1
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Kim H, Bae S, Kim SJ. Increased SNAI2 expression and defective collagen adhesion in cells with pediatric dementia, juvenile ceroid lipofuscinosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 738:150561. [PMID: 39154552 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Dementia-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD), are known to be caused by accumulation of toxic proteins. However, the molecular mechanisms that cause neurodegeneration and its biophysical effects on cells remain unclear. In this study, we used juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL), a pediatric dementia with a clear etiology of mutations in ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal 3 (CLN3), to explore the changes in cell adhesion, a biophysical process that regulates neuronal development and survival. We used JNCL cerebral organoid gene expression datasets to identify the biological pathways that affect neural development, and found enriched gene expression in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway and increased expression of its inducer snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2). A cell adhesion assay using lymphoblasts from patients with JNCL revealed defective adhesion to cell culture plates, glass surfaces, collagen type I, and neuroblast-like cells. To determine whether inhibition of EMT could improve the cell adhesion of JNCL lymphoblasts, we used all-trans retinoic acid, a well-known EMT inhibitor and inducer of neural differentiation. In JNCL lymphoblasts, ATRA treatment enhanced adhesion to collagen type I and these effects were abolished by Ca2+ chelator. These results provide new insights into the role of CLN3 and cell adhesion in the pathogenesis of NDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungkuen Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Health Sciences, Hoseo University, Baebang, Asan, Chungnam, 31499, South Korea
| | - Sechul Bae
- Jung Cosmetic Corporation, Sinchang, Asan, Chungnam, 31537, South Korea
| | - Sung-Jo Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Health Sciences, Hoseo University, Baebang, Asan, Chungnam, 31499, South Korea.
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2
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Jiang Y, Lin Y, Tetlow AM, Pan R, Ji C, Kong XP, Congdon EE, Sigurdsson EM. Single-domain antibody-based protein degrader for synucleinopathies. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:44. [PMID: 38816762 PMCID: PMC11140919 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00730-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain, leading to motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Currently, there are no known cures for synucleinopathies, and treatments mainly focus on symptom management. In this study, we developed a single-domain antibody (sdAb)-based protein degrader with features designed to enhance proteasomal degradation of α-syn. This sdAb derivative targets both α-syn and Cereblon (CRBN), a substrate-receptor for the E3-ubiquitin ligase CRL4CRBN, and thereby induces α-syn ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Our results indicate that this therapeutic candidate enhances proteasomal degradation of α-syn, in addition to the endogenous lysosomal degradation machinery. By promoting proteasomal degradation of α-syn, we improved clearance of α-syn in primary culture and mouse models of synucleinopathy. These findings indicate that our sdAb-based protein degrader is a promising therapeutic candidate for synucleinopathies. Considering that only a small percentage of antibodies enter the brain, more potent sdAbs with greater brain entry than whole antibodies could enhance clinical benefits of antibody-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Amber M Tetlow
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Ruimin Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Changyi Ji
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Erin E Congdon
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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3
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Jiang Y, Lin Y, Tetlow AM, Pan R, Ji C, Kong XP, Congdon EE, Sigurdsson EM. Single-Domain Antibody-Based Protein Degrader for Synucleinopathies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.11.584473. [PMID: 38558982 PMCID: PMC10979981 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.11.584473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain, leading to motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Currently, there are no known cures for synucleinopathies, and treatments mainly focus on symptom management. In this study, we developed a single-domain antibody (sdAb)-based protein degrader with features designed to enhance proteasomal degradation of α-syn. This sdAb derivative targets both α-syn and Cereblon (CRBN), a substrate-receptor for the E3-ubiquitin ligase CRL4CRBN, and thereby induces α-syn ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Our results indicate that this therapeutic candidate enhances proteasomal degradation of α-syn, in addition to the endogenous lysosomal degradation machinery. By promoting proteasomal degradation of α-syn, we improved clearance of α-syn in primary culture and mouse models of synucleinopathy. These findings indicate that our sdAb-based protein degrader is a promising therapeutic candidate for synucleinopathies. Considering that only a small percentage of antibodies enter the brain, more potent sdAbs with greater brain entry than whole antibodies could enhance clinical benefits of antibody-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Amber M Tetlow
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Ruimin Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Changyi Ji
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Erin E Congdon
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
| | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30 Street, New York NY 10016, USA
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4
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Manoutcharian K, Gevorkian G. Recombinant Antibody Fragments for Immunotherapy of Parkinson's Disease. BioDrugs 2024; 38:249-257. [PMID: 38280078 PMCID: PMC10912140 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-024-00646-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder. Multiple genetic and environmental factors leading to progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN) and consequent depletion of dopamine were described. Current clinical approaches, such as dopamine replacement or deep brain stimulation using surgically implanted probes, provide symptomatic relief but cannot modify disease progression. Therefore, disease-modifying therapeutic tools are urgently needed. Immunotherapy approaches, including passive transfer of protective antibodies and their fragments, have shown therapeutic efficacy in several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. Recombinant antibody fragments are promising alternatives to conventional full-length antibodies. Modern computational approaches and molecular biology tools, directed evolution methodology, and the design of tissue-penetrating fusion peptides allowed for the development of recombinant antibody fragments with superior specificity and affinity, reduced immunogenicity, the capacity to target hidden epitopes and cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), higher solubility and stability, the ability to refold after heat denaturation, and inexpensive large-scale production. In addition, antibody fragments do not induce microglia Fcγ receptor (FcγR)-mediated proinflammatory response and tissue damage in the central nervous system (CNS), because they lack the Fc portion of the immunoglobulin molecule. In the present review, we summarized data on recombinant antibody fragments evaluated as immunotherapeutics in preclinical models of PD and discussed their potential for developing therapeutic and preventive protocols for patients with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Manoutcharian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70228, Cuidad Universitaria, CP 04510, Mexico, DF, Mexico
| | - Goar Gevorkian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70228, Cuidad Universitaria, CP 04510, Mexico, DF, Mexico.
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5
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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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6
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Cho HJ, Schulz P, Venkataraman L, Caselli RJ, Sierks MR. Sex-Specific Multiparameter Blood Test for the Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415670. [PMID: 36555310 PMCID: PMC9779188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood-based biomarkers are needed for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We analyzed longitudinal human plasma samples from AD and control cases to identify biomarkers for the early diagnosis of AD. Plasma samples were grouped based on clinical diagnosis at the time of collection: AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and pre-symptomatic (preMCI). Samples were analyzed by ELISA using a panel of reagents against nine different AD-related amyloid-β (Aβ), tau, or TDP-43 variants. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of different biomarker panels for different diagnostic sample groups were determined. Analysis of all of the samples gave a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 76% for the diagnosis of AD. Early-stage diagnosis of AD, utilizing only the preMCI and MCI samples, identified 88% of AD cases. Using sex-biased biomarker panels, early diagnosis of AD cases improved to 96%. Using the sex-biased panels, we also identified 6 of the 25 control group cases as being at high risk of AD, which is consistent with what is expected given the advanced age of the control cases. Specific AD-associated protein variants are effective blood-based biomarkers for the early diagnosis of AD. Notably, significant differences were observed in biomarker profiles for the early detection of male and female AD cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Joon Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Philip Schulz
- Chemical Engineering, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Lalitha Venkataraman
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | | | - Michael R. Sierks
- Chemical Engineering, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-480-965-2828; Fax: +1-480-727-9321
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7
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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 2022; 126:125-137. [PMID: 34896021 PMCID: PMC9680670 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [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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8
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Landrieu I, Dupré E, Sinnaeve D, El Hajjar L, Smet-Nocca C. Deciphering the Structure and Formation of Amyloids in Neurodegenerative Diseases With Chemical Biology Tools. Front Chem 2022; 10:886382. [PMID: 35646824 PMCID: PMC9133342 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.886382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation into highly ordered, regularly repeated cross-β sheet structures called amyloid fibrils is closely associated to human disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, or systemic diseases like type II diabetes. Yet, in some cases, such as the HET-s prion, amyloids have biological functions. High-resolution structures of amyloids fibrils from cryo-electron microscopy have very recently highlighted their ultrastructural organization and polymorphisms. However, the molecular mechanisms and the role of co-factors (posttranslational modifications, non-proteinaceous components and other proteins) acting on the fibril formation are still poorly understood. Whether amyloid fibrils play a toxic or protective role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases remains to be elucidated. Furthermore, such aberrant protein-protein interactions challenge the search of small-molecule drugs or immunotherapy approaches targeting amyloid formation. In this review, we describe how chemical biology tools contribute to new insights on the mode of action of amyloidogenic proteins and peptides, defining their structural signature and aggregation pathways by capturing their molecular details and conformational heterogeneity. Challenging the imagination of scientists, this constantly expanding field provides crucial tools to unravel mechanistic detail of amyloid formation such as semisynthetic proteins and small-molecule sensors of conformational changes and/or aggregation. Protein engineering methods and bioorthogonal chemistry for the introduction of protein chemical modifications are additional fruitful strategies to tackle the challenge of understanding amyloid formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Landrieu
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167 - RID-AGE - Risk Factors and Molecular Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases, Lille, France
