we present a method that combines an enzyme, S1 nuclease, to identify and isolate dsRNA from an mRNA sample with a microfluidic electrophoresis analytical platform to characterize the impurity. After the method was developed and optimized, it was tested with clinically relevant, pseudouridine-modified 700 and 1800 bp dsRNA and 818-4451 nt mRNA samples. While the treatment impacted the magnitude of the fluorescent signal used to analyze the samples due to the interference of the buffer with the labeling of the sample, this signal loss was mitigated by 8.8× via treatment optimization. In addition, despite the mRNA concentration being up to 400× greater than that of the dsRNA, under every condition, there was a complete disappearance of the main mRNA peak. While the mRNA peak was digested, the dsRNA fragments remained physically unaffected by the treatment, with no change to their migration time. Using these samples, we detected 0.25% dsRNA impurities in mRNA samples using 15 μL with an analytical runtime of 1 min per sample after digestion and were able to predict their size within 8% of the expected length. The short runtime, sample consumption, and high throughput compatibility make it suitable to support the purity assessment of mRNA during purification and downstream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Coll De Peña
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Matei Vaduva
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Nina S Li
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | | | | | - Anubhav Tripathi
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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Lee HL, Squire E, Fotio Y, Mabou Tagne A, Lee J, Yoon JJ, Hong Y, Kim LH, Jung KM, Piomelli D. Frequent low-impact exposure to THC during adolescence causes persistent sexually dimorphic alterations in the response to viral infection in mice. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:107049. [PMID: 38159785 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107049] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Adolescent exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has enduring effects on energy metabolism and immune function. Prior work showed that daily administration of a low-impact dose of THC (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) during adolescence alters transcription in adult microglia and disrupts their response to bacterial endotoxin or social stress. To explore the lasting impact of adolescent THC exposure on the brain's reaction to viral infection, we administered THC (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) in male and female mice once daily on postnatal day (PND) 30-43. When the mice reached adulthood (PND 70), we challenged them with the viral mimic, polyinosinic acid:polycytidylic acid [Poly(I:C)], and assessed sickness behavior (motor activity, body temperature) and whole brain gene transcription. Poly(I:C) caused an elevation in body temperature which was lessened by prior THC exposure in female but not male mice. Adolescent THC exposure did not affect the locomotor response to Poly(I:C) in either sex. Transcriptomic analyses showed that Poly(I:C) produced a substantial upregulation of immune-related genes in the brain, which was decreased by THC in females. Additionally, the viral mimic caused a male-selective downregulation in transcription of genes involved in neurodevelopment and synaptic transmission, which was abrogated by adolescent THC treatment. The results indicate that Poly(I:C) produces complex transcriptional alterations in the mouse brain, which are sexually dimorphic and differentially affected by early-life THC exposure. In particular, adolescent THC dampens the brain's antiviral response to Poly(I:C) in female mice and prevents the transcriptional downregulation of neuron-related genes caused by the viral mimic in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Lim Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Erica Squire
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Yannick Fotio
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Alex Mabou Tagne
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Jungyeon Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - John Jeongwoo Yoon
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Yedam Hong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Laura Hyunseo Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, USA.
