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López DA, Apostol AC, Lebish EJ, Valencia CH, Romero-Mulero MC, Pavlovich PV, Hernandez GE, Forsberg EC, Cabezas-Wallscheid N, Beaudin AE. Prenatal inflammation perturbs murine fetal hematopoietic development and causes persistent changes to postnatal immunity. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111677. [PMID: 36417858 PMCID: PMC10184520 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) respond directly to inflammation and infection, causing both acute and persistent changes to quiescence, mobilization, and differentiation. Here we show that murine fetal HSPCs respond to prenatal inflammation in utero and that the fetal response shapes postnatal hematopoiesis and immune cell function. Heterogeneous fetal HSPCs show divergent responses to maternal immune activation (MIA), including changes in quiescence, expansion, and lineage-biased output. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of fetal HSPCs in response to MIA reveals specific upregulation of inflammatory gene profiles in discrete, transient hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) populations that propagate expansion of lymphoid-biased progenitors. Beyond fetal development, MIA causes the inappropriate expansion and persistence of fetal lymphoid-biased progenitors postnatally, concomitant with increased cellularity and hyperresponsiveness of fetal-derived innate-like lymphocytes. Our investigation demonstrates how inflammation in utero can direct the output and function of fetal-derived immune cells by reshaping fetal HSC establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A López
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - April C Apostol
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Eric J Lebish
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Clint H Valencia
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California-Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | | | - Polina V Pavlovich
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gloria E Hernandez
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - E Camilla Forsberg
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Anna E Beaudin
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Pathology, and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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2
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Ouyang L, Li D, Li Z, Ma X, Yuan L, Fan L, Yang Z, Zhang Z, Li C, He Y, Chen X. IL-17 and TNF-β: Predictive biomarkers for transition to psychosis in ultra-high risk individuals. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1072380. [PMID: 36590607 PMCID: PMC9800867 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1072380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of immunity, such as levels of inflammatory factors, has been regarded as a sign of schizophrenia. Changes in cytokine levels are not only described in the early onset of disease, but also observed in ultra-high risk (UHR) individuals. This study aimed to investigate the potential of cytokines as biomarkers for psychotic disorders and in individuals at UHR of developing a psychotic disorder in the future. METHODS The Luminex liquid chip technology was used to detect the concentrations of Interferon-gamma (INF-γ), Interleukin (IL)-2, Interleukin (IL)-4, Interleukin (IL)-6, Interleukin (IL)-17, Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-beta (TNF-β) in the plasma of all subjects. Meanwhile, the plasma level of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) was measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Then, the levels of these cytokines were compared among patients with Drug-naïve first-episode schizophrenia (FES; n = 40), UHR population (UHR; n = 49), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 30). Baseline cytokine levels were compared among UHR individuals who later transitioned (UHR-T; n = 14), those who did not transition (UHR-NT; n = 35), and HCs (n = 30). RESULTS Our analysis results showed that IL-1β levels were significantly higher in UHR group than HC group (p = 0.015). Meanwhile, TNF-α concentration was significantly increased in FES group compared with HC group (p = 0.027). IL-17 (p = 0.04) and TNF-β (p = 0.008) levels were significantly higher in UHR-T group compared with UHR-NT group. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our findings suggest that the immuno-inflammatory activation level is increased in the early stage of psychosis before psychotic conversion and the Drug-naïve FES. IL-1β and TNF-α are the representatives of the specific biomarkers for UHR and FES, respectively. IL-17 and TNF-β may be the potential selective predictive biomarkers for future transition in UHR individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Ouyang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - David Li
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zongchang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqian Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liu Yuan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lejia Fan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zihao Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenmei Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chunwang Li
- Department of Radiology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Ying He
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaogang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Changsha, Hunan, China
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3
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Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness about sex-specific differences in immunity and outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Strong evidence of a male bias in COVID-19 disease severity is hypothesized to be mediated by sex differential immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. This hypothesis is based on data from other viral infections, including influenza viruses, HIV, hepatitis viruses, and others that have demonstrated sex-specific immunity to viral infections. Although males are more susceptible to most viral infections, females possess immunological features that render them more vulnerable to distinct immune-related disease outcomes. Both sex chromosome complement and related genes as well as sex steroids play important roles in mediating the development of sex differences in immunity to viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabra L. Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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4
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Offspring born to influenza A virus infected pregnant mice have increased susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections in early life. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4957. [PMID: 34400653 PMCID: PMC8368105 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25220-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza during pregnancy can affect the health of offspring in later life, among which neurocognitive disorders are among the best described. Here, we investigate whether maternal influenza infection has adverse effects on immune responses in offspring. We establish a two-hit mouse model to study the effect of maternal influenza A virus infection (first hit) on vulnerability of offspring to heterologous infections (second hit) in later life. Offspring born to influenza A virus infected mothers are stunted in growth and more vulnerable to heterologous infections (influenza B virus and MRSA) than those born to PBS- or poly(I:C)-treated mothers. Enhanced vulnerability to infection in neonates is associated with reduced haematopoetic development and immune responses. In particular, alveolar macrophages of offspring exposed to maternal influenza have reduced capacity to clear second hit pathogens. This impaired pathogen clearance is partially reversed by adoptive transfer of alveolar macrophages from healthy offspring born to uninfected dams. These findings suggest that maternal influenza infection may impair immune ontogeny and increase susceptibility to early life infections of offspring. Influenza infection during pregnancy can affect health of offspring but it is not clear how this affects immune responses. Here the authors use a mouse model to show that influenza infection during pregnancy can increase susceptibility to secondary infection and alter immune cell function in offspring.