- CNRS EMR9002 Integrative Structural Biology, Lille, France
| | - Elian Dupré
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167 - RID-AGE - Risk Factors and Molecular Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases, Lille, France
- CNRS EMR9002 Integrative Structural Biology, Lille, France
| | - Davy Sinnaeve
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167 - RID-AGE - Risk Factors and Molecular Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases, Lille, France
- CNRS EMR9002 Integrative Structural Biology, Lille, France
| | - Léa El Hajjar
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167 - RID-AGE - Risk Factors and Molecular Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases, Lille, France
- CNRS EMR9002 Integrative Structural Biology, Lille, France
| | - Caroline Smet-Nocca
- University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167 - RID-AGE - Risk Factors and Molecular Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases, Lille, France
- CNRS EMR9002 Integrative Structural Biology, Lille, France
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Vogiatzis S, Celestino M, Trevisan M, Magro G, Del Vecchio C, Erdengiz D, Palù G, Parolin C, Maguire-Zeiss K, Calistri A. Lentiviral Vectors Expressing Chimeric NEDD4 Ubiquitin Ligases: An Innovative Approach for Interfering with Alpha-Synuclein Accumulation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113256. [PMID: 34831478 PMCID: PMC8624294 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the main pathological features of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a diffuse accumulation of alpha-synuclein (aS) aggregates in neurons. The NEDD4 E3 Ub ligase promotes aS degradation by the endosomal–lysosomal route. Interestingly, NEDD4, as well as being a small molecule able to trigger its functions, is protective against human aS toxicity in evolutionary distant models. While pharmacological activation of E3 enzymes is not easy to achieve, their flexibility and the lack of “consensus” motifs for Ub-conjugation allow the development of engineered Ub-ligases, able to target proteins of interest. We developed lentiviral vectors, encoding well-characterized anti-human aS scFvs fused in frame to the NEDD4 catalytic domain (ubiquibodies), in order to target ubiquitinate aS. We demonstrate that, while all generated ubiquibodies bind to and ubiquitinate aS, the one directed against the non-amyloid component (NAC) of aS (Nac32HECT) affects aS’s intracellular levels. Furthermore, Nac32HECT expression partially rescues aS’s overexpression or mutation toxicity in neural stem cells. Overall, our data suggest that ubiquibodies, and Nac32HECT in particular, represent a valid platform for interfering with the effects of aS’s accumulation and aggregation in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Vogiatzis
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (S.V.); (M.C.); (M.T.); (G.M.); (C.D.V.); (G.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Michele Celestino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (S.V.); (M.C.); (M.T.); (G.M.); (C.D.V.); (G.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Marta Trevisan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (S.V.); (M.C.); (M.T.); (G.M.); (C.D.V.); (G.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Gloria Magro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (S.V.); (M.C.); (M.T.); (G.M.); (C.D.V.); (G.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Claudia Del Vecchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (S.V.); (M.C.); (M.T.); (G.M.); (C.D.V.); (G.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Deran Erdengiz
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3970 Reservoir Rd NW, NRB, EP04, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (D.E.); (K.M.-Z.)
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (S.V.); (M.C.); (M.T.); (G.M.); (C.D.V.); (G.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Cristina Parolin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (S.V.); (M.C.); (M.T.); (G.M.); (C.D.V.); (G.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Kathleen Maguire-Zeiss
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3970 Reservoir Rd NW, NRB, EP04, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (D.E.); (K.M.-Z.)
| | - Arianna Calistri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; (S.V.); (M.C.); (M.T.); (G.M.); (C.D.V.); (G.P.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-827-2341
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10
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Lei Q, Wu T, Wu J, Hu X, Guan Y, Wang Y, Yan J, Shi G. Roles of α‑synuclein in gastrointestinal microbiome dysbiosis‑related Parkinson's disease progression (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:734. [PMID: 34414447 PMCID: PMC8404091 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease amongst the middle-aged and elderly populations. Several studies have confirmed that the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) serves a key role in the pathogenesis of PD. Changes to the gastrointestinal microbiome (GM) cause misfolding and abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the intestine. Abnormal α-syn is not eliminated via physiological mechanisms and is transported into the central nervous system (CNS) via the vagus nerve. The abnormal levels of α-syn aggregate in the substantia nigra pars compacta, not only leading to the formation of eosinophilic Lewis Bodies in the cytoplasm and mitochondrial dysfunction in dopaminergic (DA) neurons, but also leading to the stimulation of an inflammatory response in the microglia. These pathological changes result in an increase in oxidative stress (OS), which triggers nerve cell apoptosis, a characteristic of PD. This increase in OS further oxidizes and intensifies abnormal aggregation of α-syn, eventually forming a positive feedback loop. The present review discusses the abnormal accumulation of α-syn in the intestine caused by the GM changes and the increased levels of α-syn transport to the CNS via the MGBA, resulting in the loss of DA neurons and an increase in the inflammatory response of microglial cells in the brain of patients with PD. In addition, relevant clinical therapeutic strategies for improving the GM and reducing α-syn accumulation to relieve the symptoms and progression of PD are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingchun Lei
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, P.R. China
| | - Jin Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Puer People's Hospital, Pu'er, Yunnan 665000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaogang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Puer People's Hospital, Pu'er, Yunnan 665000, P.R. China
| | - Yingxia Guan
- Department of Vasculocardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650021, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, P.R. China
| | - Jinyuan Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, P.R. China
| | - Guolin Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, P.R. China
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11
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Chen YH, Yu SJ, Wu KJ, Wang YS, Tsai HM, Liao LW, Chen S, Hsieh W, Chen H, Hsu SC, Chen ML, Hoffer BJ, Wang Y. Downregulation of α-Synuclein Protein Levels by an Intracellular Single-Chain Antibody. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 10:573-590. [PMID: 32176654 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-191787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulation of α-synuclein (αSyn) in the dopaminergic neurons is a common pathology seen in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Overproduction of αSyn potentiates the formation of oligomeric αSyn aggregates and enhances dopaminergic neuron degeneration. Downregulating intracellular monomeric αSyn prevents the formation of αSyn oligomers and is a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate the progression of PD. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of gene delivery of αSyn-specific single-chain antibodies in vitro and in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS The plasmids for αSyn and selective antibodies (NAC32, D10, and VH14) were constructed and were transfected to HEK293 and SH-SY5Y cells. Co-expression of αSyn with NAC32, but not D10 or VH14, profoundly downregulated αSyn protein, but not αSyn mRNA levels in these cells. The interaction of αSyn and NAC32 antibody was next examined in vivo. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-αSyn combined with AAV-NAC32 or AAV-sc6H4 (a negative control virus) were stereotactically injected into the substantia nigra of adult rats. AAV-NAC32 significantly reduced AAV-encoded αSyn levels in the substantia nigra and striatum and increased tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the striatum. Also, in the animals injected with AAV-NAC32 alone, endogenous αSyn protein levels were significantly downregulated in the substantia nigra. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that AAV-mediated gene transfer of NAC32 is a feasible approach for reducing the expression of target αSyn protein in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Seong-Jin Yu
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Jen Wu
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Syuan Wang
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Min Tsai
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wen Liao
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shuchun Chen
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Engineering, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wei Hsieh
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Hsi Chen
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ching Hsu
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,PhD Program in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Liang Chen
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzy Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Barry J Hoffer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yun Wang
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
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12
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Oliveira LMA, Gasser T, Edwards R, Zweckstetter M, Melki R, Stefanis L, Lashuel HA, Sulzer D, Vekrellis K, Halliday GM, Tomlinson JJ, Schlossmacher M, Jensen PH, Schulze-Hentrich J, Riess O, Hirst WD, El-Agnaf O, Mollenhauer B, Lansbury P, Outeiro TF. Alpha-synuclein research: defining strategic moves in the battle against Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2021; 7:65. [PMID: 34312398 PMCID: PMC8313662 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-021-00203-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advent of the genetic era in Parkinson's disease (PD) research in 1997, α-synuclein was identified as an important player in a complex neurodegenerative disease that affects >10 million people worldwide. PD has been estimated to have an economic impact of $51.9 billion in the US alone. Since the initial association with PD, hundreds of researchers have contributed to elucidating the functions of α-synuclein in normal and pathological states, and these remain critical areas for continued research. With this position paper the authors strive to achieve two goals: first, to succinctly summarize the critical features that define α-synuclein's varied roles, as they are known today; and second, to identify the most pressing knowledge gaps and delineate a multipronged strategy for future research with the goal of enabling therapies to stop or slow disease progression in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M A Oliveira
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Thomas Gasser
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Edwards
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
- Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ronald Melki
- Institut François Jacob, MIRCen, CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Leonidas Stefanis
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Neurology, Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, Faculty of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Sulzer
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurology, Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kostas Vekrellis
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julianna J Tomlinson
- Neuroscience Program, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Schlossmacher
- Neuroscience Program, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Poul Henning Jensen
- Aarhus University, Department of Biomedicine & DANDRITE, Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Julia Schulze-Hentrich
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Warren D Hirst
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Omar El-Agnaf
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Brit Mollenhauer
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Paracelsus-Elena-Klinik, Kassel, Germany
| | | | - Tiago F Outeiro
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK.