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Madsen HB, Pease LI, Scanlan RL, Akbari M, Rasmussen LJ, Shanley DP, Bohr VA. The DNA repair enzyme, aprataxin, plays a role in innate immune signaling. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1290681. [PMID: 38161589 PMCID: PMC10754971 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1290681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 1 (AOA1) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a gradual loss of coordination of hand movements, speech, and eye movements. AOA1 is caused by an inactivation mutation in the APTX gene. APTX resolves abortive DNA ligation intermediates. APTX deficiency may lead to the accumulation of 5'-AMP termini, especially in the mitochondrial genome. The consequences of APTX deficiency includes impaired mitochondrial function, increased DNA single-strand breaks, elevated reactive oxygen species production, and altered mitochondrial morphology. All of these processes can cause misplacement of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, which can activate innate immune sensors to elicit an inflammatory response. This study explores the impact of APTX knockout in microglial cells, the immune cells of the brain. RNA-seq analysis revealed significant differences in the transcriptomes of wild-type and APTX knockout cells, especially in response to viral infections and innate immune pathways. Specifically, genes and proteins involved in the cGAS-STING and RIG-I/MAVS pathways were downregulated in APTX knockout cells, which suggests an impaired immune response to cytosolic DNA and RNA. The clinical relevance of these findings was supported by analyzing publicly available RNA-seq data from AOA1 patient cell lines. Comparisons between APTX-deficient patient cells and healthy control cells also revealed altered immune responses and dysregulated DNA- and RNA-sensing pathways in the patient cells. Overall, this study highlights the critical role of APTX in regulating innate immunity, particularly in DNA- and RNA-sensing pathways. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of AOA1 pathology and highlights potential therapeutic targets for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena B. Madsen
- Center for Healthy Aging, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise I. Pease
- CAMPUS for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mansour Akbari
- Center for Healthy Aging, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene J. Rasmussen
- Center for Healthy Aging, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daryl P. Shanley
- CAMPUS for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Vilhelm A. Bohr
- Center for Healthy Aging, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Power SD, Stewart E, Zielke LG, Byrne EP, Douglas A, Ortega-de San Luis C, Lynch L, Ryan TJ. Immune activation state modulates infant engram expression across development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg9921. [PMID: 37939176 PMCID: PMC10631722 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg9921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Infantile amnesia is possibly the most ubiquitous form of memory loss in mammals. We investigated how memories are stored in the brain throughout development by integrating engram labeling technology with mouse models of infantile amnesia. Here, we found a phenomenon in which male offspring in maternal immune activation models of autism spectrum disorder do not experience infantile amnesia. Maternal immune activation altered engram ensemble size and dendritic spine plasticity. We rescued the same apparently forgotten infantile memories in neurotypical mice by optogenetically reactivating dentate gyrus engram cells labeled during complex experiences in infancy. Furthermore, we permanently reinstated lost infantile memories by artificially updating the memory engram, demonstrating that infantile amnesia is a reversible process. Our findings suggest not only that infantile amnesia is due to a reversible retrieval deficit in engram expression but also that immune activation during development modulates innate, and reversible, forgetting switches that determine whether infantile amnesia will occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D. Power
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erika Stewart
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Louisa G. Zielke
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Eric P. Byrne
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aaron Douglas
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Clara Ortega-de San Luis
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lydia Lynch
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tomás J. Ryan
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Child & Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, ON, Canada
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6
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Barraza-Vergara LF, Carmona-Sarabia L, Torres-García W, Domenech-García M, Mendez-Vega J, Torres-Lugo M. In vitro assessment of inflammatory skin potential of poly(methyl methacrylate) at non-cytotoxic concentrations. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:1822-1832. [PMID: 37589190 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37591] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is considered an attractive substrate material for fabricating wearable skin sensors such as fitness bands and microfluidic devices. Despite its widespread use, inflammatory and allergic responses have been attributed to the use of this material. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to obtain a comprehensive understanding of potential biological effects triggered by PMMA at non-cytotoxic concentrations using in vitro models of NIH3T3 fibroblasts and reconstructed human epidermis (RhE). It was hypothesized that concentrations that do not reduce cell viability are sufficient to activate pathways of inflammatory processes in the skin. The study included cytotoxicity, cell metabolism, cytokine quantification, histopathological, and gene expression analyses. The NIH3T3 cell line was used as a testbed for screening cell toxicity levels associated with the concentration of PMMA with different molecular weights (MWs) (i.e., MW ~5,000 and ~15,000 g/mol). The lower MW of PMMA had a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) value of 5.7 mg/cm2 , indicating greater detrimental effects than the higher MW (IC50 = 14.0 mg/cm2 ). Non-cytotoxic concentrations of 3.0 mg/cm2 for MW ~15,000 g/mol and 0.9 mg/cm2 for MW ~5,000 g/mol) induced negative metabolic changes in NIH3T3 cells. Cell viability was severely reduced to 7% after the exposure to degradation by-products generated after thermal and photodegradation degradation of PMMA. PMMA at non-cytotoxic concentrations still induced overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors (IL1B, CXCL10, CCL5, IL1R1, IL7, IL17A, VEGFA, FGF2, IFNG, IL15) on the RhE model. The inflammatory response was also supported by histopathological and gene expression analyses of PMMA-treated RhE, indicating tissue damage and gene overexpression. Results suggested that non-cytotoxic concentrations of PMMA (3.0 to 5.6 mg/cm2 for MW ~15,000 g/mol and 0.9 to 2.1 mg/cm2 for MW ~5,000 g/mol) were sufficient to negatively alter NIH3T3 cells metabolism and activate inflammatory events in the RhE skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa F Barraza-Vergara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Lesly Carmona-Sarabia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Wandaliz Torres-García
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Maribella Domenech-García
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Janet Mendez-Vega
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Madeline Torres-Lugo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, USA
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Bormann D, Copic D, Klas K, Direder M, Riedl CJ, Testa G, Kühtreiber H, Poreba E, Hametner S, Golabi B, Salek M, Haider C, Endmayr V, Shaw LE, Höftberger R, Ankersmit HJ, Mildner M. Exploring the heterogeneous transcriptional response of the CNS to systemic LPS and Poly(I:C). Neurobiol Dis 2023; 188:106339. [PMID: 37913832 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106339] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral contact to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) evokes a systemic innate immune response which is rapidly relayed to the central nervous system (CNS). The remarkable cellular heterogeneity of the CNS poses a significant challenge to the study of cell type and stimulus dependent responses of neural cells during acute inflammation. Here we utilized single nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNAseq), serum proteome profiling and primary cell culture methods to systematically compare the acute response of the mammalian brain to the bacterial PAMP lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the viral PAMP polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)), at single cell resolution. Our study unveiled convergent transcriptional cytokine and cellular stress responses in brain vascular and ependymal cells and a downregulation of several key mediators of directed blood brain barrier (BBB) transport. In contrast the neuronal response to PAMPs was limited in acute neuroinflammation. Moreover, our study highlighted the dominant role of IFN signalling upon Poly(I:C) challenge, particularly in cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage. Collectively our study unveils heterogeneous, shared and distinct cell type and stimulus dependent acute responses of the CNS to bacterial and viral PAMP challenges. Our findings highlight inflammation induced dysregulations of BBB-transporter gene expression, suggesting potential translational implications on drug pharmacokinetics variability during acute neuroinflammation. The pronounced dependency of oligodendrocytes on IFN stimulation during viral PAMP challenges, emphasizes their limited molecular viral response repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bormann
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Applied Immunology Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Aposcience AG, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dragan Copic
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Applied Immunology Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Aposcience AG, 1200 Vienna, Austria; Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Klas
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Applied Immunology Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Aposcience AG, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Direder
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Applied Immunology Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Aposcience AG, 1200 Vienna, Austria; Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian J Riedl
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giulia Testa
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannes Kühtreiber
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Applied Immunology Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Aposcience AG, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Emilia Poreba
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Hametner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bahar Golabi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Melanie Salek
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Applied Immunology Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Aposcience AG, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Carmen Haider
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Endmayr
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa E Shaw
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Romana Höftberger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hendrik J Ankersmit
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Applied Immunology Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Aposcience AG, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Mildner
