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Sobek J, Li J, Combes BF, Gerez JA, Henrich MT, Geibl FF, Nilsson PR, Shi K, Rominger A, Oertel WH, Nitsch RM, Nordberg A, Ågren H, Ni R. Efficient characterization of multiple binding sites of small molecule imaging ligands on amyloid-beta, tau and alpha-synuclein. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024:10.1007/s00259-024-06806-7. [PMID: 38953933 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06806-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is an unmet need for compounds to detect fibrillar forms of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) and 4-repeat tau, which are critical in many neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we aim to develop an efficient surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based assay to facilitate the characterization of small molecules that can bind these fibrils. METHODS SPR measurements were conducted to characterize the binding properties of fluorescent ligands/compounds toward recombinant amyloid-beta (Aβ)42, K18-tau, full-length 2N4R-tau and αSyn fibrils. In silico modeling was performed to examine the binding pockets of ligands on αSyn fibrils. Immunofluorescence staining of postmortem brain tissue slices from Parkinson's disease patients and mouse models was performed with fluorescence ligands and specific antibodies. RESULTS We optimized the protocol for the immobilization of Aβ42, K18-tau, full-length 2N4R-tau and αSyn fibrils in a controlled aggregation state on SPR-sensor chips and for assessing their binding to ligands. The SPR results from the analysis of binding kinetics suggested the presence of at least two binding sites for all fibrils, including luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes, benzothiazole derivatives, nonfluorescent methylene blue and lansoprazole. In silico modeling studies for αSyn (6H6B) revealed four binding sites with a preference for one site on the surface. Immunofluorescence staining validated the detection of pS129-αSyn positivity in the brains of Parkinson's disease patients and αSyn preformed-fibril injected mice, 6E10-positive Aβ in arcAβ mice, and AT-8/AT-100-positivity in pR5 mice. CONCLUSION SPR measurements of small molecules binding to Aβ42, K18/full-length 2N4R-tau and αSyn fibrils suggested the existence of multiple binding sites. This approach may provide efficient characterization of compounds for neurodegenerative disease-relevant proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Sobek
- Functional Genomics Center, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Junhao Li
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Benjamin F Combes
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Juan A Gerez
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin T Henrich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Fanni F Geibl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Peter R Nilsson
- Divison of Chemistry, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kuangyu Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Axel Rominger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang H Oertel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Roger M Nitsch
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Agneta Nordberg
- Divison of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans Ågren
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Porcu S, Corpino R, Carbonaro CM, Ricci PC, Vargiu AV, Sanna AL, Sforazzini G, Chiriu D. Promising Molecular Architectures for Two-Photon Probes in the Diagnosis of α-Synuclein Aggregates. Molecules 2024; 29:2817. [PMID: 38930882 PMCID: PMC11207056 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122817] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The abnormal deposition of protein in the brain is the central factor in neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). These detrimental aggregates, stemming from the misfolding and subsequent irregular aggregation of α-synuclein protein, are primarily accountable for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. Two-photon-excited (TPE) probes are a promising tool for the early-stage diagnosis of these pathologies as they provide accurate spatial resolution, minimal intrusion, and the ability for prolonged observation. To identify compounds with the potential to function as diagnostic probes using two-photon techniques, we explore three distinct categories of compounds: Hydroxyl azobenzene (AZO-OH); Dicyano-vinyl bithiophene (DCVBT); and Tetra-amino phthalocyanine (PcZnNH2). The molecules were structurally and optically characterized using a multi-technique approach via UV-vis absorption, Raman spectroscopy, three-dimensional fluorescence mapping (PLE), time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), and pump and probe measurements. Furthermore, quantum chemical and molecular docking calculations were performed to provide insights into the photophysical properties of the compounds as well as to assess their affinity with the α-synuclein protein. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the accuracy of in vivo probing, contributing to early Parkinson's disease (PD) detection and ultimately allowing for targeted intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Porcu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP n°8, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (S.P.); (R.C.); (C.M.C.); (P.C.R.); (A.V.V.)
| | - Riccardo Corpino
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP n°8, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (S.P.); (R.C.); (C.M.C.); (P.C.R.); (A.V.V.)
| | - Carlo Maria Carbonaro
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP n°8, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (S.P.); (R.C.); (C.M.C.); (P.C.R.); (A.V.V.)