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13
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Castonguay AM, Gravel C, Lévesque M. Treating Parkinson's Disease with Antibodies: Previous Studies and Future Directions. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:71-92. [PMID: 33104039 PMCID: PMC7990466 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder mainly characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Degenerating neurons contain abnormal aggregates called Lewy bodies, that are predominantly composed of the misfolded and/or mutated alpha-synuclein protein. Post-translational modifications, cellular stress, inflammation and gene mutations are thought to trigger its pathological misfolding and aggregation. With alpha-synuclein pathology being strongly associated with dopaminergic neuronal toxicity, strategies aimed to reduce its burden are expected to be beneficial in slowing disease progression. Moreover, multiple sources of evidence suggest a cell-to-cell transmission of pathological alpha-synuclein in a prion-like manner. Therefore, antibodies targeting extra- or intracellular alpha-synuclein could be efficient in limiting the aggregation and transmission. Several active and passive immunization strategies have been explored to target alpha-synuclein. Here, we summarize immunotherapeutic approaches that were tested in pre-clinical or clinical studies in the last two decades in an attempt to treat Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Castonguay
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Gravel
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Lévesque
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC, Canada
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14
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Antibody Fragments as Tools for Elucidating Structure-Toxicity Relationships and for Diagnostic/Therapeutic Targeting of Neurotoxic Amyloid Oligomers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238920. [PMID: 33255488 PMCID: PMC7727795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of amyloid protein aggregates in tissues is the basis for the onset of diseases known as amyloidoses. Intriguingly, many amyloidoses impact the central nervous system (CNS) and usually are devastating diseases. It is increasingly apparent that neurotoxic soluble oligomers formed by amyloidogenic proteins are the primary molecular drivers of these diseases, making them lucrative diagnostic and therapeutic targets. One promising diagnostic/therapeutic strategy has been the development of antibody fragments against amyloid oligomers. Antibody fragments, such as fragment antigen-binding (Fab), scFv (single chain variable fragments), and VHH (heavy chain variable domain or single-domain antibodies) are an alternative to full-length IgGs as diagnostics and therapeutics for a variety of diseases, mainly because of their increased tissue penetration (lower MW compared to IgG), decreased inflammatory potential (lack of Fc domain), and facile production (low structural complexity). Furthermore, through the use of in vitro-based ligand selection, it has been possible to identify antibody fragments presenting marked conformational selectivity. In this review, we summarize significant reports on antibody fragments selective for oligomers associated with prevalent CNS amyloidoses. We discuss promising results obtained using antibody fragments as both diagnostic and therapeutic agents against these diseases. In addition, the use of antibody fragments, particularly scFv and VHH, in the isolation of unique oligomeric assemblies is discussed as a strategy to unravel conformational moieties responsible for neurotoxicity. We envision that advances in this field may lead to the development of novel oligomer-selective antibody fragments with superior selectivity and, hopefully, good clinical outcomes.
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15
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Zhang C, Ötjengerdes RM, Roewe J, Mejias R, Marschall ALJ. Applying Antibodies Inside Cells: Principles and Recent Advances in Neurobiology, Virology and Oncology. BioDrugs 2020; 34:435-462. [PMID: 32301049 PMCID: PMC7391400 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-020-00419-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To interfere with cell function, many scientists rely on methods that target DNA or RNA due to the ease with which they can be applied. Proteins are usually the final executors of function but are targeted only indirectly by these methods. Recent advances in targeted degradation of proteins based on proteolysis-targeting chimaeras (PROTACs), ubiquibodies, deGradFP (degrade Green Fluorescent Protein) and other approaches have demonstrated the potential of interfering directly at the protein level for research and therapy. Proteins can be targeted directly and very specifically by antibodies, but using antibodies inside cells has so far been considered to be challenging. However, it is possible to deliver antibodies or other proteins into the cytosol using standard laboratory equipment. Physical methods such as electroporation have been demonstrated to be efficient and validated thoroughly over time. The expression of intracellular antibodies (intrabodies) inside cells is another way to interfere with intracellular targets at the protein level. Methodological strategies to target the inside of cells with antibodies, including delivered antibodies and expressed antibodies, as well as applications in the research areas of neurobiology, viral infections and oncology, are reviewed here. Antibodies have already been used to interfere with a wide range of intracellular targets. Disease-related targets included proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (α-synuclein), Alzheimer's disease (amyloid-β) or Huntington's disease (mutant huntingtin [mHtt]). The applications of intrabodies in the context of viral infections include targeting proteins associated with HIV (e.g. HIV1-TAT, Rev, Vif, gp41, gp120, gp160) and different oncoviruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Epstein-Barr virus, and they have been used to interfere with various targets related to different processes in cancer, including oncogenic pathways, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis or neo-antigens (e.g. p53, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 [HER2], signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 [STAT3], RAS-related RHO-GTPase B (RHOB), cortactin, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 [VEGFR2], Ras, Bcr-Abl). Interfering at the protein level allows questions to be addressed that may remain unanswered using alternative methods. This review addresses why direct targeting of proteins allows unique insights, what is currently feasible in vitro, and how this relates to potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Zhang
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rina M Ötjengerdes
- Hannover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julian Roewe
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neuroimmunology and Brain TumorImmunology (D170), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebeca Mejias
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Andrea L J Marschall
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Brunswick, Germany.
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16
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Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease typified by a movement disorder consisting of bradykinesia, rest tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. Treatment options for PD are limited, with most of the current approaches based on restoration of dopaminergic tone in the striatum. However, these do not alter disease course and do not treat the non-dopamine-dependent features of PD such as freezing of gait, cognitive impairment, and other non-motor features of the disorder, which often have the greatest impact on quality of life. As understanding of PD pathogenesis grows, novel therapeutic avenues are emerging. These include treatments that aim to control the symptoms of PD without the problematic side effects seen with currently available treatments and those that are aimed towards slowing pathology, reducing neuronal loss, and attenuating disease course. In this latter regard, there has been much interest in drug repurposing (the use of established drugs for a new indication), with many drugs being reported to affect PD-relevant intracellular processes. This approach offers an expedited route to the clinic, given that pharmacokinetic and safety data are potentially already available. In terms of better symptomatic therapies that are also regenerative, gene therapies and cell-based treatments are beginning to enter clinical trials, and developments in other neurosurgical strategies such as more nuanced deep brain stimulation approaches mean that the landscape of PD treatment is likely to evolve considerably over the coming years. In this review, we provide an overview of the novel therapeutic approaches that are close to, or are already in, clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Stoker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
- Department of Neurology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Roger A Barker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
- Wellcome Trust – Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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17
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Ferrantelli F, Chiozzini C, Leone P, Manfredi F, Federico M. Engineered Extracellular Vesicles/Exosomes as a New Tool against Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E529. [PMID: 32526949 PMCID: PMC7357062 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are commonly generated by intracellular accumulation of misfolded/aggregated mutated proteins. These abnormal protein aggregates impair the functions of mitochondria and induce oxidative stress, thereby resulting in neuronal cell death. In turn, neuronal damage induces chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration. Thus, reducing/eliminating these abnormal protein aggregates is a priority for any anti-neurodegenerative therapeutic approach. Although several antibodies against mutated neuronal proteins have been already developed, how to efficiently deliver them inside the target cells remains an unmet issue. Extracellular vesicles/exosomes incorporating intrabodies against the pathogenic products would be a tool for innovative therapeutic approaches. In this review/perspective article, we identify and describe the major molecular targets associated with neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the antibodies already developed against them. Finally, we propose a novel targeting strategy based on the endogenous engineering of extracellular vesicles/exosomes constitutively released by cells of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Ferrantelli
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (P.L.); (F.M.)
| | | | | | | | - Maurizio Federico
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (P.L.); (F.M.)