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5
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Sheu A, Chan Y, Ferguson A, Bakhtyari MB, Hawke W, White C, Chan YF, Bertolino PJ, Woon HG, Palendira U, Sierro F, Lau SM. A proinflammatory CD4 + T cell phenotype in gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetologia 2018; 61:1633-1643. [PMID: 29691600 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-018-4615-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Numerous adaptations of the maternal immune system are necessary during pregnancy to maintain immunological tolerance to the semi-allogeneic fetus. Several complications of pregnancy have been associated with dysregulation of these adaptive mechanisms. While gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been associated with upregulation of circulating inflammatory factors linked to innate immunity, polarisation of the adaptive immune system has not been extensively characterised in this condition. We aimed to characterise pro- and anti-inflammatory CD4+ (T helper [Th]) T cell subsets in women with GDM vs women without GDM (of similar BMI), during and after pregnancy, and examine the relationship between CD4+ subsets and severity of GDM. METHODS This is a prospective longitudinal case-control study of 55 women with GDM (cases) and 65 women without GDM (controls) at a tertiary maternity hospital. Quantification of proinflammatory (Th17, Th17.1, Th1) and anti-inflammatory (regulatory T cell [Treg]) CD4+ T cell subsets was performed on peripheral blood at 37 weeks gestation and 7 weeks postpartum, and correlated with clinical characteristics and measures of blood glucose. RESULTS Women with GDM had a significantly greater percentage of Th17 (median 2.49% [interquartile range 1.62-4.60] vs 1.85% [1.13-2.98], p = 0.012) and Th17.1 (3.06% [1.30-4.33] vs 1.55% [0.65-3.13], p = 0.006) cells compared with the control group of women without GDM. Women with GDM also had higher proinflammatory cell ratios (Th17:Treg, Th17.1:Treg and Th1:Treg) in pregnancy compared with the control group of women without GDM. In the control group, there was a statistically significant independent association between 1 h glucose levels in the GTT and Th17 cell percentages, and also between 2 h glucose levels and percentage of Th17 cells. The percentage of Th17 cells and the Th17:Treg ratio declined significantly after delivery in women with GDM, whereas this was not the case with the control group of women. Nevertheless, a milder inflammatory phenotype persisted after delivery (higher Th17:Treg ratio) in women with GDM vs women without. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Dysregulation of adaptive immunity supports a novel paradigm of GDM that extends beyond hyperglycaemia and altered innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Sheu
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Yixian Chan
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Angela Ferguson
- Human Viral and Cancer Immunology, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohammad B Bakhtyari
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Wendy Hawke
- The Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris White
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
- The Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuk Fun Chan
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Patrick J Bertolino
- Liver Immunology, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Immunology, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Heng G Woon
- Human Viral and Cancer Immunology, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Umaimainthan Palendira
- Human Viral and Cancer Immunology, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Immunology, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Frederic Sierro
- Vascular Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Human Health, Nuclear Science & Technology and Landmark Infrastructure (NSTLI), Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sue Mei Lau
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia.
- The Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
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6
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Deng Y, Song L, Nie X, Shou W, Li X. Prenatal inflammation exposure-programmed cardiovascular diseases and potential prevention. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 190:159-172. [PMID: 29803628 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the rapid development of medical and pharmacological interventions has led to a steady decline in certain noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs), such as cancer. However, the overall incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has not seemed to decline. CVDs have become even more prevalent in many countries and represent a global health threat and financial burden. An increasing number of epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated that maternal insults not only can result in birth defects but also can cause developmental functional defects that contribute to adult NCDs. In the current review, we provide an overview of evidence from both epidemiological investigations and experimental animal studies supporting the concept of developmental reprogramming of adult CVDs in offspring that have experienced prenatal inflammation exposure (PIE) during fetal development (PIE-programmed CVDs), a disease-causing event that has not been effectively controlled. This review describes the epidemiological observations, data from animal models, and related mechanisms for the pathogenesis of PIE-programmed CVDs. In addition, the potential therapeutic interventions of PIE-programmed CVDs are discussed. Finally, we also deliberate the need for future mechanistic studies and biomarker screenings in this important field, which creates a great opportunity to combat the global increase in CVDs by managing the adverse effects of inflammation for prepregnant and pregnant individuals who are at risk for PIE-programmed CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youcai Deng
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 30# Gaotanyan Rd., Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China; Center of Translational Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 30# Gaotanyan Rd., Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Liang Song
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 30# Gaotanyan Rd., Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China; Center of Translational Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 30# Gaotanyan Rd., Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xuqiang Nie
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 30# Gaotanyan Rd., Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China; Center of Translational Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 30# Gaotanyan Rd., Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Weinian Shou
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 30# Gaotanyan Rd., Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China; Center of Translational Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 30# Gaotanyan Rd., Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China; Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut Street, R4 W302D, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 30# Gaotanyan Rd., Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China; Center of Translational Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 30# Gaotanyan Rd., Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, China.