| | - Pier Carlo Ricci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP n°8, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (S.P.); (R.C.); (C.M.C.); (P.C.R.); (A.V.V.)
| | - Attilio Vittorio Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP n°8, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (S.P.); (R.C.); (C.M.C.); (P.C.R.); (A.V.V.)
| | - Anna Laura Sanna
- Department of Chemistry and Hearth Science, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP n°8, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Sforazzini
- Department of Chemistry and Hearth Science, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP n°8, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy;
| | - Daniele Chiriu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP n°8, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (S.P.); (R.C.); (C.M.C.); (P.C.R.); (A.V.V.)
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Sigurdsson EM. Tau Immunotherapies for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Tauopathies: Status of Trials and Insights from Preclinical Studies. J Alzheimers Dis 2024:JAD231238. [PMID: 38427486 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The tau protein undergoes pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies that eventually lead to functional impairments. Over the years, several therapeutic approaches have been examined to slow or halt the progression of tau pathology but have yet to lead to an approved disease-modifying treatment. Of the drugs in clinical trials that directly target tau, immunotherapies are the largest category and mostly consist of antibodies in different stages of development. There is a reasonable optimism that at least some of these compounds will have a clinically meaningful efficacy. This view is based on the significant although modest efficacy of some antibodies targeting amyloid-β in Alzheimer's disease and the fact that tau pathology correlates much better with the degree of dementia than amyloid-β lesions. In Alzheimer's disease, clearing pathological tau may therefore improve function later in the disease process than when removing amyloid-β. This review provides a brief update on the active and passive clinical tau immunization trials with insight from preclinical studies. Various epitopes are being targeted and some of the antibodies are said to target extracellular tau but because almost all of pathological tau is found intracellularly, the most efficacious antibodies should be able to enter the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einar M Sigurdsson
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Psychiatry, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Congdon EE, Ji C, Tetlow AM, Jiang Y, Sigurdsson EM. Tau-targeting therapies for Alzheimer disease: current status and future directions. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:715-736. [PMID: 37875627 PMCID: PMC10965012 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00883-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in older individuals. AD is characterized pathologically by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, with associated loss of synapses and neurons, which eventually results in dementia. Many of the early attempts to develop treatments for AD focused on Aβ, but a lack of efficacy of these treatments in terms of slowing disease progression led to a change of strategy towards targeting of tau pathology. Given that tau shows a stronger correlation with symptom severity than does Aβ, targeting of tau is more likely to be efficacious once cognitive decline begins. Anti-tau therapies initially focused on post-translational modifications, inhibition of tau aggregation and stabilization of microtubules. However, trials of many potential drugs were discontinued because of toxicity and/or lack of efficacy. Currently, the majority of tau-targeting agents in clinical trials are immunotherapies. In this Review, we provide an update on the results from the initial immunotherapy trials and an overview of new therapeutic candidates that are in clinical development, as well as considering future directions for tau-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Congdon
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Changyi Ji
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amber M Tetlow
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yixiang Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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5
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Li L, Miao J, Jiang Y, Dai CL, Iqbal K, Liu F, Chu D. Passive immunization inhibits tau phosphorylation and improves recognition learning and memory in 3xTg-AD mice. Exp Neurol 2023; 362:114337. [PMID: 36717015 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Tau pathology is essential in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Tau immunotherapy aimed at reducing the progression of tau pathology provides a potential therapeutic strategy for treating these diseases. By screening monoclonal antibodies 43D, 63B, 39E10, and 77G7 that recognize epitopes ranging from tau's N-terminus to C-terminus, we found the 77G7, which targets the microtubule-binding domain promoted tau clearance in a dose-dependent manner by entering neuronal cells in vitro. Intra-cerebroventricular injection of 77G7 antibody reduced tau levels in the wild-type FVB mouse brain. Without influencing the levels of detergent-insoluble and aggregated tau, intravenous injection of 77G7 reduced tau hyperphosphorylation in the brain and improved novel object recognition but not spatial learning and memory in 15-18-month-old 3xTg-AD mice. These studies suggest that epitopes recognized by tau antibodies are crucial for the efficacy of immunotherapy. Immunization with antibody 77G7 provides a novel potential opportunity for tau-directed immunotherapy of AD and related tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
| | - Jin Miao
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; Laboratory Animal Center, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yanli Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
| | - Chun-Ling Dai
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA.
| | - Dandan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA.
