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Fleisher-Berkovich S, Sharon N, Ventura Y, Feinshtein V, Gorelick J, Bernstein N, Ben-Shabat S. Selected cannabis cultivars modulate glial activation: in vitro and in vivo studies. J Cannabis Res 2024; 6:25. [PMID: 38778343 PMCID: PMC11110427 DOI: 10.1186/s42238-024-00232-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by neuroinflammation, demyelination and axonal loss. Cannabis, an immunomodulating agent, is known for its ability to treat MS effectively. However, due to variations in the profile of secondary metabolites, especially cannabinoids, among cannabis cultivars, the effectiveness of cannabis treatment can vary, with significant variability in the effects on different biological parameters. For screening available cultivars, cellular in vitro as well as pre-clinical in vivo assays, are required to evaluate the effectiveness of the wide range of chemical variability that exists in cannabis cultivars. This study evaluated comparatively three chemically diverse cannabis cultivars, CN2, CN4 and CN6, containing different ratios of phytocannabinoids, for their neuroinflammatory activity in MS model. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro experiments were performed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 microglia and primary glial cells to evaluate the effect of different cannabis cultivars on nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines, as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression. An in vivo experiment using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) MS model was conducted using Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) as the activating peptide. The cannabis extracts of the cultivars CN2, CN4, CN6 or vehicle, were intraperitoneally injected with clinical scores given based on observed symptoms over the course of study. At the end of the experiment, the mice were sacrificed, and splenocyte cytokine secretion was measured using ELISA. Lumbar sections from the spinal cord of treated MS mice were evaluated for microglia, astrocytes and CD4+ cells. RESULTS Extracts of the CN2 cultivar contained tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) without cannabidiol (CBD), and a number of monoterpenes. CN4 contained cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabidiolic acid (THCA), with significant amounts of THC: CBD in a 1:1 ratio, as well as sesquiterpenes and some monoterpenes; and CN6 contained primarily CBDA and THCA, as well as THC and CBD in a 2:1 ratio, with some sesquiterpenes and no monoterpenes. All extracts were not cytotoxic in glial cells up to 50 µg/ml. Dose dependent inhibition of LPS-induced BV2 as well as primary microglial NO secretion confirmed the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activity of the three cannabis cultivars. CN2 but not CN4 reduced both astrocytosis and microglial activation in lumbar sections of EAE mice. In contrast, CN4 but not CN2 significantly decreased the secretion of TNFα and Interferon γ (IFNγ) in primary splenocytes extracted from EAE mice. CONCLUSIONS While both cannabis cultivars, CN2 and CN4, significantly reduced the severity of the clinical signs throughout the course of the study, they modulated different inflammatory mediators and pathways, probably due to differences in their phytocannabinoid composition. This demonstrates the differential potential of cannabis cultivars differing in chemotype to regulate neuroinflammation and their potential to treat MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigal Fleisher-Berkovich
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| | - Nitzan Sharon
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yvonne Ventura
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Valeria Feinshtein
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Jonathan Gorelick
- Eastern Regional Research and Development Center, Judea Center, 90100, Kiryat Arba, Israel
| | - Nirit Bernstein
- Institute of Soil Water and Environmental Sciences, Volcani Center, Rishon Lezion, Israel.
| | - Shimon Ben-Shabat
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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Faraji J, Bettenson D, Yong VW, Metz GAS. Early life stress aggravates disease pathogenesis in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: Support for a two-hit hypothesis of multiple sclerosis etiology. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 385:578240. [PMID: 37951203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578240] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Vision problems are one of the earliest diagnosed symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The onset and progression of vision loss and the underlying pathogenesis in MS may be influenced by cumulative psychophysiological stress. Here, we used a two-hit model of stress in female mice to determine if early life stress (ELS, the first hit) influences the response to an immunization that induces experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, the second hit) later in life. We hypothesized that ELS caused by animal transportation from a vendor during early postnatal development represents a co-factor which can exacerbate the clinical severity of EAE. Indeed, adult EAE mice with a history of ELS displayed more severe clinical signs and delayed recovery compared to non-stressed EAE mice. ELS also diminished visual acuity measured by optokinetic responses, as well as locomotion and exploratory behaviours in EAE mice. Notably, ELS accelerated vision loss and caused earlier onset of visual impairments in EAE. Exacerbated functional impairments in stressed EAE mice were highly correlated with circulating corticosterone levels. The findings show that the progression of induced EAE in adulthood can be significantly impacted by adverse early life experiences. These observations emphasize the importance of comprehensive behavioural testing, including non-motor functions, to enhance the translational value of preclinical animal models of MS. Moreover, shipment stress of laboratory animals should be considered a necessary variable in preclinical MS research. The consideration of cumulative lifetime stresses provides a new perspective of MS pathogenesis within a personalized medicine framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshid Faraji
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - Dennis Bettenson
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - V Wee Yong
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gerlinde A S Metz
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada; Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada.