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7
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Nadeem A, Ahmad SF, El-Sherbeeny AM, Al-Harbi NO, Bakheet SA, Attia SM. Systemic inflammation in asocial BTBR T + tf/J mice predisposes them to increased psoriatic inflammation. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:8-17. [PMID: 29287831 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Autistic Spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by defects in communication skills leading to restricted sociability. ASD has immense dysregulation in immune responses which is thought to affect neuronal system and thus behavior. ASD patients and BTBR T+ tf/J (BTBR) autistic mice have increased systemic inflammation due to dysfunction in innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent studies suggest that ASD patients are associated with several co-morbid autoimmune disorders including psoriasis. However underlying mechanisms for this phenomenon have not been explored. In this study, we used imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic inflammation in social C57BL/6 (C57) mice and asocial BTBR mice to investigate whether systemic inflammation in BTBR is associated with increased susceptibility to psoriatic inflammation. Our data shows that BTBR mice have increased expression of TLR7/IL-6/IL-23 in systemic DCs but not in skin as compared to C57 mice at baseline. This leads to much greater psoriatic inflammation in BTBR mice upon IMQ application than C57 mice. Consequently, BTBR mice also have higher Th17 related immune responses in the skin and systemic compartment. Overall our study suggests that systemic innate (TLR7/IL-23/IL-6 in DCs) and adaptive (Th17 related signaling) immune responses are heightened in BTBR mice at baseline which predisposes them for greater psoriatic inflammation than C57 mice upon IMQ application. This could be one of the reasons for increased psoriatic inflammation in patients with ASD. Therapies that aim to decrease immune activation may not only benefit ASD-associated neurobehavioral abnormalities but also comorbid disorders such as psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ahmed M El-Sherbeeny
- Industrial Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif O Al-Harbi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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8
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Abstract
Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a strong genetic basis, its etiology is complex, with several genetic factors likely to be involved as well as environmental factors. Immune dysregulation has gained significant attention as a causal mechanism in ASD pathogenesis. ASD has been associated with immune abnormalities in the brain and periphery, including inflammatory disorders and autoimmunity in not only the affected individuals but also their mothers. Prenatal exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) has been implicated as an environmental risk factor for ASD. In support of this notion, animal models have shown that MIA results in offspring with behavioral, neurological, and immunological abnormalities similar to those observed in ASD. This raises the question of how MIA exposure can lead to ASD in susceptible individuals. Recent evidence points to a potential inflammation pathway linking MIA-associated ASD with the activity of T helper 17 (Th17) lymphocytes and their effector cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A). IL-17A has been implicated from human studies and elevated IL-17A levels in the blood have been found to correlate with phenotypic severity in a subset of ASD individuals. In MIA model mice, elevated IL-17A levels also have been observed. Additionally, antibody blockade to inhibit IL-17A signaling was found to prevent ASD-like behaviors in offspring exposed to MIA. Therefore, IL-17A dysregulation may play a causal role in the development of ASD. The source of increased IL-17A in the MIA mouse model was attributed to maternal Th17 cells because genetic removal of the transcription factor RORγt to selectively inhibit Th17 differentiation in pregnant mice was able to prevent ASD-like behaviors in the offspring. Similar to ASD individuals, the MIA-exposed offspring also displayed cortical dysplasia which could be prevented by inhibition of IL-17A signaling in pregnant mice. This finding reveals one possible cellular mechanism through which ASD-related cognitive and behavioral deficits may emerge following maternal inflammation. IL-17A can exert strong effects on cell survival and differentiation and the activity of signal transduction cascades, which can have important consequences during cortical development on neural function. This review examines IL-17A signaling pathways in the context of both immunity and neural function that may contribute to the development of ASD associated with MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Wong
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado-Boulder, CO 80303, United States; Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States; Linda Crnic Institute, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Charles Hoeffer
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado-Boulder, CO 80303, United States; Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States; Linda Crnic Institute, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
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9
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Tye C, Runicles AK, Whitehouse AJO, Alvares GA. Characterizing the Interplay Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Comorbid Medical Conditions: An Integrative Review. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:751. [PMID: 30733689 PMCID: PMC6354568 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-occurring medical disorders and associated physiological abnormalities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may provide insight into causal pathways or underlying biological mechanisms. Here, we review medical conditions that have been repeatedly highlighted as sharing the strongest associations with ASD-epilepsy, sleep, as well as gastrointestinal and immune functioning. We describe within each condition their prevalence, associations with behavior, and evidence for successful treatment. We additionally discuss research aiming to uncover potential aetiological mechanisms. We then consider the potential interaction between each group of conditions and ASD and, based on the available evidence, propose a model that integrates these medical comorbidities in relation to potential shared aetiological mechanisms. Future research should aim to systematically examine the interactions between these physiological systems, rather than considering these in isolation, using robust and sensitive biomarkers across an individual's development. A consideration of the overlap between medical conditions and ASD may aid in defining biological subtypes within ASD and in the development of specific targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Tye
- Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail K Runicles
- Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J O Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gail A Alvares
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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10