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Bajracharya R, Cruz E, Götz J, Nisbet RM. Ultrasound-mediated delivery of novel tau-specific monoclonal antibody enhances brain uptake but not therapeutic efficacy. J Control Release 2022; 349:634-648. [PMID: 35901857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tau-specific immunotherapy is an attractive strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. However, effectively targeting tau in the brain remains a considerable challenge due to the restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which excludes an estimated >99% of peripherally administered antibodies. However, their transport across the BBB can be facilitated by a novel modality, low-intensity scanning ultrasound used in combination with intravenously injected microbubbles (SUS+MB). We have previously shown that SUS+MB-mediated delivery of a tau-specific antibody in a single-chain (scFv) format to tau transgenic mice enhanced brain and neuronal uptake and subsequently, reduced tau pathology and improved behavioural outcomes to a larger extent than either scFv or SUS+MB on its own. Here we generated a novel tau-specific monoclonal antibody, RNF5, and validated it in its IgG format in the presence or absence of SUS+MB by treating K369I tau transgenic K3 mice once weekly for 12 weeks. We found that both RNF5 and SUS+MB treatments on their own significantly reduced tau pathology. In the combination group (RNF5 + SUS+MB), however, despite increased antibody localization in the brain, there were no further reductions in tau pathology when compared to RNF5 treatment alone. Furthermore, following SUS+MB, RNF5 accumulated heavily within cells across the pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus, that were negative for MAP2 and p-tau, suggesting that SUS+MB may not facilitate enhanced RNF5 engagement of intraneuronal tau. Overall, our new findings reveal the complexities of combining tau immunotherapy with SUS+MB and challenge the view that this is a straight-forward approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinie Bajracharya
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Esteban Cruz
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Rebecca M Nisbet
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia; Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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Non-invasive imaging of tau-targeted probe uptake by whole brain multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:2137-2152. [PMID: 35128565 PMCID: PMC9165274 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05708-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Abnormal tau accumulation within the brain plays an important role in tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. High-resolution imaging of tau deposits at the whole-brain scale in animal disease models is highly desired. Methods We approached this challenge by non-invasively imaging the brains of P301L mice of 4-repeat tau with concurrent volumetric multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (vMSOT) at ~ 115 μm spatial resolution using the tau-targeted pyridinyl-butadienyl-benzothiazole derivative PBB5 (i.v.). In vitro probe characterization, concurrent vMSOT and epi-fluorescence imaging of in vivo PBB5 targeting (i.v.) was performed in P301L and wild-type mice, followed by ex vivo validation using AT-8 antibody for phosphorylated tau. Results PBB5 showed specific binding to recombinant K18 tau fibrils by fluorescence assay, to post-mortem Alzheimer’s disease brain tissue homogenate by competitive binding against [11C]PBB3 and to tau deposits (AT-8 positive) in post-mortem corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy brains. Dose-dependent optoacoustic and fluorescence signal intensities were observed in the mouse brains following i.v. administration of different concentrations of PBB5. In vivo vMSOT brain imaging of P301L mice showed higher retention of PBB5 in the tau-laden cortex and hippocampus compared to wild-type mice, as confirmed by ex vivo vMSOT, epi-fluorescence, multiphoton microscopy, and immunofluorescence staining. Conclusions We demonstrated non-invasive whole-brain imaging of tau in P301L mice with vMSOT system using PBB5 at a previously unachieved ~ 115 μm spatial resolution. This platform provides a new tool to study tau spreading and clearance in a tauopathy mouse model, foreseeable in monitoring tau targeting putative therapeutics. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00259-022-05708-w.