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18
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Gupta V, Salim S, Hmila I, Vaikath NN, Sudhakaran IP, Ghanem SS, Majbour NK, Abdulla SA, Emara MM, Abdesselem HB, Lukacsovich T, Erskine D, El-Agnaf OMA. Fibrillar form of α-synuclein-specific scFv antibody inhibits α-synuclein seeds induced aggregation and toxicity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8137. [PMID: 32424162 PMCID: PMC7235225 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65035-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are characterized by pathological accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn). Amongst the various approaches attempting to tackle the pathological features of synucleinopathies, antibody-based immunotherapy holds much promise. However, the large size of antibodies and corresponding difficulty in crossing the blood-brain barrier has limited development in this area. To overcome this issue, we engineered single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) against fibrillar α-syn, a putative disease-relevant form of α-syn. The purified scFvs showed specific activity towards α-syn fibrils and oligomers in comparison to monomers and recognized intracellular inclusions in human post-mortem brain tissue of Lewy body disease cases, but not aged controls. In vitro studies indicated scFvs inhibit the seeding of α-syn aggregation in a time-dependent manner, decreased α-syn seed-induced toxicity in a cell model of PD, and reduced the production of insoluble α-syn phosphorylated at Ser-129 (pS129-α-syn). These results suggest that our α-syn fibril-specific scFvs recognize α-syn pathology and can inhibit the aggregation of α-syn in vitro and prevent seeding-dependent toxicity. Therefore, the scFvs described here have considerable potential to be utilized towards immunotherapy in synucleinopathies and may also have applications in ante-mortem imaging modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Gupta
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Safa Salim
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Issam Hmila
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nishant N Vaikath
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Indulekha P Sudhakaran
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Simona S Ghanem
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nour K Majbour
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara A Abdulla
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed M Emara
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Houari B Abdesselem
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Daniel Erskine
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Omar M A El-Agnaf
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.
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19
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Optimizing intracellular antibodies (intrabodies/nanobodies) to treat neurodegenerative disorders. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 134:104619. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
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20
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Stott SRW, Wyse RK, Brundin P. Novel approaches to counter protein aggregation pathology in Parkinson's disease. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 252:451-492. [PMID: 32247372 PMCID: PMC10019778 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The primary neuropathological characteristics of the Parkinsonian brain are the loss of nigral dopamine neurons and the aggregation of alpha synuclein protein. Efforts to development potentially disease-modifying treatments have largely focused on correcting these aspects of the condition. In the last decade treatments targeting protein aggregation have entered the clinical pipeline. In this chapter we provide an overview of ongoing clinical trial programs for different therapies attempting to reduce protein aggregation pathology in Parkinson's disease. We will also briefly consider various novel approaches being proposed-and being developed preclinically-to inhibit/reduce aggregated protein pathology in Parkinson's.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Patrik Brundin
- Center for Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.
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21
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Fields CR, Bengoa-Vergniory N, Wade-Martins R. Targeting Alpha-Synuclein as a Therapy for Parkinson's Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:299. [PMID: 31866823 PMCID: PMC6906193 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders with a global burden of approximately 6.1 million patients. Alpha-synuclein has been linked to both the sporadic and familial forms of the disease. Moreover, alpha-synuclein is present in Lewy-bodies, the neuropathological hallmark of PD, and the protein and its aggregation have been widely linked to neurotoxic pathways that ultimately lead to neurodegeneration. Such pathways include autophagy/lysosomal dysregulation, synaptic dysfunction, mitochondrial disruption, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress. Alpha-synuclein has not only been shown to alter cellular pathways but also to spread between cells, causing aggregation in host cells. Therapeutic approaches will need to address several, if not all, of these angles of alpha-synuclein toxicity. Here we review the current advances in therapeutic efforts for PD that aim to produce a disease-modifying therapy by targeting the spread, production, aggregation, and degradation of alpha-synuclein. These include: receptor blocking strategies whereby putative alpha-synuclein receptors could be blocked inhibiting alpha-synuclein spread, an alpha-synuclein reduction which will decrease the amount alpha-synuclein available for aggregation and pathway disruption, the use of small molecules in order to target alpha-synuclein aggregation, immunotherapy and the increase of alpha-synuclein degradation by increasing autophagy/lysosomal flux. The research discussed here may lead to a disease-modifying therapy that tackles disease onset and progression in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nora Bengoa-Vergniory
- Department of Physiology, Oxford Parkinson's Disease Center, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Department of Physiology, Oxford Parkinson's Disease Center, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, United Kingdom
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22
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Williams SM, Peltz C, Yaffe K, Schulz P, Sierks MR. CNS disease-related protein variants as blood-based biomarkers in traumatic brain injury. Neurology 2019; 91:702-709. [PMID: 30297502 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000006322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To utilize a panel of 11 single chain variable fragments (scFvs) that selectively bind disease-related variants of TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP)-43, β-amyloid, tau, and α-synuclein to assess damage following traumatic brain injury (TBI), and determine if the presence of protein variants could account for the increased risk of various neurodegenerative diseases following TBI. METHODS We utilized the panel of 11 scFvs in a sensitive ELISA format to analyze sera from 43 older veterans, 25 who had experienced at least 1 TBI incident during their lifetime (∼29.4 years after TBI), and 18 controls who did not incur TBI, in a cross-sectional study. RESULTS Each of the 11 scFvs individually could significantly distinguish between TBI and control samples, though they did not detect each TBI sample. Comparing the levels of all 11 variants, all 25 TBI cases displayed higher reactivity compared to the controls and receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed 100% sensitivity and specificity. Higher total protein variants levels correlated with TBI severity and with loss of consciousness. Oligomeric tau levels distinguished between single and multiple TBI incidents. While all TBI cases were readily selected with the panel, the binding pattern varied from patient to patient, suggesting subgroups that are at increased risk for different neurodegenerative diseases. CONCLUSION The panel of protein variants-specific scFvs can be used to identify blood-based biomarkers indicative of TBI even 20 years or more after the initial TBI. Being able to identify subgroups of biomarker profiles allows for the possibility of individually targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Williams
- From the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (S.M.W., P.S., M.R.S.), Arizona State University, Tempe; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (C.P.); San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center (C.P., K.Y.); and Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Epidemiology and Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco
| | - Carrie Peltz
- From the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (S.M.W., P.S., M.R.S.), Arizona State University, Tempe; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (C.P.); San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center (C.P., K.Y.); and Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Epidemiology and Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- From the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (S.M.W., P.S., M.R.S.), Arizona State University, Tempe; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (C.P.); San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center (C.P., K.Y.); and Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Epidemiology and Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco
| | - Philip Schulz
- From the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (S.M.W., P.S., M.R.S.), Arizona State University, Tempe; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (C.P.); San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center (C.P., K.Y.); and Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Epidemiology and Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco
| | - Michael R Sierks
- From the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (S.M.W., P.S., M.R.S.), Arizona State University, Tempe; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (C.P.); San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center (C.P., K.Y.); and Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Epidemiology and Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco.
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23
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Vaikath NN, Hmila I, Gupta V, Erskine D, Ingelsson M, El-Agnaf OMA. Antibodies against alpha-synuclein: tools and therapies. J Neurochem 2019; 150:612-625. [PMID: 31055836 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy are characterized by the abnormal accumulation and propagation of α-synuclein (α-syn) pathology in the central and peripheral nervous system as Lewy bodies or glial cytoplasmic inclusions. Several antibodies against α-syn have been developed since it was first detected as the major component of Lewy bodies and glial cytoplasmic inclusions. Over the years, researchers have generated specific antibodies that alleviate the accumulation of intracellular aggregated α-syn and associated pathology in cellular and preclinical models of synucleinopathies. So far, antibodies have been the first choice as tools for research and diagnosis and currently, a wide variety of antibody fragments have been developed as an alternative to full-length antibodies for increasing its therapeutic usefulness. Recently, conformation specific antibody-based approaches have been found to be promising as therapeutic strategies, both to block α-syn aggregation and ameliorate the resultant cytotoxicity, and as diagnostic tools. In this review, we summarize different α-syn specific antibodies and provide their usefulness in tackling synucleinopathies. This article is part of the Special Issue "Synuclein".
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant N Vaikath
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Issam Hmila
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Vijay Gupta
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Daniel Erskine
- Institute of Neuroscience, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Martin Ingelsson
- Department of Public Health/Geriatrics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Omar M A El-Agnaf
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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24
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Marvian AT, Koss DJ, Aliakbari F, Morshedi D, Outeiro TF. In vitro models of synucleinopathies: informing on molecular mechanisms and protective strategies. J Neurochem 2019; 150:535-565. [PMID: 31004503 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a central player in Parkinson's disease (PD) and in a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases collectively known as synucleinopathies. The protein was first associated with PD just over 20 years ago, when it was found to (i) be a major component of Lewy bodies and (ii) to be also associated with familial forms of PD. The characterization of α-Syn pathology has been achieved through postmortem studies of human brains. However, the identification of toxic mechanisms associated with α-Syn was only achieved through the use of experimental models. In vitro models are highly accessible, enable relatively rapid studies, and have been extensively employed to address α-Syn-associated neurodegeneration. Given the diversity of models used and the outcomes of the studies, a cumulative and comprehensive perspective emerges as indispensable to pave the way for further investigations. Here, we subdivided in vitro models of α-Syn pathology into three major types: (i) models simulating α-Syn fibrillization and the formation of different aggregated structures in vitro, (ii) models based on the intracellular expression of α-Syn, reporting on pathogenic conditions and cellular dysfunctions induced, and (iii) models using extracellular treatment with α-Syn aggregated species, reporting on sites of interaction and their downstream consequences. In summary, we review the underlying molecular mechanisms discovered and categorize protective strategies, in order to pave the way for future studies and the identification of effective therapeutic strategies. This article is part of the Special Issue "Synuclein".