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Fang X, Zhang Y, Fan W, Tang W, Zhang C. Interleukin-17 Alteration in First-Episode Psychosis: A Meta-Analysis. MOLECULAR NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2017; 3:135-140. [PMID: 29594132 DOI: 10.1159/000481661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is accompanied with central nervous system and peripheral immune system imbalances. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is implicated in various immune and inflammatory processes. Aberrant levels of IL-17 have been reported in patients with schizophrenia, whereas the results are not consistent. To clarify the relationship between IL-17 and schizophrenia, we performed a meta-analysis in this study. We carried out a structured literature search in PubMed and Embase database up to April 16, 2017, and retrieved all eligible case-control studies according to the inclusion criteria. Finally, a total of 313 patients with drug-naïve first-episode psychosis and 238 healthy control subjects from 5 studies were included in our meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between first-episode psychosis patients and healthy controls with respect to the levels of IL-17 (p = 0.21), even when we removed 2 studies which were not European samples (p = 0.12). Our findings suggested that IL-17 may not be involved in the pathological mechanism of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Fang
- Schizophrenia Program, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Schizophrenia Program, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Weixing Fan
- Department of Psychiatry, Jinhua Second Hospital, Jinhua, PR China
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, PR China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Schizophrenia Program, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
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11
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Nansook P, Naidoo RN, Ramkaran P, Phulukdaree A, Muttoo S, Asharam K, Chuturgoon AA. IL-1β haplotype influences the effect of NO x exposure on gestational age in the South African MACE birth cohort. Hum Exp Toxicol 2017; 37:679-689. [PMID: 28875725 DOI: 10.1177/0960327117728386] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cytokines, molecules within the immune system that affect either a pro- or anti-inflammatory response, have previously been shown to influence birth outcomes. The maternal cytokine gene-environment interactions are thought to alter their expression, potentially influencing susceptibility to adverse birth outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the maternal interleukin-1β (IL-1β) haplotype and expression variation with oxides of nitrogen (NOx) levels, and thereafter investigate the IL-1β haplotype-specific effects of NOx exposure levels, IL-1β mRNA expression and other variables on gestational age. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using the prospective Mother and Child in the Environment (MACE) birth cohort in Durban, South Africa, 335 participants were genotyped for the IL-1β haplotype. Previous studies showed that three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), IL-1β-1464G/C, -511C/T and -31C/T, constitute the IL-1β functional haplotype. These SNPs were genotyped using a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay, while IL-1β mRNA expression was measured using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Individual estimates of NOx exposure were obtained by land use regression modelling. A multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to test for significant effects on gestational age. RESULTS IL-1β mRNA expression was found to possess a haplotype-dependent effect ( p = 0.0001) and its expression levels positively correlated with NOx levels ( r = 0.34; p = 0.006). In the high haplotype model, a unit increase in NOx exposure level was associated with a decrease in gestational age by 1 week ( p = 0.02). Furthermore, gestational age decreased by 0.9 weeks for every unit increase of IL-1β mRNA expression level ( p = 0.025). HIV-1 positivity was associated with a 0.2-week decrease in gestational age ( p = 0.035) in the intermediate haplotype model and a 0.4-week decrease in the high haplotype model ( p = 0.044). CONCLUSION These data have implications for better understanding the effect of prenatal NOx exposure on gestational age and demonstrate the role of the IL-1β haplotype in modulating the effects of NOx exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Nansook
- 1 Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - R N Naidoo
- 2 Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - P Ramkaran
- 1 Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - A Phulukdaree
- 1 Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - S Muttoo
- 2 Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - K Asharam
- 2 Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - A A Chuturgoon
- 1 Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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12
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Rito DC, Viehl LT, Buchanan PM, Haridas S, Koenig JM. Augmented Th17-type immune responses in preterm neonates exposed to histologic chorioamnionitis. Pediatr Res 2017; 81:639-645. [PMID: 27870827 PMCID: PMC5395318 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) is a placental inflammatory disorder that frequently precedes preterm delivery. HCA increases risk for long-standing inflammatory injury and may influence immune programming, particularly in preterm (PT) neonates. We hypothesized that HCA exposure is associated with an increased circulating frequency of proinflammatory, Th17-type responses. METHODS Placental cord blood was collected from HCA-exposed or control neonates (23-41 wk gestation). Frequencies of Th17 and T regulatory (Treg) cells and assessments of Th17-type features in CD4 and Treg cells were determined by flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS Cord blood samples from 31 PT and 17 term neonates were analyzed by flow cytometry. A diagnosis of HCA in extremely PT (EPT, GA ≤ 30 wk) gestations was associated with the highest cord blood frequencies of progenitor (pTh17, CD4+CD161+) and mature (mTh17, CD4+CD161+CCR6+) Th17 cells. Preterm neonates exposed to HCA also exhibited elevated cord blood frequencies of IL-17+ Treg cells, as well as T cells with effector memory phenotype (TEM) that coexpressed Th17-type surface antigens. CONCLUSION Th17-type responses are amplified in preterm neonates exposed to HCA. We speculate that a Th17 bias may potentiate the inflammatory responses and related morbidity observed in preterm neonates whose immune systems have been "primed" by HCA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C. Rito
- Department of Neonatology, Henry Ford Medical Group, Detroit, MI
| | - Luke T. Viehl
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Paula M. Buchanan
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO,School of Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Seema Haridas
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Joyce M. Koenig
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO,Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
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13