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Ni R. Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Tauopathy Animal Models. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:791679. [PMID: 35145392 PMCID: PMC8821905 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.791679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau plays an important role in tauopathic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and primary tauopathies such as progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration. Tauopathy animal models, such as transgenic, knock-in mouse and rat models, recapitulating tauopathy have facilitated the understanding of disease mechanisms. Aberrant accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau contributes to synaptic deficits, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration, leading to cognitive impairment in animal models. Recent advances in molecular imaging using positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have provided valuable insights into the time course of disease pathophysiology in tauopathy animal models. High-field MRI has been applied for in vivo imaging in animal models of tauopathy, including diffusion tensor imaging for white matter integrity, arterial spin labeling for cerebral blood flow, resting-state functional MRI for functional connectivity, volumetric MRI for neurodegeneration, and MR spectroscopy. In addition, MR contrast agents for non-invasive imaging of tau have been developed recently. Many preclinical MRI indicators offer excellent translational value and provide a blueprint for clinical MRI in the brains of patients with tauopathies. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in using MRI to visualize the pathophysiology of tauopathy in small animals. We discussed the outstanding challenges in brain imaging using MRI in small animals and propose a future outlook for visualizing tau-related alterations in the brains of animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Ruiqing Ni,
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9
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Congdon EE, Jiang Y, Sigurdsson EM. Targeting tau only extracellularly is likely to be less efficacious than targeting it both intra- and extracellularly. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 126:125-137. [PMID: 34896021 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aggregation of the tau protein is thought to be responsible for the neurodegeneration and subsequent functional impairments in diseases that are collectively named tauopathies. Alzheimer's disease is the most common tauopathy, but the group consists of over 20 different diseases, many of which have tau pathology as their primary feature. The development of tau therapies has mainly focused on preventing the formation of and/or clearing these aggregates. Of these, immunotherapies that aim to either elicit endogenous tau antibodies or deliver exogenous ones are the most common approach in clinical trials. While their mechanism of action can involve several pathways, both extra- and intracellular, pharmaceutical companies have primarily focused on antibody-mediated clearance of extracellular tau. As we have pointed out over the years, this is rather surprising because it is well known that most of pathological tau protein is found intracellularly. It has been repeatedly shown by several groups over the past decades that antibodies can enter neurons and that their cellular uptake can be enhanced by various means, particularly by altering their charge. Here, we will briefly describe the potential extra- and intracellular mechanisms involved in antibody-mediated clearance of tau pathology, discuss these in the context of recent failures of some of the tau antibody trials, and finally provide a brief overview of how the intracellular efficacy of tau antibodies can potentially be further improved by certain modifications that aim to enhance tau clearance via specific intracellular degradation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Congdon
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States.
| | - Yixiang Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States.
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10
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Shi XF, Ji B, Kong Y, Guan Y, Ni R. Multimodal Contrast Agents for Optoacoustic Brain Imaging in Small Animals. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:746815. [PMID: 34650961 PMCID: PMC8505530 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.746815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Optoacoustic (photoacoustic) imaging has demonstrated versatile applications in biomedical research, visualizing the disease pathophysiology and monitoring the treatment effect in an animal model, as well as toward applications in the clinical setting. Given the complex disease mechanism, multimodal imaging provides important etiological insights with different molecular, structural, and functional readouts in vivo. Various multimodal optoacoustic molecular imaging approaches have been applied in preclinical brain imaging studies, including optoacoustic/fluorescence imaging, optoacoustic imaging/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optoacoustic imaging/MRI/Raman, optoacoustic imaging/positron emission tomography, and optoacoustic/computed tomography. There is a rapid development in molecular imaging contrast agents employing a multimodal imaging strategy for pathological targets involved in brain diseases. Many chemical dyes for optoacoustic imaging have fluorescence properties and have been applied in hybrid optoacoustic/fluorescence imaging. Nanoparticles are widely used as hybrid contrast agents for their capability to incorporate different imaging components, tunable spectrum, and photostability. In this review, we summarize contrast agents including chemical dyes and nanoparticles applied in multimodal optoacoustic brain imaging integrated with other modalities in small animals, and provide outlook for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-feng Shi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining, China
| | - Bin Ji
- Department of Radiopharmacy and Molecular Imaging, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Kong
- PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihui Guan
- PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Van Kolen K, Malia TJ, Theunis C, Nanjunda R, Teplyakov A, Ernst R, Wu SJ, Luo J, Borgers M, Vandermeeren M, Bottelbergs A, Wintmolders C, Lacy E, Maurin H, Larsen P, Willems R, Van De Casteele T, Triana-Baltzer G, Slemmon R, Galpern W, Trojanowski JQ, Sun H, Mercken MH. Discovery and Functional Characterization of hPT3, a Humanized Anti-Phospho Tau Selective Monoclonal Antibody. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 77:1397-1416. [PMID: 32894244 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a consequence of the discovery of an extracellular component responsible for the progression of tau pathology, tau immunotherapy is being extensively explored in both preclinical and clinical studies as a disease modifying strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. OBJECTIVE Describe the characteristics of the anti-phospho (T212/T217) tau selective antibody PT3 and its humanized variant hPT3. METHODS By performing different immunization campaigns, a large collection of antibodies has been generated and prioritized. In depth, in vitro characterization using surface plasmon resonance, phospho-epitope mapping, and X-ray crystallography experiments were performed. Further characterization involved immunohistochemical staining on mouse- and human postmortem tissue and neutralization of tau seeding by immunodepletion assays. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Various in vitro experiments demonstrated a high intrinsic affinity for PT3 and hPT3 for AD brain-derived paired helical filaments but also to non-aggregated phospho (T212/T217) tau. Further functional analyses in cellular and in vivo models of tau seeding demonstrated almost complete depletion of tau seeds in an AD brain homogenate. Ongoing trials will provide the clinical evaluation of the tau spreading hypothesis in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Van Kolen