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Tayaranian Marvian
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Translational Neurodegeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - David J Koss
- Institute of Neuroscience, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Farhang Aliakbari
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dina Morshedi
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Institute of Neuroscience, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.,Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, Göttingen, Germany.,University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
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25
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Wang Z, Gao G, Duan C, Yang H. Progress of immunotherapy of anti-α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 115:108843. [PMID: 31055236 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive loss of neurons and abnormal protein accumulation, including amyloid (A)β and tau in Alzheimer's disease and Lewy bodies and α-synuclein (α-syn) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent evidence suggests that adaptive immunity plays an important role in PD, and that anti-α-syn antibodies can be used as therapy in neurodegenerative diseases; monoclonal antibodies were shown to inhibit α-syn propagation and aggregation in PD models and patients. In this review, we summarize the different pathological states of α-syn, including gene mutations, truncation, phosphorylation, and the high molecular weight form, and describe the specific antibodies that recognize the α-syn monomer or oligomer, some of which have been tested in clinic trials. We also discuss future research directions and potential targets in PD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Wang
- Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center of Parkinson Disease Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory for Neural Regeneration and Repair, Beijing Key Laboratory on Parkinson's Disease, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ge Gao
- Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center of Parkinson Disease Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory for Neural Regeneration and Repair, Beijing Key Laboratory on Parkinson's Disease, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Chunli Duan
- Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center of Parkinson Disease Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory for Neural Regeneration and Repair, Beijing Key Laboratory on Parkinson's Disease, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center of Parkinson Disease Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory for Neural Regeneration and Repair, Beijing Key Laboratory on Parkinson's Disease, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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26
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Overk C, Masliah E. Dale Schenk One Year Anniversary: Fighting to Preserve the Memories. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 62:1-13. [PMID: 29439357 DOI: 10.3233/jad-171071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
It has been a year since we lost Dale Schenk on September 30, 2016. Dale's visionary work resulted in the remarkable discovery in 1999 that an experimental amyloid-β (Aβ) vaccine reduced the neurodegeneration in a transgenic model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Following Dale's seminal work, several active and passive immunotherapies have since been developed and tested in the clinic for AD, Parkinson's disease (PD), and other neurodegenerative disorders. Here we provide a brief overview of the current state of development of immunotherapy for AD, PD, and other neurodegenerative disorders in the context of this anniversary. The next steps in the development of immunotherapies will require combinatorial approaches mixing antibodies against various targets (e.g., Aβ, α-syn, Tau, and TDP43) with small molecules that block toxicity, aggregation, inflammation, and promote cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassia Overk
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Division of Neurosciences and Molecular Neuropathology Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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27
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Schlake T, Thess A, Thran M, Jordan I. mRNA as novel technology for passive immunotherapy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:301-328. [PMID: 30334070 PMCID: PMC6339677 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2935-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
While active immunization elicits a lasting immune response by the body, passive immunotherapy transiently equips the body with exogenously generated immunological effectors in the form of either target-specific antibodies or lymphocytes functionalized with target-specific receptors. In either case, administration or expression of recombinant proteins plays a fundamental role. mRNA prepared by in vitro transcription (IVT) is increasingly appreciated as a drug substance for delivery of recombinant proteins. With its biological role as transient carrier of genetic information translated into protein in the cytoplasm, therapeutic application of mRNA combines several advantages. For example, compared to transfected DNA, mRNA harbors inherent safety features. It is not associated with the risk of inducing genomic changes and potential adverse effects are only temporary due to its transient nature. Compared to the administration of recombinant proteins produced in bioreactors, mRNA allows supplying proteins that are difficult to manufacture and offers extended pharmacokinetics for short-lived proteins. Based on great progress in understanding and manipulating mRNA properties, efficacy data in various models have now demonstrated that IVT mRNA constitutes a potent and flexible platform technology. Starting with an introduction into passive immunotherapy, this review summarizes the current status of IVT mRNA technology and its application to such immunological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schlake
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Thess
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Moritz Thran
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ingo Jordan
- CureVac AG, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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28
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Kumar NN, Pizzo ME, Nehra G, Wilken-Resman B, Boroumand S, Thorne RG. Passive Immunotherapies for Central Nervous System Disorders: Current Delivery Challenges and New Approaches. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:3937-3966. [PMID: 30265523 PMCID: PMC7234797 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Passive immunotherapy, i.e., the administration of exogenous antibodies that recognize a specific target antigen, has gained significant momentum as a potential treatment strategy for several central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and brain cancer, among others. Advances in antibody engineering to create therapeutic antibody fragments or antibody conjugates have introduced new strategies that may also be applied to treat CNS disorders. However, drug delivery to the CNS for antibodies and other macromolecules has thus far proven challenging, due in large part to the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers that greatly restrict transport of peripherally administered molecules from the systemic circulation into the CNS. Here, we summarize the various passive immunotherapy approaches under study for the treatment of CNS disorders, with a primary focus on disease-specific and target site-specific challenges to drug delivery and new, cutting edge methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyanta N. Kumar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
| | - Michelle E. Pizzo
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
- Clinical Neuroengineering Training Program, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Geetika Nehra
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
| | - Brynna Wilken-Resman
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
| | - Sam Boroumand
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
| | - Robert G. Thorne
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
- Clinical Neuroengineering Training Program, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Neuroscience Training Program & Center for
Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United
States
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Training Program,
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
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29
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Manoutcharian K, Perez-Garmendia R, Gevorkian G. Recombinant Antibody Fragments for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 15:779-788. [PMID: 27697033 PMCID: PMC5771054 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x01666160930121647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recombinant antibody fragments are promising alternatives to full-length immunoglobulins and offer important advantages compared with conventional monoclonal antibodies: extreme specificity, higher affinity, superior stability and solubility, reduced immunogenicity as well as easy and inexpensive large-scale production. OBJECTIVE In this article we will review and discuss recombinant antibodies that are being evaluated for neurodegenerative diseases in pre-clinical models and in clinical studies and will summarize new strategies that are being developed to optimize their stability, specificity and potency for advancing their use. METHODS Articles describing recombinant antibody fragments used for neurological diseases were selected (PubMed) and evaluated for their significance. RESULTS Different antibody formats such as single-chain fragment variable (scFv), single-domain antibody fragments (VHHs or sdAbs), bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), intrabodies and nanobodies, are currently being studied in pre-clinical models of cancer as well as infectious and autoimmune diseases and many of them are being tested as therapeutics in clinical trials. Immunotherapy approaches have shown therapeutic efficacy in several animal models of Alzheimer´s disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Huntington disease (HD), transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been demonstrated that recombinant antibody fragments may neutralize toxic extra- and intracellular misfolded proteins involved in the pathogenesis of AD, PD, DLB, FTD, HD or TSEs and may target toxic immune cells participating in the pathogenesis of MS. CONCLUSION Recombinant antibody fragments represent a promising tool for the development of antibody-based immunotherapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Manoutcharian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico DF. Mexico
| | - Roxanna Perez-Garmendia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico DF. Mexico
| | - Goar Gevorkian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70228, Cuidad Universitaria, Mexico DF, CP 04510, Mexico. 0
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30
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Roher AE, Kokjohn TA, Clarke SG, Sierks MR, Maarouf CL, Serrano GE, Sabbagh MS, Beach TG. APP/Aβ structural diversity and Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Neurochem Int 2017; 110:1-13. [PMID: 28811267 PMCID: PMC5688956 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The amyloid cascade hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) proposes amyloid- β (Aβ) is a chief pathological element of dementia. AD therapies have targeted monomeric and oligomeric Aβ 1-40 and 1-42 peptides. However, alternative APP proteolytic processing produces a complex roster of Aβ species. In addition, Aβ peptides are subject to extensive posttranslational modification (PTM). We propose that amplified production of some APP/Aβ species, perhaps exacerbated by differential gene expression and reduced peptide degradation, creates a diverse spectrum of modified species which disrupt brain homeostasis and accelerate AD neurodegeneration. We surveyed the literature to catalog Aβ PTM including species with isoAsp at positions 7 and 23 which may phenocopy the Tottori and Iowa Aβ mutations that result in early onset AD. We speculate that accumulation of these alterations induce changes in secondary and tertiary structure of Aβ that favor increased toxicity, and seeding and propagation in sporadic AD. Additionally, amyloid-β peptides with a pyroglutamate modification at position 3 and oxidation of Met35 make up a substantial portion of sporadic AD amyloid deposits. The intrinsic physical properties of these species, including resistance to degradation, an enhanced aggregation rate, increased neurotoxicity, and association with behavioral deficits, suggest their emergence is linked to dementia. The generation of specific 3D-molecular conformations of Aβ impart unique biophysical properties and a capacity to seed the prion-like global transmission of amyloid through the brain. The accumulation of rogue Aβ ultimately contributes to the destruction of vascular walls, neurons and glial cells culminating in dementia. A systematic examination of Aβ PTM and the analysis of the toxicity that they induced may help create essential biomarkers to more precisely stage AD pathology, design countermeasures and gauge the impacts of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex E Roher
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA; Division of Clinical Education, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA.