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Oertel FC, Hastermann M, Paul F. Delimiting MOGAD as a disease entity using translational imaging. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1216477. [PMID: 38333186 PMCID: PMC10851159 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1216477] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The first formal consensus diagnostic criteria for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) were recently proposed. Yet, the distinction of MOGAD-defining characteristics from characteristics of its important differential diagnoses such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and aquaporin-4 antibody seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is still obstructed. In preclinical research, MOG antibody-based animal models were used for decades to derive knowledge about MS. In clinical research, people with MOGAD have been combined into cohorts with other diagnoses. Thus, it remains unclear to which extent the generated knowledge is specifically applicable to MOGAD. Translational research can contribute to identifying MOGAD characteristic features by establishing imaging methods and outcome parameters on proven pathophysiological grounds. This article reviews suitable animal models for translational MOGAD research and the current state and prospect of translational imaging in MOGAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederike Cosima Oertel
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Hastermann
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Ince LM, Darling JS, Sanchez K, Bell KS, Melbourne JK, Davis LK, Nixon K, Gaudet AD, Fonken LK. Sex differences in microglia function in aged rats underlie vulnerability to cognitive decline. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:438-452. [PMID: 37709153 PMCID: PMC10790303 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with a significant shift in immune system reactivity ("inflammaging"), as basal inflammation increases but protective responses to infection are compromised. The immune system exhibits considerable sex differences, which may influence the process of inflammaging, including immune cell activation and behavioral consequences of immune signaling (i.e., impaired memory). Here, we test the hypothesis that sex differences in immune aging may mediate sex differences in cognitive decline. Aged male and female rats received peripheral immune stimulation using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), then molecular, cellular, and behavioral outcomes were assessed. We observed that LPS-treated aged male rats showed cognitive impairment and increased neuroinflammatory responses relative to adult males. In contrast, aged female rats did not display these aging-related deficits. Using transcriptomic and flow cytometry analyses, we further observed significant age- and sex- dependent changes in immune cell populations in the brain parenchyma and meninges, indicating a broad shift in the neuroinflammatory environment that may potentiate these behavioral effects. Ovariectomized aged female rats were also resistant to inflammation-induced memory deficits, indicating that ovarian hormones are not required for the attenuated neuroinflammation in aged females. Overall, our results indicate that males have amplified inflammatory priming with age, which contributes to age-associated cognitive decline. Our findings highlight sexual dimorphism in mechanisms of aging, and suggest that sex is a crucial consideration for identifying therapies for aging and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Ince
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Darling
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kevin Sanchez
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kiersten S Bell
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jennifer K Melbourne
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Lourdes K Davis
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kimberly Nixon
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrew D Gaudet
- Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Laura K Fonken
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Peck T, Davis C, Lenihan-Geels G, Griffiths M, Spijkers-Shaw S, Zubkova OV, La Flamme AC. The novel HS-mimetic, Tet-29, regulates immune cell trafficking across barriers of the CNS during inflammation. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:251. [PMID: 37915090 PMCID: PMC10619265 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02925-4] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruption of the extracellular matrix at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) underpins neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). The degradation of extracellular matrix components, such as heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans, can be prevented by treatment with HS-mimetics through their ability to inhibit the enzyme heparanase. The heparanase-inhibiting ability of our small dendrimer HS-mimetics has been investigated in various cancers but their efficacy in neuroinflammatory models has not been evaluated. This study investigates the use of a novel HS-mimetic, Tet-29, in an animal model of MS. METHODS Neuroinflammation was induced in mice by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a murine model of MS. In addition, the BBB and choroid plexus were modelled in vitro using transmigration assays, and migration of immune cells in vivo and in vitro was quantified by flow cytometry. RESULTS We found that Tet-29 significantly reduced lymphocyte accumulation in the central nervous system which, in turn, decreased disease severity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The disease-modifying effect of Tet-29 was associated with a rescue of BBB integrity, as well as inhibition of activated lymphocyte migration across the BBB and choroid plexus in transwell models. In contrast, Tet-29 did not significantly impair in vivo or in vitro steady state-trafficking under homeostatic conditions. CONCLUSIONS Together these results suggest that Tet-29 modulates, rather than abolishes, trafficking across central nervous system barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Peck
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery Wellington, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Connor Davis
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery Wellington, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Georgia Lenihan-Geels
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery Wellington, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Maddie Griffiths
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Biodiscovery Wellington, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sam Spijkers-Shaw
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Olga V Zubkova
- Centre for Biodiscovery Wellington, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Anne Camille La Flamme
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Centre for Biodiscovery Wellington, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand.
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das Neves SP, Sousa JC, Magalhães R, Gao F, Coppola G, Mériaux S, Boumezbeur F, Sousa N, Cerqueira JJ, Marques F. Astrocytes Undergo Metabolic Reprogramming in the Multiple Sclerosis Animal Model. Cells 2023; 12:2484. [PMID: 37887329 PMCID: PMC10605171 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202484] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that presents a largely unknown etiopathology. The presence of reactive astrocytes in MS lesions has been described for a long time; however, the role that these cells play in the pathophysiology of MS is still not fully understood. Recently, we used an MS animal model to perform high-throughput sequencing of astrocytes' transcriptome during disease progression. Our data show that astrocytes isolated from the cerebellum (a brain region typically affected in MS) showed a strong alteration in the genes that encode for proteins related to several metabolic pathways. Specifically, we found a significant increase in glycogen degradation, glycolytic, and TCA cycle enzymes. Together with these alterations, we detected an upregulation of genes that characterize "astrocyte reactivity". Additionally, at each disease time point we also reconstructed the morphology of cerebellum astrocytes in non-induced controls and in EAE animals, near lesion regions and in the normal-appearing white mater (NAWM). We found that near lesions, astrocytes presented increased length and complexity compared to control astrocytes, while no significant alterations were observed in the NAWM. How these metabolic alterations are linked with disease progression is yet to be uncovered. Herein, we bring to the literature the hypothesis of performing metabolic reprogramming as a novel therapeutic approach in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pereira das Neves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.P.d.N.); (J.C.S.); n (N.S.); (J.J.C.)