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Thomas J Malia
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Clara Theunis
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Rupesh Nanjunda
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Alexey Teplyakov
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Robin Ernst
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Sheng-Jiun Wu
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Jinquan Luo
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Marianne Borgers
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Marc Vandermeeren
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Astrid Bottelbergs
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Cindy Wintmolders
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Eilyn Lacy
- Biologics Research, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Hervé Maurin
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Peter Larsen
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Roland Willems
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Tom Van De Casteele
- Translational Medicine and Early Development Statistics Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Randy Slemmon
- Neuroscience biomarkers, Janssen Research & Development, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Galpern
- Neuroscience Experimental medicine, Janssen Research & Development, Titusville, NJ, USA
| | | | - Hong Sun
- Neuroscience Clinical Development, Janssen Research & Development, Titusville, NJ, USA
| | - Marc H Mercken
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
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12
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Ji C, Sigurdsson EM. Current Status of Clinical Trials on Tau Immunotherapies. Drugs 2021; 81:1135-1152. [PMID: 34101156 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01546-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tau immunotherapies have advanced from proof-of-concept studies to over a dozen clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. Mechanistic studies in animal and culture models have provided valuable insight into how these therapies may work but multiple pathways are likely involved. Different groups have emphasized the importance of intracellular vs extracellular antibody-mediated clearance of the tau protein and there is no consensus on which pool of tau should ideally be targeted. Likewise, various normal and disease-selective epitopes are being targeted, and the antibody isotypes either favor phagocytosis of the tau-antibody complex or are neutral in that aspect. Most of the clinical trials are in early stages, thus their efficacy is not yet known, but all have been without any major adverse effects and some have reported target engagement. A few have been discontinued. One in phase I, presumably because of a poor pharmacokinetic profile, and three in phase II for a lack of efficacy although this trial stage is not well powered for efficacy measures. In these phase II studies, trials with two antibodies in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy or other primary tauopathies were halted but are continuing in patients with AD, and one antibody trial was stopped in early-stage AD but is continuing in moderate AD. These three antibodies have been reported to only work extracellularly and tau is not increased in the cerebrospinal fluid of primary tauopathies, which may explain the failures of two of them. In the discontinued AD trial, there are some concerns about how much of extracellular tau contains the N-terminal epitope that is being targeted. In addition, extracellular tau is only a small part of total tau, compared to intracellular tau. Targeting only the former may not be sufficient for functional benefits. Given these outcomes, decision makers within the pharmaceutical companies who green light these trials should attempt to target tau not only extracellularly but also intracellularly to increase their chances of success. Hopefully, some of the ongoing trials will provide some functional benefits to the large number of patients with tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyi Ji
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Science Building, 11th floor, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Science Building, 11th floor, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY, 10016, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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13
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Xia Y, Prokop S, Giasson BI. "Don't Phos Over Tau": recent developments in clinical biomarkers and therapies targeting tau phosphorylation in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:37. [PMID: 34090488 PMCID: PMC8180161 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00460-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylation is one of the most prevalent post-translational modifications found in aggregated tau isolated from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patient brains. In tauopathies like AD, increased phosphorylation or hyperphosphorylation can contribute to microtubule dysfunction and is associated with tau aggregation. In this review, we provide an overview of the structure and functions of tau protein as well as the physiologic roles of tau phosphorylation. We also extensively survey tau phosphorylation sites identified in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid from AD patients compared to age-matched healthy controls, which may serve as disease-specific biomarkers. Recently, new assays have been developed to measure minute amounts of specific forms of phosphorylated tau in both cerebrospinal fluid and plasma, which could potentially be useful for aiding clinical diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. Additionally, multiple therapies targeting phosphorylated tau are in various stages of clinical trials including kinase inhibitors, phosphatase activators, and tau immunotherapy. With promising early results, therapies that target phosphorylated tau could be useful at slowing tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation in AD and other tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Xia
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, BMS J483/CTRND, 1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA
| | - Stefan Prokop
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA.,McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA
| | - Benoit I Giasson
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, BMS J483/CTRND, 1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA. .,Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA. .,McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32610, USA.