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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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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Zhang X, Gao R, Zhang C, Teng Y, Chen H, Li Q, Liu C, Wu J, Wei L, Deng L, Wu L, Ye-Lehmann S, Mao X, Liu J, Zhu T, Chen C. Extracellular RNAs-TLR3 signaling contributes to cognitive impairment after chronic neuropathic pain in mice. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:292. [PMID: 37544956 PMCID: PMC10404588 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01543-z] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is often associated with cognitive decline, which could influence the quality of the patient's life. Recent studies have suggested that Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is crucial for memory and learning. Nonetheless, the contribution of TLR3 to the pathogenesis of cognitive decline after chronic pain remains unclear. The level of TLR3 in hippocampal neurons increased in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) group than in the sham group in this study. Importantly, compared to the wild-type (WT) mice, TLR3 knockout (KO) mice and TLR3-specific neuronal knockdown mice both displayed improved cognitive function, reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines and neuronal apoptosis and attenuated injury to hippocampal neuroplasticity. Notably, extracellular RNAs (exRNAs), specifically double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), were increased in the sciatic nerve, serum, and hippocampus after CCI. The co-localization of dsRNA with TLR3 was also increased in hippocampal neurons. And the administration of poly (I:C), a dsRNA analog, elevated the levels of dsRNAs and TLR3 in the hippocampus, exacerbating hippocampus-dependent memory. In additon, the dsRNA/TLR3 inhibitor improved cognitive function after CCI. Together, our findings suggested that exRNAs, particularly dsRNAs, that were present in the condition of chronic neuropathic pain, activated TLR3, initiated downstream inflammatory and apoptotic signaling, caused damage to synaptic plasticity, and contributed to the etiology of cognitive impairment after chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changteng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Teng
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changliang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liuxing Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liyun Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lining Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shixin Ye-Lehmann
- Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System, University of Paris-Scalay Bicêtre Hosptial, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Xiaobo Mao
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Cell Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Chan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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10
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Coll De Peña A, Li N, Vaduva M, Bwanali L, Tripathi A. A microfluidic electrophoretic dual dynamic staining method for the identification and relative quantitation of dsRNA contaminants in mRNA vaccines. Analyst 2023; 148:3758-3767. [PMID: 37439498 DOI: 10.1039/d3an00281k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines (i.e., COVID-19 vaccine) offer various advantages over traditional vaccines in preventing and reducing disease and shortening the time between pathogen discovery and vaccine creation. Production of mRNA vaccines results in several nucleic acid and enzymatic by-products, most of which can be detected and removed; however, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) contaminants pose a particular challenge. Current purification and detection platforms for dsRNA vary in effectiveness, with problems in scalability for mass mRNA vaccine production. Effectively detecting dsRNA is crucial in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, as these strands can cause autoimmune reactions with length-symptom dependency and enhance mRNA degradation. We present a new microfluidics method to rapidly identify and quantify dsRNA fragments in mRNA samples. Our innovation exploits the differences in the dynamic staining behavior between mRNA and dsRNA molecules to detect dsRNA contaminants in a high throughput approach. The limit of detection of the system for dsRNA was estimated to be between 17.7-76.6 pg μL-1 with a maximum loading capacity of mRNA of 12.99 ng μL-1. Based on these estimated values, our method allows for the detection of dsRNA contaminants present in percentages as low as 0.14-0.59% compared to the total mRNA concentration. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanism of the dynamic staining behavior of dsRNA and mRNA for two different stains. We believe our method will accelerate the mRNA vaccine development from initial development to quality control workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Coll De Peña
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Nina Li
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Matei Vaduva
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | | | - Anubhav Tripathi
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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11
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Walker KA, Le Page LM, Terrando N, Duggan MR, Heneka MT, Bettcher BM. The role of peripheral inflammatory insults in Alzheimer's disease: a review and research roadmap. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:37. [PMID: 37277738 PMCID: PMC10240487 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00627-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral inflammation, defined as inflammation that occurs outside the central nervous system, is an age-related phenomenon that has been identified as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. While the role of chronic peripheral inflammation has been well characterized in the context of dementia and other age-related conditions, less is known about the neurologic contribution of acute inflammatory insults that take place outside the central nervous system. Herein, we define acute inflammatory insults as an immune challenge in the form of pathogen exposure (e.g., viral infection) or tissue damage (e.g., surgery) that causes a large, yet time-limited, inflammatory response. We provide an overview of the clinical and translational research that has examined the connection between acute inflammatory insults and Alzheimer's disease, focusing on three categories of peripheral inflammatory insults that have received considerable attention in recent years: acute infection, critical illness, and surgery. Additionally, we review immune and neurobiological mechanisms which facilitate the neural response to acute inflammation and discuss the potential role of the blood-brain barrier and other components of the neuro-immune axis in Alzheimer's disease. After highlighting the knowledge gaps in this area of research, we propose a roadmap to address methodological challenges, suboptimal study design, and paucity of transdisciplinary research efforts that have thus far limited our understanding of how pathogen- and damage-mediated inflammatory insults may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Finally, we discuss how therapeutic approaches designed to promote the resolution of inflammation may be used following acute inflammatory insults to preserve brain health and limit progression of neurodegenerative pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keenan A Walker