- ICVS/3B’s PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Carlos Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.P.d.N.); (J.C.S.); n (N.S.); (J.J.C.)
- ICVS/3B’s PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Magalhães
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Paris-Saclay University, Centre d’études de Saclay, Bâtiment 145, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France (S.M.); (F.B.)
| | - Fuying Gao
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (F.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (F.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Sebatien Mériaux
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Paris-Saclay University, Centre d’études de Saclay, Bâtiment 145, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France (S.M.); (F.B.)
| | - Fawzi Boumezbeur
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Paris-Saclay University, Centre d’études de Saclay, Bâtiment 145, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France (S.M.); (F.B.)
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.P.d.N.); (J.C.S.); n (N.S.); (J.J.C.)
- ICVS/3B’s PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center, 4710-243 Braga, Portugal
| | - João José Cerqueira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.P.d.N.); (J.C.S.); n (N.S.); (J.J.C.)
- ICVS/3B’s PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center, 4710-243 Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Marques
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, Campus Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.P.d.N.); (J.C.S.); n (N.S.); (J.J.C.)
- ICVS/3B’s PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
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Zerimech S, Nguyen H, Vandenbark AA, Offner H, Baltan S. Novel therapeutic for multiple sclerosis protects white matter function in EAE mouse model. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2023; 3:1237078. [PMID: 37933270 PMCID: PMC10627517 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2023.1237078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease with prominent axon dysfunction. Our previous studies in an MS mouse model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), demonstrated that major histocompatibility complex Class II constructs can reverse clinical signs of EAE. These constructs block binding and downstream signaling of macrophage migration inhibitory factors (MIF-1/2) through CD74, thereby inhibiting phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation and tissue inflammation and promoting remyelination. To directly assess the effects of a novel third generation construct, DRhQ, on axon integrity in EAE, we compared axon conduction properties using electrophysiology on corpus callosum slices and optic nerves. By using two distinct white matter (WM) tracts, we aimed to assess the impact of the EAE and the benefit of DRhQ on myelinated and unmyelinated axons as well as to test the clinical value of DRhQ on demyelinating lesions in CC and optic myelitis. Our study found that EAE altered axon excitability, delayed axon conduction and slowed spatiotemporal summation correlated with diffuse astrocyte and microglia activation. Because MS predisposes patients to stroke, we also investigated and showed that vulnerability to WM ischemia is increased in the EAE MS mouse model. Treatment with DRhQ after the onset of EAE drastically inhibited microglial and astrocyte activation, improved functional integrity of the myelinated axons and enhanced recovery after ischemia. These results demonstrate that DRhQ administered after the onset of EAE promotes WM integrity and function, and reduces subsequent vulnerability to ischemic injury, suggesting important therapeutic potential for treatment of progressive MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Zerimech
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (APOM), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (APOM), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Arthur A. Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Halina Offner
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (APOM), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Selva Baltan
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (APOM), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Fiedler T, Fairless R, Pichi K, Fischer R, Richter F, Kontermann RE, Pfizenmaier K, Diem R, Williams SK. Co-modulation of TNFR1 and TNFR2 in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:100. [PMID: 37122019 PMCID: PMC10149004 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02784-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine and master regulator of the immune system. It acts through two receptors resulting in often opposing biological effects, which may explain the lack of therapeutic potential obtained so far in multiple sclerosis (MS) with non-receptor-specific anti-TNF therapeutics. Under neuroinflammatory conditions, such as MS, TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) is believed to mediate the pro-inflammatory activities associated with TNF, whereas TNF receptor-2 (TNFR2) may instead induce anti-inflammatory effects as well as promote remyelination and neuroprotection. In this study, we have investigated the therapeutic potential of blocking TNFR1 whilst simultaneously stimulating TNFR2 in a mouse model of MS. METHODS Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55) in humanized TNFR1 knock-in mice. These were treated with a human-specific TNFR1-selective antagonistic antibody (H398) and a mouse-specific TNFR2 agonist (EHD2-sc-mTNFR2), both in combination and individually. Histopathological analysis of spinal cords was performed to investigate demyelination and inflammatory infiltration, as well as axonal and neuronal degeneration. Retinas were examined for any protective effects on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and neuroprotective signalling pathways analysed by Western blotting. RESULTS TNFR modulation successfully ameliorated symptoms of EAE and reduced demyelination, inflammatory infiltration and axonal degeneration. Furthermore, the combinatorial approach of blocking TNFR1 and stimulating TNFR2 signalling increased RGC survival and promoted the phosphorylation of Akt and NF-κB, both known to mediate neuroprotection. CONCLUSION These results further support the potential of regulating the balance of TNFR signalling, through the co-modulation of TNFR1 and TNFR2 activity, as a novel therapeutic approach in treating inflammatory demyelinating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timon Fiedler
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Otto-Mayerhof-Zentrum (OMZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard Fairless
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Otto-Mayerhof-Zentrum (OMZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kira Pichi
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Otto-Mayerhof-Zentrum (OMZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roman Fischer
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- BioNtech SE, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Fabian Richter
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Immatics Biotechnologies GmbH, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Klaus Pfizenmaier
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ricarda Diem
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Otto-Mayerhof-Zentrum (OMZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah K Williams
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Otto-Mayerhof-Zentrum (OMZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 350, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Autophagic Molecular Alterations in the Mouse Cerebellum Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Following Treatment with Cannabidiol and Fluoxetine. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1797-1809. [PMID: 36576709 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03170-1] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis is one of the most important processes involved in the cell program death, and several mechanisms including oligodendrocyte apoptosis and autophagy play significant roles in activating macrophages, microglial cells, and finally demyelination in neurodegenerative disease. The antidepressants and anti-apoptotic mechanisms of fluoxetine (FLX) and cannabidiol (CBD) commence an autophagic event that can effectively repair myelin. This study aimed to investigate the effect of those reagents on the rate of demyelination in the cerebellum, an important site for white matter in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE was induced in twenty four adult female C57Bl/6 mice were inducted the EAE model; FLX treatment which was performed (10 mg/kg/IP) and CBD; were treated (5 mg/kg/IP); and their cerebellum was used for Western blotting, real-time PCR to autophagic markers of LC3II, Beclin-1, and apoptotic markers Bax and Bcl2 evaluation and Luxol Fast Blue staining to the assessment of demyelination. The level of autophagic markers was expressively elevated (P < 0.01) but the pro-apoptotic markers and Bax/Bcl2 ratio were reduced (P < 0.05). Luxol Fast Blue staining confirmed the noteworthy diminution of demyelination in treatment groups (P < 0.001). This finding clarified that FLX and CBD ameliorate the severity of the EAE model. Combinatory treatments of these two agents are suggested for future investigations.