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14
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Shamir DB, Deng Y, Wu Q, Modak S, Congdon EE, Sigurdsson EM. Dynamics of Internalization and Intracellular Interaction of Tau Antibodies and Human Pathological Tau Protein in a Human Neuron-Like Model. Front Neurol 2020; 11:602292. [PMID: 33324339 PMCID: PMC7727311 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.602292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We and others have shown in various in vivo, ex vivo and cell culture models that several tau antibodies interact with pathological tau within neurons. To further clarify this interaction in a dynamic human model, we differentiated SH-SY5Y cells with retinoic acid and BDNF to create a neuron-like model. Therein, tau antibodies were primarily taken up by receptor-mediated endocytosis, and prevented toxicity of human brain-derived paired helical filament-enriched tau (PHF). Subsequently, we monitored in real-time the interaction of antibodies and PHF within endocytic cellular compartments. Cells were pre-treated with fluorescently-tagged PHF and then incubated with tau antibodies, 4E6, 6B2, or non-specific isotype control IgG1 labeled with a pH sensitive dye. The uptake and binding of the efficacious antibody, 4E6, to PHF occurred mainly within the soma, whereas the ineffective antibody, 6B2, and ineffective control IgG1, were visualized via the processes and showed limited colocalization with PHF within this period. In summary, we have developed a neuron-like model that clarifies the early intracellular dynamics of the interaction of tau antibodies with pathological tau, and identifies features associated with efficacy. Since the model is entirely human, it is suitable to verify the therapeutic potential of humanized antibodies prior to extensive clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dov B Shamir
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yan Deng
- Microscopy Core, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Swananda Modak
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Erin E Congdon
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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15
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Wu Q, Bai Y, Li W, Congdon EE, Liu W, Lin Y, Ji C, Gan WB, Sigurdsson EM. Increased neuronal activity in motor cortex reveals prominent calcium dyshomeostasis in tauopathy mice. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 147:105165. [PMID: 33166699 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Perturbed neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis is implicated in Alzheimer's disease, which has primarily been demonstrated in mice with amyloid-β deposits but to a lesser and more variable extent in tauopathy models. In this study, we injected AAV to express Ca2+ indicator in layer II/III motor cortex neurons and measured neuronal Ca2+ activity by two photon imaging in awake transgenic JNPL3 tauopathy and wild-type mice. Various biochemical measurements were conducted in postmortem mouse brains for mechanistic insight and a group of animals received two intravenous injections of a tau monoclonal antibody spaced by four days to test whether the Ca2+ dyshomeostasis was related to pathological tau protein. Under running conditions, we found abnormal neuronal Ca2+ activity in tauopathy mice compared to age-matched wild-type mice with higher frequency of Ca2+ transients, lower amplitude of peak Ca2+ transients and lower total Ca2+ activity in layer II/III motor cortex neurons. While at resting conditions, only Ca2+ frequency was increased. Brain levels of soluble pathological tau correlated better than insoluble tau levels with the degree of Ca2+ dysfunction in tauopathy mice. Furthermore, tau monoclonal antibody 4E6 partially rescued Ca2+ activity abnormalities in tauopathy mice after two intravenous injections and decreased soluble pathological tau protein within the brain. This correlation and antibody effects strongly suggest that the neuronal Ca2+ dyshomeostasis is causally linked to pathological tau protein. These findings also reveal more pronounced neuronal Ca2+ dysregulation in tauopathy mice than previously reported by two-photon imaging that can be partially corrected with an acute tau antibody treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America.
| | - Yang Bai
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Skirball Institute, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States of America.
| | - Wei Li
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Skirball Institute, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States of America
| | - Erin E Congdon
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America.
| | - Wenke Liu
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States of America.
| | - Yan Lin
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America.
| | - Changyi Ji
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America.
| | - Wen-Biao Gan
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Skirball Institute, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States of America.
| | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Science Building, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States of America.