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute On Aging. Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Lydia M Le Page
- Departments of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, and Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Niccolò Terrando
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cell Biology and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael R Duggan
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute On Aging. Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael T Heneka
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Brianne M Bettcher
- Behavioral Neurology Section, Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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12
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Vasunilashorn SM, Lunardi N, Newman JC, Crosby G, Acker L, Abel T, Bhatnagar S, Cunningham C, de Cabo R, Dugan L, Hippensteel JA, Ishizawa Y, Lahiri S, Marcantonio ER, Xie Z, Inouye SK, Terrando N, Eckenhoff RG. Preclinical and translational models for delirium: Recommendations for future research from the NIDUS delirium network. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:2150-2174. [PMID: 36799408 PMCID: PMC10576242 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Delirium is a common, morbid, and costly syndrome that is closely linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD) as a risk factor and outcome. Human studies of delirium have advanced our knowledge of delirium incidence and prevalence, risk factors, biomarkers, outcomes, prevention, and management. However, understanding of delirium neurobiology remains limited. Preclinical and translational models for delirium, while challenging to develop, could advance our knowledge of delirium neurobiology and inform the development of new prevention and treatment approaches. We discuss the use of preclinical and translational animal models in delirium, focusing on (1) a review of current animal models, (2) challenges and strategies for replicating elements of human delirium in animals, and (3) the utility of biofluid, neurophysiology, and neuroimaging translational markers in animals. We conclude with recommendations for the development and validation of preclinical and translational models for delirium, with the goal of advancing awareness in this important field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarinnapha M. Vasunilashorn
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nadia Lunardi
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - John C. Newman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| | - Gregory Crosby
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leah Acker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Seema Bhatnagar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Colm Cunningham
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rafael de Cabo
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura Dugan
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- VA Tennessee Valley Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Joseph A. Hippensteel
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Yumiko Ishizawa
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shouri Lahiri
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Biomedical Sciences, Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Edward R. Marcantonio
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zhongcong Xie
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sharon K. Inouye
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Niccolò Terrando
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Roderic G. Eckenhoff
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Potter HG, Kowash HM, Woods RM, Revill G, Grime A, Deeney B, Burgess MA, Aarons T, Glazier JD, Neill JC, Hager R. Maternal behaviours and adult offspring behavioural deficits are predicted by maternal TNFα concentration in a rat model of neurodevelopmental disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:162-175. [PMID: 36503051 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to inflammatory stressors during fetal development is a major risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in adult offspring. Maternal immune activation (MIA), induced by infection, causes an acute increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines which can increase the risk for NDDs directly by inducing placental and fetal brain inflammation, or indirectly through affecting maternal care behaviours thereby affecting postnatal brain development. Which of these two potential mechanisms dominates in increasing offspring risk for NDDs remains unclear. Here, we show that acute systemic maternal inflammation induced by the viral mimetic polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) on gestational day 15 of rat pregnancy affects offspring and maternal behaviour, offspring cognition, and expression of NDD-relevant genes in the offspring brain. Dams exposed to poly I:C elicited an acute increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF; referred to here as TNFα), which predicted disruption of key maternal care behaviours. Offspring of poly I:C-treated dams showed early behavioural and adult cognitive deficits correlated to the maternal TNFα response, but, importantly, not with altered maternal care. We also found interacting effects of sex and treatment on GABAergic gene expression and DNA methylation in these offspring in a brain region-specific manner, including increased parvalbumin expression in the female adolescent frontal cortex. We conclude that the MIA-induced elevation of TNFα in the maternal compartment affects fetal neurodevelopment leading to altered offspring behaviour and cognition. Our results suggest that a focus on prenatal pathways affecting fetal neurodevelopment would provide greater insights into the mechanisms underpinning the TNFα-mediated genesis of altered offspring behaviour and cognition following maternal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry G Potter
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom; School of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Burnley BB11 1RA, United Kingdom.