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Davanzo GG, Castro G, Monteiro LDB, Castelucci BG, Jaccomo VH, da Silva FC, Marques AM, Francelin C, de Campos BB, de Aguiar CF, Joazeiro PP, Consonni SR, Farias ADS, Moraes-Vieira PM. Obesity increases blood-brain barrier permeability and aggravates the mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 72:104605. [PMID: 36907120 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Obesity-induced insulin resistance (OIR) has been associated with an increased prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Obesity results in increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, specifically in the hypothalamic regions associated with the control of caloric intake. In obesity, the chronic state of low-grade inflammation has been implicated in several chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorders. However, the mechanisms that connect the inflammatory profile of obesity with the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) are poorly defined. In this study, we show that obese mice are more susceptible to EAE, presenting a worse clinical score with more severe pathological changes in the spinal cord when compared with control mice. Analysis of immune infiltrates at the peak of the disease shows that high-fat diet (HFD)- and control (chow)-fed groups do not present any difference in innate or adaptive immune cell compartments, indicating the increased severity occurs prior to disease onset. In the setting of worsening EAE in HFD-fed mice, we observed spinal cord lesions in myelinated regions and (blood brain barrier) BBB disruption. We also found higher levels of pro-inflammatory monocytes, macrophages, and IFN-γ+CD4+ T cells in the HFD-fed group compared to chow-fed animals. Altogether, our results indicate that OIR promotes BBB disruption, allowing the infiltration of monocytes/macrophages and activation of resident microglia, ultimately promoting CNS inflammation and exacerbation of EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Gastão Davanzo
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Gisele Castro
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Lauar de Brito Monteiro
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Bianca Gazieri Castelucci
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Cytochemistry and Immunocytochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Vitor Hugo Jaccomo
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Corrêa da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Marques
- Autoimmune Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Carolina Francelin
- Autoimmune Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Bruna Bueno de Campos
- Autoimmune Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Cristhiane Fávero de Aguiar
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Pinto Joazeiro
- Laboratory of Cytochemistry and Immunocytochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Sílvio Roberto Consonni
- Laboratory of Cytochemistry and Immunocytochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Dos Santos Farias
- Autoimmune Research Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil; Experimental Medicine Research Cluster, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil; Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Pedro M Moraes-Vieira
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, SP, Brazil; Experimental Medicine Research Cluster, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil; Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
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11
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Offner H, Lockwood D, Meza-Romero R, Vandenbark AA. PD-L1 is required for estrogen-induced protection against severe EAE in IL-10 deficient mice 1. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:589-599. [PMID: 36454506 PMCID: PMC9976593 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01129-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND IL-10 knockout (KO) mice can be protected against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) with low-dose estrogen (E2) treatment similar to wild type (WT) mice, indicating that IL-10 is not required for E2-induced EAE protection. Our previous study demonstrated that E2 treatment induced an increase in programmed death ligands 1 (PD-L1) and 2 (PD-L2) on monocytes and macrophages in the periphery and within the CNS. In this study, we selectively inhibited the function of PD-L1 and PD-L2 to evaluate their critical role in maintaining E2-induced protection against EAE in IL-10-KO mice. METHODS This study used female IL-10 KO mice pre-treated with either E2 or sham pellets seven days prior to induction of EAE and subsequently treated with Vehicle or antibodies to PD-L1, PD-L2 or respective isotype controls. Mice were scored daily for EAE severity over 21 days post-EAE induction. Cells from the spleen and brain were evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Differences in EAE severity were assessed in E2 and sham pre-treated IL-10-KO mice treated with α-PD-L1 or α-PD-L2 antibodies over the course of disease compared to treatment with Vehicle or isotype control antibodies. The results revealed real-time development of severe EAE in E2-pre-treated IL-10-KO mice treated with α-PD-L1 but not α-PD-L2 antibodies, mediated in part by increased percentages of activated CD74+CD11b+ myeloid cells in spleen and brain as well as splenic B-cells, T-cells and CD73+ cells. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate unequivocally that PD-L1 but not PD-L2 was required to retain the inhibitory effects of E2 on clinical EAE scores in female IL-10-KO mice and further implicate the emergence of the MIF/CD74 axis as a contributing pathogenic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Offner
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, R&D-31, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd., 97239, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Denesa Lockwood
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Roberto Meza-Romero
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Arthur A Vandenbark
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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12