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16
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Ni R, Chen Z, Gerez JA, Shi G, Zhou Q, Riek R, Nilsson KPR, Razansky D, Klohs J. Detection of cerebral tauopathy in P301L mice using high-resolution large-field multifocal illumination fluorescence microscopy. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 11:4989-5002. [PMID: 33014595 PMCID: PMC7510859 DOI: 10.1364/boe.395803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Current intravital microscopy techniques visualize tauopathy with high-resolution, but have a small field-of-view and depth-of-focus. Herein, we report a transcranial detection of tauopathy over the entire cortex of P301L tauopathy mice using large-field multifocal illumination (LMI) fluorescence microscopy technique and luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes. In vitro assays revealed that fluorescent ligand h-FTAA is optimal for in vivo tau imaging, which was confirmed by observing elevated probe retention in the cortex of P301L mice compared to non-transgenic littermates. Immunohistochemical staining further verified the specificity of h-FTAA to detect tauopathy in P301L mice. The new imaging platform can be leveraged in pre-clinical mechanistic studies of tau spreading and clearance as well as longitudinal monitoring of tau targeting therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Wolfgang-Pauli-strasse 27 HIT E22.4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich Neuroscience Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zhenyue Chen
- University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Wolfgang-Pauli-strasse 27 HIT E22.4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juan A. Gerez
- ETH Zurich, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gloria Shi
- University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Wolfgang-Pauli-strasse 27 HIT E22.4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Quanyu Zhou
- University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Wolfgang-Pauli-strasse 27 HIT E22.4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roland Riek
- ETH Zurich, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - K. Peter R. Nilsson
- Linköping University, Division of Chemistry, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Daniel Razansky
- University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Wolfgang-Pauli-strasse 27 HIT E22.4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich Neuroscience Center, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Klohs
- University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Wolfgang-Pauli-strasse 27 HIT E22.4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich Neuroscience Center, Zurich, Switzerland
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17
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Krishnaswamy S, Huang HW, Marchal IS, Ryoo HD, Sigurdsson EM. Neuronally expressed anti-tau scFv prevents tauopathy-induced phenotypes in Drosophila models. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 137:104770. [PMID: 31982516 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
We have derived single-chain variable fragments (scFv) from tau antibody hybridomas and previously shown their promise as imaging diagnostic agents. Here, we examined the therapeutic potential of anti-tau scFv in transgenic Drosophila models that express in neurons wild-type (WT) human tau (htau) or the human tauopathy mutation R406W. scFv expressing flies were crossed with the tauopathy flies and analyzed. Overall, the survival curves differed significantly (p < .0001). Control flies not expressing htau survived the longest, whereas R406W expressing flies had the shortest lifespan, which was greatly prolonged by co-expressing the anti-tau scFv (p < .0001). Likewise, htau WT expressing flies had a moderately short lifespan, which was prolonged by co-expressing the anti-tau scFv (p < .01). In addition, the htau expression impaired wing expansion after eclosion (p < .0001), and caused progressive abdomen expansion (p < .0001). These features were more severe in htau R406W flies than in htau WT flies. Importantly, both phenotypes were prevented by co-expression of the anti-tau scFv (p < .01-0.0001). Lastly, brain analyses revealed scFv-mediated tau clearance (p < .05-0.01), and its prevention of tau-mediated neurotoxicity (p < .05-0.001). In summary, these findings support the therapeutic potential of an anti-tau scFv, including as gene therapies, and the use of Drosophila models for such screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthilkumar Krishnaswamy
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States of America
| | - Huai-Wei Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States of America
| | - Isabella S Marchal
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States of America
| | - Hyung Don Ryoo
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States of America.
| | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States of America; Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States of America.