| | - Hager M Kowash
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca M Woods
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Grace Revill
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Grime
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Brendan Deeney
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew A Burgess
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Toby Aarons
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Jocelyn D Glazier
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna C Neill
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom; Chair of Medical Psychedelics Working Group, Drug Science, United Kingdom
| | - Reinmar Hager
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
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14
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Abstract
Sickness behavior was conceptualized initially as the behavioral counterpart of the fever response to infectious pathogens. It helps to raise body temperature to its higher setpoint and to maintain it at this new level and it has the additional benefit of enabling a weakened organism to protect itself from other dangers. The discovery of the behavioral effects of proinflammatory cytokines produced by activated immune cells provided a cellular and molecular basis to this phenomenon. The administration of cytokines or cytokine inducers like lipopolysaccharide to healthy rodents allowed to reveal the similarities and differences between inflammation-induced sickness behavior and the fever response. It also led to the understanding of how the inflammatory response that is triggered at the periphery can propagate into the brain and induce the behavioral manifestations of sickness. At the behavioral level, the demonstration that sickness behavior is the expression of a motivational state that reorganizes perception and action in face of a microbial pathogen just like fear in face of a predator appeared at first glance to strengthen the adaptive value of this behavior. However, all aspects of sickness behavior are not always favorable for the organism. This is the case for anorexia that is beneficial in the context of bacterial infection but detrimental in the context of viral infection. In addition, studies of sickness behavior in natural conditions revealed that like any other defensive behavior, sickness behavior requires trade-offs between its survival benefits for the sick individual and the costs incurred especially in the context of gregarious groups. Thanks to these studies, evidence is emerging that sickness behavior is much more variable in its expression than initially thought, and that part of this variability depends not only on the pathogen and the social context in which the infection develops but also on individual factors including species, sex, age, nutrition, and physiological status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Dantzer
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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15
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Schapovalova O, Gorlova A, de Munter J, Sheveleva E, Eropkin M, Gorbunov N, Sicker M, Umriukhin A, Lyubchyk S, Lesch KP, Strekalova T, Schroeter CA. Immunomodulatory effects of new phytotherapy on human macrophages and TLR4- and TLR7/8-mediated viral-like inflammation in mice. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:952977. [PMID: 36091684 PMCID: PMC9450044 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.952977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While all efforts have been undertaken to propagate the vaccination and develop remedies against SARS-CoV-2, no satisfactory management of this infection is available yet. Moreover, poor availability of any preventive and treatment measures of SARS-CoV-2 in economically disadvantageous communities aggravates the course of the pandemic. Here, we studied a new immunomodulatory phytotherapy (IP), an extract of blackberry, chamomile, garlic, cloves, and elderberry as a potential low-cost solution for these problems given the reported efficacy of herbal medicine during the previous SARS virus outbreak. Methods The key feature of SARS-CoV-2 infection, excessive inflammation, was studied in in vitro and in vivo assays under the application of the IP. First, changes in tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) and lnteurleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) concentrations were measured in a culture of human macrophages following the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge and treatment with IP or prednisolone. Second, chronically IP-pre-treated CD-1 mice received an agonist of Toll-like receptors (TLR)-7/8 resiquimod and were examined for lung and spleen expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and blood formula. Finally, chronically IP-pre-treated mice challenged with LPS injection were studied for “sickness” behavior. Additionally, the IP was analyzed using high-potency-liquid chromatography (HPLC)-high-resolution-mass-spectrometry (HRMS). Results LPS-induced in vitro release of TNF and IL-1β was reduced by both treatments. The IP-treated mice displayed blunted over-expression of SAA-2, ACE-2, CXCL1, and CXCL10 and decreased changes in blood formula in response to an injection with resiquimod. The IP-treated mice injected with LPS showed normalized locomotion, anxiety, and exploration behaviors but not abnormal forced swimming. Isoquercitrin, choline, leucine, chlorogenic acid, and other constituents were identified by HPLC-HRMS and likely underlie the IP immunomodulatory effects. Conclusions Herbal IP-therapy decreases inflammation and, partly, “sickness behavior,” suggesting its potency to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection first of all via its preventive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olesia Schapovalova
- Caparica Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, NOVA Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University and Neuroplast BV, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Anna Gorlova
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University and Neuroplast BV, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Federal Budgetary Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Johannes de Munter
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University and Neuroplast BV, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Elisaveta Sheveleva
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Federal Budgetary Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail Eropkin
- Department of Etiology and Epidemiology, Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, St. Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Nikita Gorbunov