| | - Tyler A Kokjohn
- Department of Microbiology, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Steven G Clarke
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Michael R Sierks
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-6106, USA
| | - Chera L Maarouf
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, AZ 85351, USA
| | - Geidy E Serrano
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, AZ 85351, USA
| | - Marwan S Sabbagh
- Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders Division, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Thomas G Beach
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, AZ 85351, USA
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31
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Iljina M, Hong L, Horrocks MH, Ludtmann MH, Choi ML, Hughes CD, Ruggeri FS, Guilliams T, Buell AK, Lee JE, Gandhi S, Lee SF, Bryant CE, Vendruscolo M, Knowles TPJ, Dobson CM, De Genst E, Klenerman D. Nanobodies raised against monomeric ɑ-synuclein inhibit fibril formation and destabilize toxic oligomeric species. BMC Biol 2017; 15:57. [PMID: 28673288 PMCID: PMC5496350 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-017-0390-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aggregation of the protein ɑ-synuclein (ɑS) underlies a range of increasingly common neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease. One widely explored therapeutic strategy for these conditions is the use of antibodies to target aggregated ɑS, although a detailed molecular-level mechanism of the action of such species remains elusive. Here, we characterize ɑS aggregation in vitro in the presence of two ɑS-specific single-domain antibodies (nanobodies), NbSyn2 and NbSyn87, which bind to the highly accessible C-terminal region of ɑS. Results We show that both nanobodies inhibit the formation of ɑS fibrils. Furthermore, using single-molecule fluorescence techniques, we demonstrate that nanobody binding promotes a rapid conformational conversion from more stable oligomers to less stable oligomers of ɑS, leading to a dramatic reduction in oligomer-induced cellular toxicity. Conclusions The results indicate a novel mechanism by which diseases associated with protein aggregation can be inhibited, and suggest that NbSyn2 and NbSyn87 could have significant therapeutic potential. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-017-0390-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Iljina
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Liu Hong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.,Zhou Pei-Yuan Center for Applied Mathematics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Mathew H Horrocks
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.,Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Marthe H Ludtmann
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, University College London, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Minee L Choi
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, University College London, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Craig D Hughes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Francesco S Ruggeri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Tim Guilliams
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.,Present address: Healx Ltd., St John's Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WS, UK
| | - Alexander K Buell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.,Present address: Institute of Physical Biology, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Sonia Gandhi
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, University College London, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Steven F Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Clare E Bryant
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Christopher M Dobson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Erwin De Genst
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK. .,Present address: Astra Zeneca, Innovative Medicines Discovery Sciences Unit 310, Darwin Building, Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK.
| | - David Klenerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
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32
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Williams SM, Khan G, Harris BT, Ravits J, Sierks MR. TDP-43 protein variants as biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BMC Neurosci 2017; 18:20. [PMID: 28122516 PMCID: PMC5264476 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-017-0334-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TDP-43 aggregates accumulate in individuals affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases, representing potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Using an atomic force microscopy based biopanning protocol developed in our lab, we previously isolated 23 TDP-43 reactive antibody fragments with preference for human ALS brain tissue relative to frontotemporal dementia, a related neurodegeneration, and healthy samples from phage-displayed single chain antibody fragment (scFv) libraries. Here we further characterize the binding specificity of these different scFvs and identify which ones have promise for detecting ALS biomarkers in human brain tissue and plasma samples. RESULTS We developed a sensitive capture ELISA for detection of different disease related TDP-43 variants using the scFvs identified from the ALS biopanning. We show that a wide variety of disease selective TDP-43 variants are present in ALS as the scFvs show different reactivity profiles amongst the ALS cases. When assaying individual human brain tissue cases, three scFvs (ALS-TDP6, ALS-TDP10 and ALS-TDP14) reacted with all the ALS cases and 12 others reacted with the majority of the ALS cases, and none of the scFvs reacted with any control samples. When assaying individual human plasma samples, 9 different scFvs reacted with all the sporadic ALS samples and again none of them reacted with any control samples. These 9 different scFvs had different patterns of reactivity with plasma samples obtained from chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (c9orf72) cases indicating that these familial ALS genetic variants may display different TDP-43 pathology than sporadic ALS cases. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that a range of disease specific TDP-43 variants are generated in ALS patients with different variants being generated in sporadic and familial cases. We show that a small panel of scFvs recognizing different TDP-43 variants can generate a neuropathological and plasma biomarker profile with potential to distinguish different TDP-43 pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Williams
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-6106 USA
| | - Galam Khan
- Departments of Pathology and Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057 USA
| | - Brent T. Harris
- Departments of Pathology and Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057 USA
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624 USA
| | - Michael R. Sierks
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-6106 USA
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Sivanesam K, Andersen NH. Modulating the Amyloidogenesis of α-Synuclein. Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 14:226-37. [PMID: 26517049 PMCID: PMC4857621 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666151030103153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-Synuclein is found in the neuronal cells but its native function is not well known. While α -synuclein is an intrinsically disordered protein that adopts a helical conformation upon membrane binding, numerous studies have shown that oligomeric β-forms of this protein are cytotoxic. This response to misfolded species contributes to Parkinson's Disease etiology and symptoms. The resulting amyloid fibrils are an established diagnostic in Parkinson's Disease. In this review, we focus on strategies that have been used to inhibit the amyloidogenesis of α -synuclein either by stabilizing the native state, or by redirecting the pathway to less toxic aggregates. Small molecules such as polyphenols, peptides as well as large proteins have proven effective at protecting cells against the cytotoxicity of α-synuclein. These strategies may lead to the development of therapeutic agents that could prove useful in combating this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Niels H Andersen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Butler DC, Joshi SN, Genst ED, Baghel AS, Dobson CM, Messer A. Bifunctional Anti-Non-Amyloid Component α-Synuclein Nanobodies Are Protective In Situ. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165964. [PMID: 27824888 PMCID: PMC5100967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Misfolding, abnormal accumulation, and secretion of α-Synuclein (α-Syn) are closely associated with synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). VH14 is a human single domain intrabody selected against the non-amyloid component (NAC) hydrophobic interaction region of α-Syn, which is critical for initial aggregation. Using neuronal cell lines, we show that as a bifunctional nanobody fused to a proteasome targeting signal, VH14PEST can counteract heterologous proteostatic effects of mutant α-Syn on mutant huntingtin Exon1 and protect against α-Syn toxicity using propidium iodide or Annexin V readouts. We compared this anti-NAC candidate to NbSyn87, which binds to the C-terminus of α-Syn. NbSyn87PEST degrades α-Syn as well or better than VH14PEST. However, while both candidates reduced toxicity, VH14PEST appears more effective in both proteostatic stress and toxicity assays. These results show that the approach of reducing intracellular monomeric targets with novel antibody engineering technology should allow in vivo modulation of proteostatic pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Butler
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, United States of America; and Department of Biomedical Sciences; University at Albany, Albany, NY, 12208, United States of America
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, 12208, United States of America
| | - Shubhada N. Joshi
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, 12208, United States of America
| | - Erwin De Genst
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Ankit S. Baghel
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, 12208, United States of America
| | - Christopher M. Dobson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Messer
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, United States of America; and Department of Biomedical Sciences; University at Albany, Albany, NY, 12208, United States of America
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, 12208, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Antibodies inside of a cell can change its outside: Can intrabodies provide a new therapeutic paradigm? Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2016; 14:304-8. [PMID: 27570612 PMCID: PMC4990636 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Challenges posed by complex diseases such as cancer, chronic viral infections, neurodegenerative disorders and many others have forced researchers to think beyond classic small molecule drugs, exploring new therapeutic strategies such as therapy with RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9 or antibody therapies as single or as combination therapies with existing drugs. While classic antibody therapies based on parenteral application can only reach extracellular targets, intracellular application of antibodies could provide specific advantages but is so far little recognized in translational research. Intrabodies allow high specificity and targeting of splice variants or post translational modifications. At the same time off target effects can be minimized by thorough biochemical characterization. Knockdown of cellular proteins by intrabodies has been reported for a significant number of disease-relevant targets, including ErbB-2, EGFR, VEGFR-2, Metalloproteinase MMP2 and MMP9, β-amyloid protein, α-synuclein, HIV gp120, HCV core and many others. This review outlines the recent advances in ER intrabody technology and their potential use in therapy.