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18
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Bittar A, Bhatt N, Kayed R. Advances and considerations in AD tau-targeted immunotherapy. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 134:104707. [PMID: 31841678 PMCID: PMC6980703 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The multifactorial and complex nature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has made it difficult to identify therapeutic targets that are causally involved in the disease process. However, accumulating evidence from experimental and clinical studies that investigate the early disease process point towards the required role of tau in AD etiology. Importantly, a large number of studies investigate and characterize the plethora of pathological forms of tau protein involved in disease onset and propagation. Immunotherapy is one of the most clinical approaches anticipated to make a difference in the field of AD therapeutics. Tau –targeted immunotherapy is the new direction after the failure of amyloid beta (Aß)-targeted immunotherapy and the growing number of studies that highlight the Aß-independent disease process. It is now well established that immunotherapy alone will most likely be insufficient as a monotherapy. Therefore, this review discusses updates on tau-targeted immunotherapy studies, AD-relevant tau species, updates on promising biomarkers and a prospect on combination therapies to surround the disease propagation in an efficient and timely manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bittar
- Department of Neurology, The Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, United States of America.
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, United States of America.
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Department of Neurology, The Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, United States of America.
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19
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Calvo-Rodriguez M, Hou SS, Snyder AC, Dujardin S, Shirani H, Nilsson KPR, Bacskai BJ. In vivo detection of tau fibrils and amyloid β aggregates with luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes and multiphoton microscopy. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:171. [PMID: 31703739 PMCID: PMC6839235 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0832-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of amyloid beta deposits and neurofibrillary tangles, both hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), is key to understanding the mechanisms underlying these pathologies. Luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (LCOs) enable fluorescence imaging of these protein aggregates. Using LCOs and multiphoton microscopy, individual tangles and amyloid beta deposits were labeled in vivo and imaged longitudinally in a mouse model of tauopathy and cerebral amyloidosis, respectively. Importantly, LCO HS-84, whose emission falls in the green region of the spectrum, allowed for the first time longitudinal imaging of tangle dynamics following a single intravenous injection. In addition, LCO HS-169, whose emission falls in the red region of the spectrum, successfully labeled amyloid beta deposits, allowing multiplexing with other reporters whose emission falls in the green region of the spectrum. In conclusion, this method can provide a new approach for longitudinal in vivo imaging using multiphoton microscopy of AD pathologies as well as other neurodegenerative diseases associated with protein aggregation in mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Calvo-Rodriguez
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 114, 16th St, Charlestown, MA 02129 USA
| | - Steven S. Hou
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 114, 16th St, Charlestown, MA 02129 USA
| | - Austin C. Snyder
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 114, 16th St, Charlestown, MA 02129 USA
| | - Simon Dujardin
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 114, 16th St, Charlestown, MA 02129 USA
| | - Hamid Shirani
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - K. Peter R. Nilsson
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Brian J. Bacskai
- Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 114, 16th St, Charlestown, MA 02129 USA
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20
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Sigurdsson EM. Alzheimer's therapy development: A few points to consider. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 168:205-217. [PMID: 31699315 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Development of therapies for Alzheimer's disease has only resulted in a few approved drugs that provide some temporary symptomatic relief in certain patients. None of these compounds in clinical use halts or slows the progression of the disease. To date, several drugs targeting the amyloid-β peptide, and some against the tau protein, have failed in clinical trials. While there are various reasons for these failures, considering the following points may aid in improving the outcome of future trials. First, the tau protein should ideally be targeted intracellularly because most of tau pathology is within cells, neurons in particular. Second, an overriding emphasis in recent years has been on implementing drug-screening models that focus on prevention of seeding/spread of aggregates. Much less attention has been paid to identify compounds that inhibit neurotoxicity of these aggregates, which may not necessarily relate to their seeding/spread propensity. Ideally, all these markers should be readouts in the same assay or model. Third, diversity in conformers/strains of aggregates complicates drug development of small molecule aggregation inhibitors but is likely to be less of an issue for antibody-based treatments. Lastly, other more general targets associated with neurodegeneration should continue to be pursued but are in many ways more difficult to address than clearing amyloid-β and tau, the defining hallmarks of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einar M Sigurdsson
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Psychiatry, Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
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