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Boziki M, Theotokis P, Kesidou E, Karafoulidou E, Konstantinou C, Michailidou I, Bahar Y, Altintas A, Grigoriadis N. Sex, aging and immunity in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: An intriguing interaction. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1104552. [PMID: 36698908 PMCID: PMC9869255 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1104552] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with a profound neurodegenerative component early in the disease pathogenesis. Age is a factor with a well-described effect on the primary disease phenotype, namely, the relapsing-remitting vs. the primary progressive disease. Moreover, aging is a prominent factor contributing to the transition from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) to secondary progressive disease. However, sex also seems to, at least in part, dictate disease phenotype and evolution, as evidenced in humans and in animal models of the disease. Sex-specific gene expression profiles have recently elucidated an association with differential immunological signatures in the context of experimental disease. This review aims to summarize current knowledge stemming from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models regarding the effects of sex, either independently or as a factor combined with aging, on disease phenotype, with relevance to the immune system and the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Boziki
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kesidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Karafoulidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrystalla Konstantinou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Iliana Michailidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ayse Altintas
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, 2nd Neurological University Department, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,*Correspondence: Nikolaos Grigoriadis ✉
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Alvarez-Sanchez N, Dunn SE. Potential biological contributers to the sex difference in multiple sclerosis progression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175874. [PMID: 37122747 PMCID: PMC10140530 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that targets the myelin sheath of central nervous system (CNS) neurons leading to axon injury, neuronal death, and neurological progression. Though women are more highly susceptible to developing MS, men that develop this disease exhibit greater cognitive impairment and accumulate disability more rapidly than women. Magnetic resonance imaging and pathology studies have revealed that the greater neurological progression seen in males correlates with chronic immune activation and increased iron accumulation at the rims of chronic white matter lesions as well as more intensive whole brain and grey matter atrophy and axon loss. Studies in humans and in animal models of MS suggest that male aged microglia do not have a higher propensity for inflammation, but may become more re-active at the rim of white matter lesions as a result of the presence of pro-inflammatory T cells, greater astrocyte activation or iron release from oligodendrocytes in the males. There is also evidence that remyelination is more efficient in aged female than aged male rodents and that male neurons are more susceptible to oxidative and nitrosative stress. Both sex chromosome complement and sex hormones contribute to these sex differences in biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Alvarez-Sanchez
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon E. Dunn
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Shannon E. Dunn,
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McCombe PA, Greer JM. Effects of biological sex and pregnancy in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: It's complicated. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1059833. [PMID: 36518769 PMCID: PMC9742606 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1059833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) can be induced in many animal strains by inoculation with central nervous system antigens and adjuvant or by the passive transfer of lymphocytes reactive with these antigens and is widely used as an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS). There are reports that female sex and pregnancy affect EAE. Here we review the effects of biological sex and the effects of pregnancy on the clinical features (including disease susceptibility) and pathophysiology of EAE. We also review reports of the possible mechanisms underlying these differences. These include sex-related differences in the immune system and in the central nervous system, the effects of hormones and the sex chromosomes and molecules unique to pregnancy. We also review sex differences in the response to factors that can modify the course of EAE. Our conclusion is that the effects of biological sex in EAE vary amongst animal models and should not be widely extrapolated. In EAE, it is therefore essential that studies looking at the effects of biological sex or pregnancy give full information about the model that is used (i.e. animal strain, sex, the inducing antigen, timing of EAE induction in relation to pregnancy, etc.). In addition, it would be preferable if more than one EAE model were used, to show if any observed effects are generalizable. This is clearly a field that requires further work. However, understanding of the mechanisms of sex differences could lead to greater understanding of EAE, and suggest possible therapies for MS.
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15
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Faraji J, Gustafson C, Bettenson D, Negoro H, Yong VW, Metz GAS. Bladder dysfunction in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis reflects clinical severity: A pilot study. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 372:577973. [PMID: 36209613 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577973] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is commonly associated with bladder dysfunction resulting in a progressive loss of voluntary control for urination over time. Here, we used the voided stain on paper (VSOP) method to investigate bladder function in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS. Using the VSOP test, we show that bladder dysfunction reflects pro-inflammatory processes of EAE and severity of clinical EAE symptoms, as characterized by increased urine voided volume per micturition (UVVM) on post-induction day 7 and decreased UVVM on post-induction day 14. The UVVM was closely related to a clinical disease index of EAE symptoms and plasma granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) cytokine levels. UVVM was also sensitive to early life stress caused by animal transportation, which diminished UVVM at the peak of symptoms on post-induction day 14 in EAE mice. The results indicate that symptoms and progression of EAE can be reliably measured by VSOP as a non-motor function assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshid Faraji
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - Connor Gustafson
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Dennis Bettenson
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Hiromitsu Negoro
- Department of Urology, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - V Wee Yong
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gerlinde A S Metz
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada; Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada.