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Spencer B, Williams S, Rockenstein E, Valera E, Xin W, Mante M, Florio J, Adame A, Masliah E, Sierks MR. α-synuclein conformational antibodies fused to penetratin are effective in models of Lewy body disease. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2016; 3:588-606. [PMID: 27606342 PMCID: PMC4999592 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Progressive accumulation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) has been associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy body (DLB). The mechanisms through which α‐syn leads to neurodegeneration are not completely clear; however, the formation of various oligomeric species have been proposed to play a role. Antibody therapy has shown effectiveness at reducing α‐syn accumulation in the central nervous system (CNS); however, most of these studies have been conducted utilizing antibodies that recognize both monomeric and higher molecular weight α‐syn. In this context, the main objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of immunotherapy with single‐chain antibodies (scFVs) against specific conformational forms of α‐syn fused to a novel brain penetrating sequence. Method We screened various scFVs against α‐syn expressed from lentiviral vectors by intracerebral injections in an α‐syn tg model. The most effective scFVs were fused to the cell‐penetrating peptide penetratin to enhance transport across the blood–brain barrier, and lentiviral vectors were constructed and tested for efficacy following systemic delivery intraperitoneal into α‐syn tg mice. Result Two scFVs (D5 and 10H) selectively targeted different α‐syn oligomers and reduced the accumulation of α‐syn and ameliorated functional deficits when delivered late in disease development; however, only one of the antibodies (D5) was also effective when delivered early in disease development. These scFVs were also utilized in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay to monitor the effects of immunotherapy on α‐syn oligomers in brain and plasma. Interpretation The design and targeting of antibodies for specific species of α‐syn oligomers is crucial for therapeutic immunotherapy and might be of relevance for the treatment of Lewy body disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Spencer
- Department of Neuroscience University of California San Diego California
| | - Stephanie Williams
- Department of Chemical Engineering Arizona State University Tempe Arizona
| | - Edward Rockenstein
- Department of Neuroscience University of California San Diego California
| | - Elvira Valera
- Department of Neuroscience University of California San Diego California
| | - Wei Xin
- Department of Chemical Engineering Arizona State University Tempe Arizona
| | - Michael Mante
- Department of Neuroscience University of California San Diego California
| | - Jazmin Florio
- Department of Neuroscience University of California San Diego California
| | - Anthony Adame
- Department of Neuroscience University of California San Diego California
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neuroscience University of California San Diego California; Department of Pathology University of California San Diego California
| | - Michael R Sierks
- Department of Chemical Engineering Arizona State University Tempe Arizona
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Valera E, Spencer B, Masliah E. Immunotherapeutic Approaches Targeting Amyloid-β, α-Synuclein, and Tau for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders. Neurotherapeutics 2016; 13:179-89. [PMID: 26494242 PMCID: PMC4720672 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-015-0397-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease-modifying alternatives are sorely needed for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, a group of diseases that afflict approximately 50 million Americans annually. Immunotherapy is one of the most developed approaches in this direction. Vaccination against amyloid-β, α-synuclein, or tau has been extensively explored, specially as the discovery that these proteins may propagate cell-to-cell and be accessible to antibodies when embedded into the plasma membrane or in the extracellular space. Likewise, the use of passive immunization approaches with specific antibodies against abnormal conformations of these proteins has also yielded promising results. The clinical development of immunotherapies for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and other neurodegenerative disorders is a field in constant evolution. Results to date suggest that immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases that progress with the accumulation and prion-like propagation of toxic protein aggregates. Here we provide an overview of the most novel and relevant immunotherapeutic advances targeting amyloid-β in Alzheimer’s disease, α-synuclein in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and tau in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Valera
- grid.266100.30000000121074242Department of Neurosciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Brian Spencer
- grid.266100.30000000121074242Department of Neurosciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- grid.266100.30000000121074242Department of Neurosciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
- grid.266100.30000000121074242Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
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Williams SM, Schulz P, Sierks MR. Oligomeric α-synuclein and β-amyloid variants as potential biomarkers for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 43:3-16. [PMID: 26332448 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oligomeric forms of α-synuclein and β-amyloid are toxic protein variants that are thought to contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively. The detection of toxic variants in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood has great promise for facilitating early and accurate diagnoses of these devastating diseases. Two hurdles that have impeded the use of these protein variants as biomarkers are the availability of reagents that can bind the different variants and a sensitive assay to detect their very low concentrations. We previously isolated antibody-based reagents that selectively bind two different oligomeric variants of α-synuclein and two of β-amyloid, and developed a phage-based capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with subfemtomolar sensitivity to quantify their presence. Here, we used these reagents to show that these oligomeric α-synuclein variants are preferentially present in PD brain tissue, CSF and serum, and that the oligomeric β-amyloid variants are preferentially present in AD brain tissue, CSF, and serum. Some AD samples also had α-synuclein pathology and some PD samples also had β-amyloid pathology, and, very intriguingly, these PD cases also had a history of dementia. Detection of different oligomeric α-synuclein and β-amyloid species is an effective method for identifying tissue, CSF and sera from PD and AD samples, respectively, and samples that also contained early stages of other protein pathologies, indicating their potential value as blood-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Williams
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6106, USA
| | - Philip Schulz
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6106, USA
| | - Michael R Sierks
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6106, USA
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Zhang Q, Kim YC, Narayanan NS. Disease-modifying therapeutic directions for Lewy-Body dementias. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:293. [PMID: 26347604 PMCID: PMC4542461 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second leading cause of dementia following Alzheimer's disease (AD) and accounts for up to 25% of all dementia. DLB is distinct from AD in that it involves extensive neuropsychiatric symptoms as well as motor symptoms, leads to enormous societal costs in terms of direct medical care and is associated with high financial and caregiver costs. Although, there are no disease-modifying therapies for DLB, we review several new therapeutic directions in treating DLB. We discuss progress in strategies to decrease the level of alpha-synuclein, to prevent the cell to cell transmission of misfolded alpha-synuclein, and the potential of brain stimulation in DLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Iowa City, IA, USA ; Physician Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Young-Cho Kim
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nandakumar S Narayanan
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Iowa City, IA, USA ; Aging Mind and Brain Initiative, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Iowa City, IA, USA
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41
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Opportunities for Conformation-Selective Antibodies in Amyloid-Related Diseases. Antibodies (Basel) 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/antib4030170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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Deal CE, Balazs AB. Engineering humoral immunity as prophylaxis or therapy. Curr Opin Immunol 2015; 35:113-22. [PMID: 26183209 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW In this review, we will discuss the field of engineered humoral immunity with an emphasis on recent work using viral vectors to produce antibodies in vivo. As an alternative to passive transfer of monoclonal antibody protein, a transgene encoding an antibody is delivered to cells via vector transduction, resulting in expression and secretion by the host cell. This review will summarize the evidence in support of this strategy as an alternative to traditional vaccines against infection and as novel therapeutics for a variety of diseases. RECENT FINDINGS Historically, humoral immunity has been engineered through vaccination and passive transfer of monoclonal antibodies. However, recent work suggests that vectors can be used to deliver transgenes encoding broadly neutralizing antibodies to non-hematopoietic tissues and can mediate long-term expression that is capable of preventing or treating infectious diseases. The production of engineered monoclonal antibodies allows for precise targeting and elimination of aberrant self-proteins that are characteristic of certain neurodegenerative disease. This approach has also been successfully used to combat cancer and addiction in several animal models. Despite the wide array of expression platforms that have been described, adeno-associated virus vectors have emerged as the frontrunner for rapid clinical translation. SUMMARY Recent advances in vector-mediated antibody expression have demonstrated the potential for such interventions to prevent infection and treat disease. As such, it offers an alternative to immunogen-based vaccine design and a novel therapeutic intervention by enabling precise manipulation of humoral immunity. Success translating these approaches to patients may enable the development of effective prevention against previously intractable pathogens that evade immunity such as HIV, influenza, malaria or HCV and may also enable new treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cailin E Deal
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT & Harvard, 400 Technology Sq., Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Alejandro B Balazs
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT & Harvard, 400 Technology Sq., Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
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Williams SM, Venkataraman L, Tian H, Khan G, Harris BT, Sierks MR. Novel atomic force microscopy based biopanning for isolation of morphology specific reagents against TDP-43 variants in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Vis Exp 2015. [PMID: 25742170 DOI: 10.3791/52584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Because protein variants play critical roles in many diseases including TDP-43 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and beta-amyloid and tau in Alzheimer's disease, it is critically important to develop morphology specific reagents that can selectively target these disease-specific protein variants to study the role of these variants in disease pathology and for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications. We have developed novel atomic force microscopy (AFM) based biopanning techniques that enable isolation of reagents that selectively recognize disease-specific protein variants. There are two key phases involved in the process, the negative and positive panning phases. During the negative panning phase, phages that are reactive to off-target antigens are eliminated through multiple rounds of subtractive panning utilizing a series of carefully selected off-target antigens. A key feature in the negative panning phase is utilizing AFM imaging to monitor the process and confirm that all undesired phage particles are removed. For the positive panning phase, the target antigen of interest is fixed on a mica surface and bound phages are eluted and screened to identify phages that selectively bind the target antigen. The target protein variant does not need to be purified providing the appropriate negative panning controls have been used. Even target protein variants that are only present at very low concentrations in complex biological material can be utilized in the positive panning step. Through application of this technology, we acquired antibodies to protein variants of TDP-43 that are selectively found in human ALS brain tissue. We expect that this protocol should be applicable to generating reagents that selectively bind protein variants present in a wide variety of different biological processes and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Williams