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michail Sicker
- Rehabilitation Research Unit of Clinic of Bad Kreuzbach, Bad Kreuzbach, Germany
| | - Aleksei Umriukhin
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergiy Lyubchyk
- Caparica Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, NOVA Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
- EIGES Center, Universidade Lusofona, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University and Neuroplast BV, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University and Neuroplast BV, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Federal Budgetary Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Tatyana Strekalova
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16
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Yates AG, Weglinski CM, Ying Y, Dunstan IK, Strekalova T, Anthony DC. Nafamostat reduces systemic inflammation in TLR7-mediated virus-like illness. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:8. [PMID: 34991643 PMCID: PMC8734544 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02357-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serine protease inhibitor nafamostat has been proposed as a treatment for COVID-19, by inhibiting TMPRSS2-mediated viral cell entry. Nafamostat has been shown to have other, immunomodulatory effects, which may be beneficial for treatment, however animal models of ssRNA virus infection are lacking. In this study, we examined the potential of the dual TLR7/8 agonist R848 to mimic the host response to an ssRNA virus infection and the associated behavioural response. In addition, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of nafamostat in this model. METHODS CD-1 mice received an intraperitoneal injection of R848 (200 μg, prepared in DMSO, diluted 1:10 in saline) or diluted DMSO alone, and an intravenous injection of either nafamostat (100 μL, 3 mg/kg in 5% dextrose) or 5% dextrose alone. Sickness behaviour was determined by temperature, food intake, sucrose preference test, open field and forced swim test. Blood and fresh liver, lung and brain were collected 6 h post-challenge to measure markers of peripheral and central inflammation by blood analysis, immunohistochemistry and qPCR. RESULTS R848 induced a robust inflammatory response, as evidenced by increased expression of TNF, IFN-γ, CXCL1 and CXCL10 in the liver, lung and brain, as well as a sickness behaviour phenotype. Exogenous administration of nafamostat suppressed the hepatic inflammatory response, significantly reducing TNF and IFN-γ expression, but had no effect on lung or brain cytokine production. R848 administration depleted circulating leukocytes, which was restored by nafamostat treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that R848 administration provides a useful model of ssRNA virus infection, which induces inflammation in the periphery and CNS, and virus infection-like illness. In turn, we show that nafamostat has a systemic anti-inflammatory effect in the presence of the TLR7/8 agonist. Therefore, the results indicate that nafamostat has anti-inflammatory actions, beyond its ability to inhibit TMPRSS2, that might potentiate its anti-viral actions in pathologies such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abi G Yates
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, UK
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Caroline M Weglinski
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, UK
| | - Yuxin Ying
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, UK
| | - Isobel K Dunstan
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, UK
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniel C Anthony
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, UK.
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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17
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Tan PH, Ji J, Yeh CC, Ji RR. Interferons in Pain and Infections: Emerging Roles in Neuro-Immune and Neuro-Glial Interactions. Front Immunol 2021; 12:783725. [PMID: 34804074 PMCID: PMC8602180 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.783725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines that possess antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory actions. IFN-α and IFN-β are two major family members of type-I IFNs and are used to treat diseases, including hepatitis and multiple sclerosis. Emerging evidence suggests that type-I IFN receptors (IFNARs) are also expressed by microglia, astrocytes, and neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Apart from canonical transcriptional regulations, IFN-α and IFN-β can rapidly suppress neuronal activity and synaptic transmission via non-genomic regulation, leading to potent analgesia. IFN-γ is the only member of the type-II IFN family and induces central sensitization and microglia activation in persistent pain. We discuss how type-I and type-II IFNs regulate pain and infection via neuro-immune modulations, with special focus on neuroinflammation and neuro-glial interactions. We also highlight distinct roles of type-I IFNs in the peripheral and central nervous system. Insights into IFN signaling in nociceptors and their distinct actions in physiological vs. pathological and acute vs. chronic conditions will improve our treatments of pain after surgeries, traumas, and infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Heng Tan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Jasmine Ji
- Neuroscience Department, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, MA, United States.,Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Chun-Chang Yeh
- Department of Anesthesiology of Tri-Service General Hospital & National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Rong Ji
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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18
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Abstract