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Choi GB, Yim YS, Wong H, Kim S, Kim H, Kim SV, Hoeffer CA, Littman DR, Huh JR. The maternal interleukin-17a pathway in mice promotes autism-like phenotypes in offspring. Science 2016; 351:933-9. [PMID: 26822608 PMCID: PMC4782964 DOI: 10.1126/science.aad0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 748] [Impact Index Per Article: 93.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Viral infection during pregnancy has been correlated with increased frequency of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. This observation has been modeled in rodents subjected to maternal immune activation (MIA). The immune cell populations critical in the MIA model have not been identified. Using both genetic mutants and blocking antibodies in mice, we show that retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma t (RORγt)-dependent effector T lymphocytes [for example, T helper 17 (TH17) cells] and the effector cytokine interleukin-17a (IL-17a) are required in mothers for MIA-induced behavioral abnormalities in offspring. We find that MIA induces an abnormal cortical phenotype, which is also dependent on maternal IL-17a, in the fetal brain. Our data suggest that therapeutic targeting of TH17 cells in susceptible pregnant mothers may reduce the likelihood of bearing children with inflammation-induced ASD-like phenotypes.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Blocking/immunology
- Antibodies, Blocking/therapeutic use
- Autism Spectrum Disorder/genetics
- Autism Spectrum Disorder/immunology
- Autism Spectrum Disorder/prevention & control
- Behavior, Animal
- Behavioral Symptoms/immunology
- Cerebral Cortex/abnormalities
- Cerebral Cortex/drug effects
- Cerebral Cortex/immunology
- Female
- Interleukin-17/biosynthesis
- Interleukin-17/immunology
- Interleukin-17/pharmacology
- Male
- Maternal-Fetal Exchange/immunology
- Mice
- Mutation
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/immunology
- Phenotype
- Pregnancy
- Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/immunology
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid/genetics
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid/immunology
- Signal Transduction
- Th17 Cells/drug effects
- Th17 Cells/immunology
- Retinoic Acid Receptor gamma
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria B Choi
- The McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yeong S Yim
- The McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Helen Wong
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA. Institute for Behavioral Genetics, Department of Integrated Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Sangdoo Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Program in Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Hyunju Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Program in Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sangwon V Kim
- The Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine of the Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Charles A Hoeffer
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA. Institute for Behavioral Genetics, Department of Integrated Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, USA.
| | - Dan R Littman
- The Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine of the Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA. Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Jun R Huh
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Program in Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. The Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine of the Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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14
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Salgado H, Treviño M, Atzori M. Layer- and area-specific actions of norepinephrine on cortical synaptic transmission. Brain Res 2016; 1641:163-76. [PMID: 26820639 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The cerebral cortex is a critical target of the central noradrenergic system. The importance of norepinephrine (NE) in the regulation of cortical activity is underscored by clinical findings that involve this catecholamine and its receptor subtypes in the regulation of a large number of emotional and cognitive functions and illnesses. In this review, we highlight diverse effects of the LC/NE system in the mammalian cortex. Indeed, electrophysiological, pharmacological, and behavioral studies in the last few decades reveal that NE elicits a mixed repertoire of excitatory, inhibitory, and biphasic effects on the firing activity and transmitter release of cortical neurons. At the intrinsic cellular level, NE can produce a series of effects similar to those elicited by other monoamines or acetylcholine, associated with systemic arousal. At the synaptic level, NE induces numerous acute changes in synaptic function, and ׳gates' the induction of long-term plasticity of glutamatergic synapses, consisting in an enhancement of engaged and relevant cortical synapses and/or depression of unengaged synapses. Equally important in shaping cortical function, in many cortical areas NE promotes a characteristic, most often reversible, increase in the gain of local inhibitory synapses, whose extent and temporal properties vary between different areas and sometimes even between cortical layers of the same area. While we are still a long way from a comprehensive theory of the function of the LC/NE system, its cellular, synaptic, and plastic effects are consistent with the hypothesis that noradrenergic modulation is critical in coordinating the activity of cortical and subcortical circuits for the integration of sensory activity and working memory. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Noradrenergic System.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marco Atzori
- Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, México.
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15
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Adaptive Immunity in Schizophrenia: Functional Implications of T Cells in the Etiology, Course and Treatment. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2015; 10:610-9. [PMID: 26162591 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-015-9626-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe and highly complex neurodevelopmental disorder with an unknown etiopathology. Recently, immunopathogenesis has emerged as one of the most compelling etiological models of schizophrenia. Over the past few years considerable research has been devoted to the role of innate immune responses in schizophrenia. The findings of such studies have helped to conceptualize schizophrenia as a chronic low-grade inflammatory disorder. Although the contribution of adaptive immune responses has also been emphasized, however, the precise role of T cells in the underlying neurobiological pathways of schizophrenia is yet to be ascertained comprehensively. T cells have the ability to infiltrate brain and mediate neuro-immune cross-talk. Conversely, the central nervous system and the neurotransmitters are capable of regulating the immune system. Neurotransmitter like dopamine, implicated widely in schizophrenia risk and progression can modulate the proliferation, trafficking and functions of T cells. Within brain, T cells activate microglia, induce production of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as reactive oxygen species and subsequently lead to neuroinflammation. Importantly, such processes contribute to neuronal injury/death and are gradually being implicated as mediators of neuroprogressive changes in schizophrenia. Antipsychotic drugs, commonly used to treat schizophrenia are also known to affect adaptive immune system; interfere with the differentiation and functions of T cells. This understanding suggests a pivotal role of T cells in the etiology, course and treatment of schizophrenia and forms the basis of this review.