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16
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Vogel A, Kerndl M, Schabbauer G, Sharif O. Protocol to assess the tolerogenic properties of adoptively transferred dendritic cells during murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101653. [PMID: 36065293 PMCID: PMC9440594 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
By their capacity to induce peripheral T cell tolerance, dendritic cells (DCs) present a promising target cell and therapeutic strategy for treatment of several autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS). This protocol describes how to determine the tolerogenic capacities of DCs in the context of the murine MS model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We provide a step-by-step instruction for EAE induction, antigen-loaded bone-marrow-derived-DC (BM-DC) generation, adoptive cell transfer, and analysis of DC-mediated changes in regulatory T cell populations. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Vogel et al. (2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vogel
- Institute for Vascular Biology, Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Arginine Metabolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martina Kerndl
- Institute for Vascular Biology, Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Arginine Metabolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gernot Schabbauer
- Institute for Vascular Biology, Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Arginine Metabolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Omar Sharif
- Institute for Vascular Biology, Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Arginine Metabolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis, Vienna, Austria.
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17
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Faraji J, Bettenson D, Babatunde S, Gangur-Powell T, Yong VW, Metz GA. Thermoregulatory dynamics reveal sex-specific inflammatory responses to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice: Implications for multiple sclerosis-induced fatigue in females. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 23:100477. [PMID: 35677535 PMCID: PMC9167694 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by striking sex differences in symptoms such as fatigue and impaired thermal regulation, which are associated with aggravated systemic pro-inflammatory processes. The purpose of this study was to replicate these symptoms in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 mice in the quest to advance the preclinical study of non-motor symptoms of MS. Male and female C57BL/6 mice exposed to a mild form of EAE were evaluated for the progression of clinical, behavioural, thermal, and inflammatory processes. We show higher susceptibility in females to EAE than males based on greater clinical score and cumulative disease index (CDI), fatigue-like and anxiety-like behaviours. Accordingly, infrared (IR) thermography indicated higher cutaneous temperatures in females from post-induction days 12-23. Females also responded to EAE with greater splenic and adrenal gland weights than males as well as sex-specific changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. These findings provide the first evidence of a sex-specific thermal response to immune-mediated demyelination, thus proposing a non-invasive assessment approach of the psychophysiological dynamics in EAE mice. The results are discussed in relation to the thermoregulatory correlates of fatigue and how endogenously elevated body temperature without direct heat exposure may be linked to psychomotor inhibition in patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshid Faraji
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Dennis Bettenson
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Stella Babatunde
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Tabitha Gangur-Powell
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Voon Wee Yong
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gerlinde A.S. Metz
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
- Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
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Packialakshmi B, Hira S, Lund K, Zhang AH, Halterman J, Feng Y, Scott DW, Lees JR, Zhou X. NFAT5 contributes to the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and decrease of T regulatory cells in female mice. Cell Immunol 2022; 375:104515. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2022.104515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Immune Cell Contributors to the Female Sex Bias in Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 62:333-373. [PMID: 35467295 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to axonal damage and accumulation of disability. Relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) is the most frequent presentation of MS and this form of MS is three times more prevalent in females than in males. This female bias in MS is apparent only after puberty, suggesting a role for sex hormones in this regulation; however, very little is known of the biological mechanisms that underpin the sex difference in MS onset. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of RR-MS that presents more severely in females in certain mouse strains and thus has been useful to study sex differences in CNS autoimmunity. Here, we overview the immunopathogenesis of MS and EAE and how immune mechanisms in these diseases differ between a male and female. We further describe how females exhibit more robust myelin-specific T helper (Th) 1 immunity in MS and EAE and how this sex bias in Th cells is conveyed by sex hormone effects on the T cells, antigen presenting cells, regulatory T cells, and innate lymphoid cell populations.
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Harris KM, Clements MA, Kwilasz AJ, Watkins LR. T cell transgressions: Tales of T cell form and function in diverse disease states. Int Rev Immunol 2022; 41:475-516. [PMID: 34152881 PMCID: PMC8752099 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2021.1921764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Insights into T cell form, function, and dysfunction are rapidly evolving. T cells have remarkably varied effector functions including protecting the host from infection, activating cells of the innate immune system, releasing cytokines and chemokines, and heavily contributing to immunological memory. Under healthy conditions, T cells orchestrate a finely tuned attack on invading pathogens while minimizing damage to the host. The dark side of T cells is that they also exhibit autoreactivity and inflict harm to host cells, creating autoimmunity. The mechanisms of T cell autoreactivity are complex and dynamic. Emerging research is elucidating the mechanisms leading T cells to become autoreactive and how such responses cause or contribute to diverse disease states, both peripherally and within the central nervous system. This review provides foundational information on T cell development, differentiation, and functions. Key T cell subtypes, cytokines that create their effector roles, and sex differences are highlighted. Pathological T cell contributions to diverse peripheral and central disease states, arising from errors in reactivity, are highlighted, with a focus on multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, and type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Linda R. Watkins
- Corresponding author: Ph: 720-387-0304, Fax: 303-735-8290, , Address: 2860 Wilderness Place, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80301