Systemic inflammation elicited by sepsis can induce an acute cerebral dysfunction known as sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). Recent evidence suggests that SAE is common but shows a dynamic trajectory over time. Half of all patients with sepsis develop SAE in the intensive care unit, and some survivors present with sustained cognitive impairments for several years after initial sepsis onset. It is not clear why some, but not all, patients develop SAE and also the factors that determine the persistence of SAE. Here, we first summarize the chronic pathology and the dynamic changes in cognitive functions seen after the onset of sepsis. We then outline the cerebral effects of sepsis, such as neuroinflammation, alterations in neuronal synapses and neurovascular changes. We discuss the key factors that might contribute to the development and persistence of SAE in older patients, including premorbid neurodegenerative pathology, side effects of sedatives, renal dysfunction and latent virus reactivation. Finally, we postulate that some of the mechanisms that underpin neuropathology in SAE may also be relevant to delirium and persisting cognitive impairments that are seen in patients with severe COVID-19. In this Review, Manabe and Heneka examine how the systemic inflammation associated with sepsis can lead to acute cerebral dysfunction known as sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). Moreover, they suggest that some of the mechanisms involved in SAE may be relevant for understanding the cognitive impairments that develop in some patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Manabe
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael T Heneka
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany. .,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany. .,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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19
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Barrett JP, Knoblach SM, Bhattacharya S, Gordish-Dressman H, Stoica BA, Loane DJ. Traumatic Brain Injury Induces cGAS Activation and Type I Interferon Signaling in Aged Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:710608. [PMID: 34504493 PMCID: PMC8423402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.710608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging adversely affects inflammatory processes in the brain, which has important implications in the progression of neurodegenerative disease. Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), aged animals exhibit worsened neurological function and exacerbated microglial-associated neuroinflammation. Type I Interferons (IFN-I) contribute to the development of TBI neuropathology. Further, the Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase (cGAS) and Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway, a key inducer of IFN-I responses, has been implicated in neuroinflammatory activity in several age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we set out to investigate the effects of TBI on cGAS/STING activation, IFN-I signaling and neuroinflammation in young and aged C57Bl/6 male mice. Using a controlled cortical impact model, we evaluated transcriptomic changes in the injured cortex at 24 hours post-injury, and confirmed activation of key neuroinflammatory pathways in biochemical studies. TBI induced changes were highly enriched for transcripts that were involved in inflammatory responses to stress and host defense. Deeper analysis revealed that TBI increased expression of IFN-I related genes (e.g. Ifnb1, Irf7, Ifi204, Isg15) and IFN-I signaling in the injured cortex of aged compared to young mice. There was also a significant age-related increase in the activation of the DNA-recognition pathway, cGAS, which is a key mechanism to propagate IFN-I responses. Finally, enhanced IFN-I signaling in the aged TBI brain was confirmed by increased phosphorylation of STAT1, an important IFN-I effector molecule. This age-related activation of cGAS and IFN-I signaling may prove to be a mechanistic link between microglial-associated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the aged TBI brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Barrett
- Department of Anesthesiology and Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Susan M Knoblach
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Surajit Bhattacharya
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Heather Gordish-Dressman
- Center for Translational Science, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Bogdan A Stoica
- Department of Anesthesiology and Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Veterans Affairs (VA) Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David J Loane
- Department of Anesthesiology and Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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20
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Posillico CK, Garcia-Hernandez RE, Tronson NC. Sex differences and similarities in the neuroimmune response to central administration of poly I:C. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:193. [PMID: 34488804 PMCID: PMC8418962 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02235-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuroimmune system is required for normal neural processes, including modulation of cognition, emotion, and adaptive behaviors. Aberrant neuroimmune activation is associated with dysregulation of memory and emotion, though the precise mechanisms at play are complex and highly context dependent. Sex differences in neuroimmune activation and function further complicate our understanding of its roles in cognitive and affective regulation. METHODS Here, we characterized the physiological sickness and inflammatory response of the hippocampus following intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of a synthetic viral mimic, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), in both male and female C57Bl/6N mice. RESULTS We observed that poly I:C induced weight loss, fever, and elevations of cytokine and chemokines in the hippocampus of both sexes. Specifically, we found transient increases in gene expression and protein levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, TNFα, CCL2, and CXCL10, where males showed a greater magnitude of response compared with females. Only males showed increased IFNα and IFNγ in response to poly I:C, whereas both males and females exhibited elevations of IFNβ, demonstrating a specific sex difference in the anti-viral response in the hippocampus. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that type I interferons are one potential node mediating sex-specific cytokine responses and neuroimmune effects on cognition. Together, these findings highlight the importance of using both males and females and analyzing a broad set of inflammatory markers in order to identify the precise, sex-specific roles for neuroimmune dysregulation in neurological diseases and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin K Posillico
- Psychology Department, University of Michigan, 530 Church St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Natalie C Tronson
- Psychology Department, University of Michigan, 530 Church St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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