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16
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Zager A, Peron JP, Mennecier G, Rodrigues SC, Aloia TP, Palermo-Neto J. Maternal immune activation in late gestation increases neuroinflammation and aggravates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the offspring. Brain Behav Immun 2015; 43:159-71. [PMID: 25108214 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2014.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by an autoimmune response against myelin antigens driven by autoreactive T cells. Several lines of evidence indicate that environmental factors, such as previous infection, can influence and trigger autoimmune responses. However, the importance of the gestational period, particularly under inflammatory conditions, on the modulation of MS and related neuroinflammation by the offspring is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) during late gestation on the neuroinflammatory response in primary mixed glial cultures and on the progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, an animal model of MS) in the offspring. LPS (Escherichia coli 0127:B8, 120μg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to pregnant C57BL/6J mice on gestational day 17, and the offspring were assigned to two experiments: (1) mixed glial cultures generated using the brain of neonates, stimulated in vitro with LPS, and (2) adult offspring immunized with MOG35-55. The EAE clinical symptoms were followed for 30days. Different sets of animals were sacrificed either during the onset (7days post-immunization [p.i.]), when spleen and lymph nodes were collected, or the peak of disease (20days p.i.), when CNS were collected for flow cytometry, cytokine production, and protein/mRNA-expression analysis. The primary CNS cultures from the LPS-treated group produced exaggerated amounts of IL-6, IL-1β and nitrites after in vitro stimulus, while IL-10 production was lowered compared to the data of the control group. Prenatal exposure to LPS worsened EAE disease severity in adult offspring, and this worsening was linked to increased CNS-infiltrating macrophages, Th1 cells and Th17 cells at the peak of EAE severity; additionally, exacerbated gliosis was evidenced in microglia (MHC II) and astrocytes (GFAP protein level and immunoreactivity). The IL-2, IL-6 and IL-17 levels in the spleen and lymph nodes were increased in the offspring of the LPS-exposed dams. Our results indicate that maternal immune activation during late gestation predispose the offspring to increased neuroinflammation and potentiate the autoimmune response and clinical manifestation of EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Zager
- Neuroimmunomodulation Research Group, Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Jean Pierre Peron
- Neuroimmune Interactions Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gregory Mennecier
- Neuroimmunomodulation Research Group, Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra C Rodrigues
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago P Aloia
- Neuroimmunomodulation Research Group, Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Palermo-Neto
- Neuroimmunomodulation Research Group, Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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17
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Goldstein JM, Cherkerzian S, Seidman LJ, Donatelli JAL, Remington AG, Tsuang MT, Hornig M, Buka SL. Prenatal maternal immune disruption and sex-dependent risk for psychoses. Psychol Med 2014; 44:3249-3261. [PMID: 25065485 PMCID: PMC4477534 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291714000683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that abnormalities in maternal immune activity during pregnancy alter the offspring's brain development and are associated with increased risk for schizophrenia (SCZ) dependent on sex. METHOD Using a nested case-control design and prospectively collected prenatal maternal sera from which interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-10 were assayed, we investigated sex-dependent associations between these cytokines and 88 psychotic cases [SCZ = 44; affective psychoses (AP) = 44] and 100 healthy controls from a pregnancy cohort followed for > 40 years. Analyses included sex-stratified non-parametric tests adjusted for multiple comparisons to screen cytokines associated with SCZ risk, followed by deviant subgroup analyses using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. RESULTS There were higher prenatal IL-6 levels among male SCZ than male controls, and lower TNF-α levels among female SCZ than female controls. The results were supported by deviant subgroup analyses with significantly more SCZ males with high IL-6 levels (>highest quartile) compared with controls [odd ratio (OR)75 = 3.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-9.82], and greater prevalence of low TNF-α levels (<lowest quartile) among SCZ females compared with their controls (OR25 = 6.30, 95% CI 1.20-33.04) and SCZ males. Higher levels of IL-6 were only found among SCZ compared with AP cases. Lower TNF-α levels (non-significant) also characterized female AP cases versus controls, although the prevalence of the lowest levels was higher in SCZ than AP females (70% v. 40%), with no effect in SCZ or AP males. CONCLUSIONS The results underscore the importance of immunologic processes affecting fetal brain development and differential risk for psychoses depending on psychosis subtype and offspring sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. M Goldstein
- Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S. Cherkerzian
- Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L. J. Seidman
- Division of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts Mental Health Center; Division of Public Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - A. G. Remington
- Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M. T. Tsuang
- Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Public Psychiatry, Massachusetts Mental Health Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Behavioral Genomics, Department of Psychiatry; Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Harvard Institute of Psychiatric Epidemiology and Genetics, Harvard School of Public Heath, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M. Hornig
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - S. L. Buka
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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18