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Fragas MG, Oliveira DMD, Hiyane MI, Braga TT, Camara NOS. The dual effect of acetate on microglial TNF-α production. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2022; 77:100062. [PMID: 35779458 PMCID: PMC9254000 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2022.100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) are products of intestinal microbial metabolism that can reach the brain and alter microglia in health and disease contexts. However, data are conflicting on the effect of acetate, the most abundant SCFA in the blood, in these cells. OBJECTIVE The authors aimed to investigate acetate as a modulator of the inflammatory response in microglia stimulated with LPS. METHOD The authors used an immortalized cell line, C8-B4, and primary cells for in vitro treatments with acetate and LPS. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT, cytokine by RT-PCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry. The authors also performed in vivo and in silico analyses to study the role of acetate and the TNF-α contribution to the development of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). RESULTS Acetate co-administered with LPS was able to exacerbate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines at gene and protein levels in cell lines and primary culture of microglia. However, the same effects were not observed when acetate was administered alone or as pretreatment, prior to the LPS stimulus. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition of histone deacetylase concomitantly with acetate and LPS led to decreased TNF-α production. In silico analysis showed a crucial role of the TNF-α pathway in EAE development. Moreover, acetate administration in vivo during the initial phase of EAE led to a better disease outcome and reduced TNF-α production. CONCLUSION Treatment with acetate was able to promote the production of TNF-α in a concomitant LPS stimulus of microglia. However, the immune modulation of microglia by acetate pretreatment may be a component in the generation of future therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Garcia Fragas
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB IV), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel May de Oliveira
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB IV), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Meire Ioshie Hiyane
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB IV), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tarcio Teodoro Braga
- Department of Basic Pathology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil; Biosciences and Biotechnology Graduation Program, Instituto Carlos Chagas (ICC), Fiocruz, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Camara
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB IV), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Nephrology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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22
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Segal JP, Phillips S, Dubois RM, Silva JR, Haird CM, Gale D, Hopman WM, Gallivan J, Gilron I, Ghasemlou N. Weight bearing as a measure of disease progression in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 361:577730. [PMID: 34628133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577730] [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: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Motor disability in multiple sclerosis is often modeled using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and assessed using the clinical score (CS), an observer-dependent tool that can lead to potential bias. The Advanced Dynamic Weight Bearing (ADWB) system was evaluated as an observer-independent measurement of EAE symptoms. ADWB detected weight shifts onto the front paws as mice develop hindlimb motor disability. CS and ADWB were strongly correlated, indicated that these measures are comparable and suggesting that ADWB may be an appropriate observer-independent tool for the assessment of EAE progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia P Segal
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Phillips
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rosalin M Dubois
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jaqueline R Silva
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cortney M Haird
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Gale
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wilma M Hopman
- Clinical Research Centre, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason Gallivan
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian Gilron
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nader Ghasemlou
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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23
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Ryan L, Mills KHG. Sex differences regulate immune responses in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis. Eur J Immunol 2021; 52:24-33. [PMID: 34727577 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
MS is an autoimmune disease of the CNS that afflicts over 2.5 million people worldwide. There are striking sex differences in the susceptibility to and progression of this disease in humans. Females are twice as likely to develop MS than males, whereas disease progression and disability is more rapid in males compared with females; however, the latter is still controversial. There is growing evidence, mainly from animal models, that innate and adaptive immune responses are different in males and females, and that this can influence the outcome of a range of diseases including infection, cancer, and autoimmunity. Since MS is an immune-mediated disease, sex differences in pathogenic immune responses may account for some of the differences in susceptibility to and progression seen in men versus women. Indeed, data from the mouse model of MS, EAE, have already provided some evidence that female mice have earlier disease onset associated with stronger Th17 responses. This review will discuss the possible immunological basis of sex differences in susceptibility and disease outcome in EAE and MS and how a better understanding of sex differences in the responses to disease-modifying therapies may lead to improved patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Ryan
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Kingston H G Mills
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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24
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Vandenbark AA, Meza-Romero R, Wiedrick J, Gerstner G, Headrick A, Kent G, Seifert H, Benedek G, Bucala R, Offner H. Brief report: Enhanced DRα1-mMOG-35-55 treatment of severe EAE in MIF-1-deficient male mice. Cell Immunol 2021; 370:104439. [PMID: 34607646 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF-1) and its homologue d-dopachrome tautomerase (MIF-2) share the common CD74 receptor and function innately to enhance severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model for MS. We previously demonstrated that genetically high-MIF-expressing male subjects with relapsing MS had a significantly greater risk of conversion to progressive MS (PMS) than lower-MIF-expressing males. To expand on this observation, we utilized MIF-1, MIF-2, and MIF-1/2-DUAL-deficient male mice to discern if there would be a greater contribution of these inflammatory factors in EAE mice with severe vs. moderate clinical disease signs. As shown previously, mice deficient in either MIF-1 or MIF-2 each had a ∼25% reduction of moderate EAE compared to WT mice, with significant differences in disease onset and trajectory. However, EAE induction in mice deficient in both MIF-1 and MIF-2 genes did not result in a further reduction in EAE severity. This result suggests that the two MIF homologues were likely affecting the same pathogenic pathways such that each could partially compensate for the other but not in an additive or synergistic manner. However, MIF-1-KO, MIF-2-KO, and MIF-1/2-DUAL-KO mice with severe EAE did not exhibit a significant reduction in cumulative EAE scores compared with WT mice, but the MIF-1-KO and, to a lesser extent, MIF-1/2-DUAL-KO mice did show a significant reduction in daily EAE scores over the last 3 days of observation, and MIF-2-KO mice showed a more modest but still consistent reduction over the same span. Furthermore, deletion of MIF-1 resulted in a massive reduction in the expression of EAE- and Complete Freund's Adjuvant-associated inflammatory factors, suggesting delayed involvement of the MIF/CD74 axis in promoting disease expression. To further explore modulation of MIF-1 and MIF-2 effects on EAE, we treated WT mice with moderate EAE using DRα1-mMOG-35-55, an inhibitor of CD74 that blocks both MIF-1 and MIF-2 action. This treatment reduced ongoing moderate EAE severity in excess of 25%, suggesting efficient blockade of the MIF/CD74 axis in disease-enhancing pathways. Moreover, DRα1-mMOG-35-55 treatment of mice with severe EAE strongly reversed EAE- and CFA-associated expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including Tnf, Ccr7, Ccr6, Ccl8, Cxcr3, and Ccl19 in MIF-deficient mouse genotypes, and also exceeded innate MIF-1 and MIF-2 EAE enhancing effects, especially in MIF-1-KO mice. These results illustrate the therapeutic potential of targeting the disease-enhancing MIF/CD74 pathway in male mice with moderate and severe EAE, with implications for treatment of high-MIF-expressing RRMS human males at risk of conversion to progressive MS as well as those that have already transitioned to PMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, United States.