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University
| | - Lalitha Venkataraman
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University
| | - Huilai Tian
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University
| | - Galam Khan
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center
| | - Brent T Harris
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center; Department of Pathology, Georgetown University Medical Center
| | - Michael R Sierks
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University;
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Gauhar A, Shaykhalishahi H, Gremer L, Mirecka EA, Hoyer W. Impact of subunit linkages in an engineered homodimeric binding protein to α-synuclein. Protein Eng Des Sel 2014; 27:473-9. [PMID: 25332193 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzu047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation of the protein α-synuclein (α-syn) has been implicated in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, collectively referred to as synucleinopathies. The β-wrapin AS69 is a small engineered binding protein to α-syn that stabilizes a β-hairpin conformation of monomeric α-syn and inhibits α-syn aggregation at substoichiometric concentrations. AS69 is a homodimer whose subunits are linked via a disulfide bridge between their single cysteine residues, Cys-28. Here we show that expression of a functional dimer as a single polypeptide chain is achievable by head-to-tail linkage of AS69 subunits. Choice of a suitable linker is essential for construction of head-to-tail dimers that exhibit undiminished α-syn affinity compared with the solely disulfide-linked dimer. We characterize AS69-GS3, a head-to-tail dimer with a glycine-serine-rich linker, under oxidized and reduced conditions in order to evaluate the impact of the Cys28-disulfide bond on structure, stability and α-syn binding. Formation of the disulfide bond causes compaction of AS69-GS3, increases its thermostability, and is a prerequisite for high-affinity binding to α-syn. Comparison of AS69-GS3 and AS69 demonstrates that head-to-tail linkage promotes α-syn binding by affording accelerated disulfide bond formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Gauhar
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hamed Shaykhalishahi
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lothar Gremer
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany Institute of Structural Biochemistry (ICS-6), Research Centre Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Ewa A Mirecka
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoyer
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany Institute of Structural Biochemistry (ICS-6), Research Centre Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
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Lindström V, Ihse E, Fagerqvist T, Bergström J, Nordström E, Möller C, Lannfelt L, Ingelsson M. Immunotherapy targeting α-synuclein, with relevance for future treatment of Parkinson's disease and other Lewy body disorders. Immunotherapy 2014; 6:141-53. [PMID: 24491088 DOI: 10.2217/imt.13.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy targeting α-synuclein has evolved as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, and initial studies on cellular and animal models have shown promising results. α-synuclein vaccination of transgenic mice reduced the number of brain inclusions, whereas passive immunization studies demonstrated that antibodies against the C-terminus of α-synuclein can pass the blood-brain barrier and affect the pathology. In addition, preliminary evidence suggests that transgenic mice treated with an antibody directed against α-synuclein oligomers/protofibrils resulted in reduced levels of such species in the CNS. The underlying mechanisms of immunotherapy are not yet fully understood, but may include antibody-mediated clearance of pre-existing aggregates, prevention of protein propagation between cells and microglia-dependent protein clearance. Thus, immunotherapy targeting α-synuclein holds promise, but needs to be further developed as a future disease-modifying treatment in Parkinson's disease and other α-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Lindström
- Department of Public Health/Geriatrics, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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Williams S, Schulz P, Sierks MR. A sensitive phage-based capture ELISA for sub-femtomolar detection of protein variants directly from biological samples. Biotechnol Prog 2014; 31:289-98. [PMID: 25203940 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.1987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
To determine the role of proteins, and in particular protein variants, in human health, it may often be necessary to quantitatively determine the concentration of a specific protein variant present in complex biological samples such as blood, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), or tissue. Many protein variants are present only at trace levels and therefore a simple assay with very high sensitivity and reliability would greatly facilitate correlation of the presence of particular protein variants with the progression of specific diseases. We have developed a simple phage based capture ELISA system that enables femtomolar or better detection of individual protein variants directly from complex biological samples. The protocol utilizes a capture reagent that selectively recognizes a unique epitope of the protein variant and a phage based detection reagent that binds to a second epitope present in all forms of the target protein. The phage based detection reagent is essentially a self-assembling nanoparticle consisting of several thousand coat proteins that can each be labeled to amplify the detection signal by several orders of magnitude. Here we demonstrate that we can achieve subfemtomolar detection of individual protein variants that have been implicated in neurodegenerative disease directly from complex tissue homogenates and sera. The ELISA system should facilitate identification of disease specific protein variants or other compounds even when present at trace amounts in samples including blood, CSF, saliva and urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Williams
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-6106
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De Genst E, Messer A, Dobson CM. Antibodies and protein misfolding: From structural research tools to therapeutic strategies. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2014; 1844:1907-1919. [PMID: 25194824 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2014.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Protein misfolding disorders, including the neurodegenerative conditions Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) represent one of the major medical challenges or our time. The underlying molecular mechanisms that govern protein misfolding and its links with disease are very complex processes, involving the formation of transiently populated but highly toxic molecular species within the crowded environment of the cell and tissue. Nevertheless, much progress has been made in understanding these events in recent years through innovative experiments and therapeutic strategies, and in this review we present an overview of the key roles of antibodies and antibody fragments in these endeavors. We discuss in particular how these species are being used in combination with a variety of powerful biochemical and biophysical methodologies, including a range of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques applied not just in vitro but also in situ and in vivo, both to gain a better understanding of the mechanistic nature of protein misfolding and aggregation and also to design novel therapeutic strategies to combat the family of diseases with which they are associated. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Recent advances in molecular engineering of antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin De Genst
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Anne Messer
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Regenerative Research Foundation, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Christopher M Dobson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
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ESCRT-mediated uptake and degradation of brain-targeted α-synuclein single chain antibody attenuates neuronal degeneration in vivo. Mol Ther 2014; 22:1753-67. [PMID: 25008355 PMCID: PMC4428402 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2014.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies are neurodegenerative
disorders characterized by accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn).
Recently, single-chain fragment variables (scFVs) have been developed against
individual conformational species of α-syn. Unlike more traditional
monoclonal antibodies, these scFVs will not activate or be endocytosed by Fc
receptors. For this study, we investigated an scFV directed against oligomeric
α-syn fused to the LDL receptor-binding domain from apolipoprotein B
(apoB). The modified scFV showed enhanced brain penetration and was imported
into neuronal cells through the endosomal sorting complex required for transport
(ESCRT) pathway, leading to lysosomal degradation of α-syn aggregates.
Further analysis showed that the scFV was effective at ameliorating
neurodegenerative pathology and behavioral deficits observed in the mouse model
of dementia with Lewy bodies/Parkinson's disease. Thus, the apoB
modification had the effect of both increasing accumulation of the scFV in the
brain and directing scFV/α-syn complexes for degradation through the ESCRT
pathway, leading to improved therapeutic potential of immunotherapy.
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Evidence for prion-like mechanisms in several neurodegenerative diseases: potential implications for immunotherapy. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:473706. [PMID: 24228054 PMCID: PMC3817797 DOI: 10.1155/2013/473706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are fatal, untreatable neurodegenerative diseases. While the impact of TSEs on human health is relatively minor, these diseases are having a major influence on how we view, and potentially treat, other more common neurodegenerative disorders. Until recently, TSEs encapsulated a distinct category of neurodegenerative disorder, exclusive in their defining characteristic of infectivity. It now appears that similar mechanisms of self-propagation may underlie other proteinopathies such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. This link is of scientific interest and potential therapeutic importance as this route of self-propagation offers conceptual support and guidance for vaccine development efforts. Specifically, the existence of a pathological, self-promoting isoform offers a rational vaccine target. Here, we review the evidence of prion-like mechanisms within a number of common neurodegenerative disorders and speculate on potential implications and opportunities for vaccine development.
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Single-chain fragment variable passive immunotherapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:19109-27. [PMID: 24048248 PMCID: PMC3794823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140919109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of misfolded proteins has been implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases including prion diseases, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD). In the past decade, single-chain fragment variable (scFv) -based immunotherapies have been developed to target abnormal proteins or various forms of protein aggregates including Aβ, SNCA, Htt, and PrP proteins. The scFvs are produced by fusing the variable regions of the antibody heavy and light chains, creating a much smaller protein with unaltered specificity. Because of its small size and relative ease of production, scFvs are promising diagnostic and therapeutic reagents for protein misfolded diseases. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of scFvs in preventing amyloid protein aggregation in preclinical models. Herein, we discuss recent developments of these immunotherapeutics. We review efforts of our group and others using scFv in neurodegenerative disease models. We illustrate the advantages of scFvs, including engineering to enhance misfolded conformer specificity and subcellular targeting to optimize therapeutic action.
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