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Debnath M, Berk M. Th17 pathway-mediated immunopathogenesis of schizophrenia: mechanisms and implications. Schizophr Bull 2014; 40:1412-21. [PMID: 24711545 PMCID: PMC4193719 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbu049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a highly complex and severe neuropsychiatric disorder with an unknown etiopathology. Evidence for a dysregulated immune system in both the risk for and progression of schizophrenia has recently been overwhelming. Importantly, chronic low-grade inflammation both in the periphery and central nervous system has been shown to contribute predominantly to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia in a subset of individuals. Inflammation in the central nervous system is mediated by a range of proinflammatory cytokines, resident immune cells such as microglia, and brain infiltrating peripheral immunocompetent cells, such as T lymphocytes. Recently, Th17 cells, a subset of T helper cells have emerged as crucial players in mucosal defense against infections. It is linked to atopic, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders. The risk factors/mechanisms leading to low-grade inflammation in schizophrenia are diverse and include infectious agents, stress, trauma, environmental toxins, genetic vulnerability, physical inactivity, obesity, poor diet, and sleep disruption. Herein, we propose that fetal programming of cellular immune components driven by intrauterine adversity can lead to the generation of long-lasting effector/memory Th17 cells. Th17 cells can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, infiltrate the central nervous system, and, along with other cytokines and microglia, lead to neuroprogression through neuroinflammation in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monojit Debnath
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India;
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia;,Department of Psychiatry, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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19
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Anderson G, Maes M. Redox Regulation and the Autistic Spectrum: Role of Tryptophan Catabolites, Immuno-inflammation, Autoimmunity and the Amygdala. Curr Neuropharmacol 2014; 12:148-67. [PMID: 24669209 PMCID: PMC3964746 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x11666131120223757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) form a set of multi-faceted disorders with significant genetic, epigenetic and environmental determinants. Oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), immuno-inflammatory pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulation of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCATs) pathway play significant interactive roles in driving the early developmental etiology and course of ASD. O&NS interactions with immuno-inflammatory pathways mediate their effects centrally via the regulation of astrocyte and microglia responses, including regional variations in TRYCATs produced. Here we review the nature of these interactions and propose an early developmental model whereby different ASD genetic susceptibilities interact with environmental and epigenetic processes, resulting in glia biasing the patterning of central interarea interactions. A role for decreased local melatonin and N-acetylserotonin production by immune and glia cells may be a significant treatment target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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20
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Zager A, Pinheiro ML, Ferraz-de-Paula V, Ribeiro A, Palermo-Neto J. Increased cell-mediated immunity in male mice offspring exposed to maternal immune activation during late gestation. Int Immunopharmacol 2013; 17:633-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2013.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Mandal M, Donnelly R, Elkabes S, Zhang P, Davini D, David BT, Ponzio NM. Maternal immune stimulation during pregnancy shapes the immunological phenotype of offspring. Brain Behav Immun 2013; 33:33-45. [PMID: 23643646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2013.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have associated infection during pregnancy with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children, which is modeled in rodents by stimulating the immune system of pregnant dams with microorganisms or their mimics, such as poly(I:C) or LPS. In two prenatal mouse models, we show that in utero exposure of the fetus to cytokines/inflammatory mediators elicited by maternal immune stimulation with poly(I:C) yields offspring that exhibit a proinflammatory phenotype due to alterations in developmental programming of their immune system. Changes in the innate and adaptive immune elements of these pro-inflammatory offspring result in more robust responses following exposure to immune stimuli than those observed in control offspring from PBS-injected pregnant dams. In the first model, offspring from poly(I:C)-injected immunologically naïve dams showed heightened cellular and cytokine responses 4 h after injection of zymosan, a TLR2 agonist. In the second model, using dams with immunological memory, poly(I:C) injection during pregnancy produced offspring that showed preferential differentiation toward Th17 cell development, earlier onset of clinical symptoms of EAE, and more severe neurological deficits following immunization with MOG35-55. Such "fetal programming" in offspring from poly(I:C)-injected dams not only persists into neonatal and adult life, but also can have profound consequences on health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mili Mandal
- UMDNJ-Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07101, USA
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22
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Anderson G, Maes M, Berk M. Schizophrenia is primed for an increased expression of depression through activation of immuno-inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and tryptophan catabolite pathways. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 42:101-14. [PMID: 22930036 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia and depression are two common and debilitating psychiatric conditions. Up to 61% of schizophrenic patients have comorbid clinical depression, often undiagnosed. Both share significant overlaps in underlying biological processes, which are relevant to the course and treatment of both conditions. Shared processes include changes in cell-mediated immune and inflammatory pathways, e.g. increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a Th1 response; activation of oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) pathways, e.g. increased lipid peroxidation, damage to proteins and DNA; decreased antioxidant levels, e.g. lowered coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, glutathione and melatonin levels; autoimmune responses; and activation of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway through induction of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase. Both show cognitive and neurostructural evidence of a neuroprogressive process. Here we review the interlinked nature of these biological processes, suggesting that schizophrenia is immunologically primed for an increased expression of depression. Such a conceptualization explains, and incorporates, many of the current perspectives on the nature of schizophrenia and depression, and has implications for the nature of classification and treatment of both disorders. An early developmental etiology to schizophrenia, driven by maternal infection, with subsequent impact on offspring immuno-inflammatory responses, creates alterations in the immune pathways, which although priming for depression, also differentiates the two disorders.