| | - Roberto Meza-Romero
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Jack Wiedrick
- Biostatistics & Design Program, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Grant Gerstner
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, 200 Mullins Dr, Lebanon, OR, United States
| | - Ashley Headrick
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Gail Kent
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Hilary Seifert
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Gil Benedek
- Tissue Typing and Immunogenetics Unit, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Richard Bucala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, United States
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25
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Abstract
Animal models with high translational validity are essential tools in understanding disease pathogenesis and in the development of therapeutic strategies. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system characterized by progressive neurological deficits and socioeconomic burden. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the most extensively utilized animal model of MS, with well-characterized rodent and non-human primate variants. The EAE model is typically induced by either active immunization with myelin-derived proteins or peptides in adjuvant or by passive transfer of activated myelin-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes. To date, the EAE model has been an essential tool in the development of at least seven U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved immunomodulatory drugs for the treatment of MS, including glatiramer acetate, fingolimod, and natalizumab. However, the translational validity of the EAE model is frequently compromised due to poor study design, inconsistent clinical scoring endpoints, and inappropriate statistical calculations. No single animal model accurately reflects the complexity of human MS pathogenesis. Beyond EAE, multiple additional animal models are described, including Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus and cuprizone-induced demyelination, which facilitate the study of pathogen-induced CNS autoimmunity and remyelination, respectively. This overview summarizes several of the most frequently used animal models of MS and highlights key factors that significantly influence the experimental outcome and affect translational validity. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Smith
- Incyte Research Institute, Wilmington, Delaware
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26
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Ribeiro AR, Barros C, Barateiro A, Howlett SE, Fernandes A. Improved assessment of overall health in variably aged murine models of Multiple Sclerosis with a novel frailty index tool. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 77:1-9. [PMID: 34181005 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model is the most commonly used animal model of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, phenotypic characterization of mice based on the traditional 5-point clinical paralysis scale does not fully capture disease progression. The frailty index (FI) conceptualizes frailty as the accumulation of health deficits and it is widely used to assess overall health in aging humans and pre-clinical models. Here we adapted an established mouse FI tool for use in EAE mice and determined whether this could evaluate general signs of health in variably aged female EAE mice. The EAE-Clinical FI included 34 items related to clinical signs and deficits characteristic of aging and MS. This tool clearly showed more detailed EAE progression and severity at all ages, highlighting changes in systems other than motor paralysis measured with the traditional 5-point paralysis scale. When we induced disease at 3- and 6-months-of-age, mice showed typical EAE clinical manifestations with peak disease severity between 17-19 days post-induction and mean frailty scores of 0.36 ± 0.04 (3-month-old) and 0.43 ± 0.05 (6-month-old). By contrast, disease severity peaked after 14 days in 12-month-old mice. They showed atypical signs including wobbling, early belly drag, and splayed hindlegs that were better captured with the EAE-Clinical FI. Peak frailty scores also were higher than those of younger animals (0.54 ± 0.04). As MS most often develops in young to middle-aged people, this new tool may have significant value for use in EAE animal studies as first step towards translation to people with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Ribeiro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Barros
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andreia Barateiro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susan E Howlett
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Geriatric Medicine), Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Adelaide Fernandes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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27
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Matejuk A, Vandenbark AA, Offner H. Cross-Talk of the CNS With Immune Cells and Functions in Health and Disease. Front Neurol 2021; 12:672455. [PMID: 34135852 PMCID: PMC8200536 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.672455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system's role is much more than merely recognizing self vs. non-self and involves maintaining homeostasis and integrity of the organism starting from early development to ensure proper organ function later in life. Unlike other systems, the central nervous system (CNS) is separated from the peripheral immune machinery that, for decades, has been envisioned almost entirely as detrimental to the nervous system. New research changes this view and shows that blood-borne immune cells (both adaptive and innate) can provide homeostatic support to the CNS via neuroimmune communication. Neurodegeneration is mostly viewed through the lens of the resident brain immune populations with little attention to peripheral circulation. For example, cognition declines with impairment of peripheral adaptive immunity but not with the removal of microglia. Therapeutic failures of agents targeting the neuroinflammation framework (inhibiting immune response), especially in neurodegenerative disorders, call for a reconsideration of immune response contributions. It is crucial to understand cross-talk between the CNS and the immune system in health and disease to decipher neurodestructive and neuroprotective immune mechanisms for more efficient therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Matejuk
- Department of Immunology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Arthur A Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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