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Anderson G, Maes M. Schizophrenia: linking prenatal infection to cytokines, the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway, NMDA receptor hypofunction, neurodevelopment and neuroprogression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 42:5-19. [PMID: 22800757 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In 1995, the macrophage-T lymphocyte theory of schizophrenia (Smith and Maes, 1995) considered that activated immuno-inflammatory pathways may account for the higher neurodevelopmental pathology linked with gestational infections through the detrimental effects of activated microglia, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), cytokine-induced activation of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway and consequent modulation of the N-methyl d-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) and glutamate production. The aim of the present paper is to review the current state-of-the art regarding the role of the above pathways in schizophrenia. Accumulating data suggest a powerful role for prenatal infection, both viral and microbial, in driving an early developmental etiology to schizophrenia. Models of prenatal rodent infection show maintained activation of immuno-inflammatory pathways coupled to increased microglia activation. The ensuing activation of immuno-inflammatory pathways in schizophrenia may activate the TRYCAT pathway, including increased kynurenic acid (KA) and neurotoxic TRYCATs. Increased KA, via the inhibition of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, lowers gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA)ergic post-synaptic current, contributing to dysregulated glutamatergic activity. Hypofunctioning of the NMDAr on GABAergic interneurons will contribute to glutamatergic dysregulation. Many susceptibility genes for schizophrenia are predominantly expressed in early development and will interact with these early developmental driven changes in the immuno-inflammatory and TRYCAT pathways. Maternal infection and subsequent immuno-inflammatory responses are additionally associated with O&NS, including lowered antioxidants such as glutathione. This will contribute to alterations in neurogenesis and myelination. In such a scenario a) a genetic or epigenetic potentiation of immuno-inflammatory pathways may constitute a double hit on their own, stimulating wider immuno-inflammatory responses and thus potentiating the TRYCAT pathway and subsequent NMDAr dysfunction and neuroprogression; and b) antipsychotic-induced changes in immuno-inflammatory, TRYCAT and O&NS pathways would modulate the CNS glia-neuronal interactions that determine synaptic plasticity as well as myelin generation and maintenance.
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Role of IL-6 in the etiology of hyperexcitable neuropsychiatric conditions: experimental evidence and therapeutic implications. Future Med Chem 2012. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.12.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neuropsychiatric conditions are primed or triggered by different types of stressors. The mechanisms through which stress induces neuropsychiatric disease are complex and incompletely understood. A ‘double hit’ hypothesis of neuropsychiatric disease postulates that stress induces maladaptive behavior in two phases separated by a dormant period. Recent research shows that the pleiotropic cytokine IL-6 is released centrally and peripherally following physical and psychological stress. In this article, we analyze evidence from clinics and animal models suggesting that stress-induced elevation in the levels of IL-6 may play a key role in the etiology of a heterogeneous family of hyperexcitable central conditions including epilepsy, schizophrenic psychoses, anxiety and disorders of the autistic spectrum. The cellular mechanism leading to hyperexcitable conditions might be a decrease in inhibitory/excitatory synaptic balance in either or both temporal phases of the conditions. Following these observations, we discuss how they may have important implications for optimal prophylactic and therapeutic pharmacological treatment.
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex and heterogeneous with a spectrum of diverse symptoms. Mounting evidence from a number of disciplines suggests a link between immune function and ASD. Although the causes of ASD have yet to be identified, genetic studies have uncovered a host of candidate genes relating to immune regulation that are altered in ASD, while epidemiological studies have shown a relationship with maternal immune disturbances during pregnancy and ASD. Moreover, decades of research have identified numerous systemic and cellular immune abnormalities in individuals with ASD and their families. These include changes in immune cell number, differences in cytokine and chemokine production, and alterations of cellular function at rest and in response to immunological challenge. Many of these changes in immune responses are associated with increasing impairment in behaviors that are core features of ASD. Despite this evidence, much remains to be understood about the precise mechanism by which the immune system alters neurodevelopment and to what extent it is involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. With estimates of ASD as high as 1% of children, ASD is a major public health issue. Improvements in our understanding of the interactions between the nervous and immune system during early neurodevelopment and how this interaction is different in ASD will have important therapeutic implications with wide ranging benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milo Careaga
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and the M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Ron-Harel N, Cardon M, Schwartz M. Brain homeostasis is maintained by "danger" signals stimulating a supportive immune response within the brain's borders. Brain Behav Immun 2011; 25:1036-43. [PMID: 21182929 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2010.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2010] [Revised: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 12/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
An organism's behavior is determined by the way it senses and perceives the surrounding environment, and by its responses to these stimuli. The major factors known to affect the behavioral response to an event are genetic background, environmental factors, and past experiences, and their imprinting on the relevant brain circuits. Recently, circulating immune cells were introduced as novel players into this system. It was proposed that the brain and circulating immune cells engage in a continuous dialogue that takes place within the brain's territory, though outside the parenchyma (occurring within the brain's borders - the choroid plexi, the brain meninges and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)). The cytokines secreted by activated leukocytes residing at the borders were shown to affect neurotrophic factors production within the parenchyma. Here, we suggest that such a dialogue is stimulated at the brain's borders, upon need, by a "danger" signal that originates in the parenchyma in response to any destabilizing event, and discuss the potential role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in transmitting this signal. Accordingly, a failure to restore balance is likely to lead to aberrant responses to subsequent events. This view thus supports the contention that circulating immune cells are required to maintain the brain's balanced activity and suggests a novel mechanism whereby the surveying immune cells are sensing the brain's status and needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noga Ron-Harel
- Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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