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Xu L, Xu H, Tang C. Aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: progress of experimental models based on disease pathogenesis. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:354-365. [PMID: 38819039 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are neuroinflammatory demyelinating disorders that lead to permanent visual loss and motor dysfunction. To date, no effective treatment exists as the exact causative mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, experimental models of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are essential for exploring its pathogenesis and in screening for therapeutic targets. Since most patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are seropositive for IgG autoantibodies against aquaporin-4, which is highly expressed on the membrane of astrocyte endfeet, most current experimental models are based on aquaporin-4-IgG that initially targets astrocytes. These experimental models have successfully simulated many pathological features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, such as aquaporin-4 loss, astrocytopathy, granulocyte and macrophage infiltration, complement activation, demyelination, and neuronal loss; however, they do not fully capture the pathological process of human neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. In this review, we summarize the currently known pathogenic mechanisms and the development of associated experimental models in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, suggest potential pathogenic mechanisms for further investigation, and provide guidance on experimental model choices. In addition, this review summarizes the latest information on pathologies and therapies for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders based on experimental models of aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, offering further therapeutic targets and a theoretical basis for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Xu L, Yang L, Xu H, Li Y, Peng F, Qiu W, Tang C. Lycium barbarum glycopeptide ameliorates motor and visual deficits in autoimmune inflammatory diseases. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155610. [PMID: 38640861 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp), extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) of Lycium barbarum (LB), provides a neuroprotective effect against neurodegenerative and neuroimmune disorders contributing to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory roles. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is an autoimmune-mediated central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease, clinically manifested as transverse myelitis (TM) and optic neuritis. However, no drug has been demonstrated to be effective in relieving limb weakness and visual impairment of NMOSD patients. PURPOSE This study investigates the potential role of LbGp in ameliorating pathologic lesions and improving neurological dysfunction during NMOSD progression, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for the first time. STUDY DESIGN We administrate LbGp in experimental NMOSD models in ex vivo and in vivo to explore its effect on NMOSD. METHODS To evaluate motor function, both rotarod and gait tasks were performed in systemic NMOSD mice models. Furthermore, we assessed the severity of NMO-like lesions of astrocytes, organotypic cerebellar slices, as well as brain, spinal cord and optic nerve sections from NMOSD mouse models with LbGp treatment by immunofluorescent staining. In addition, demyelination levels in optic nerve were measured by G-ratio through Electro-microscopy (EM). And inflammation response was explored through detecting the protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κB signaling in astrocytic culture medium and spinal cord homogenates respectively by Elisa and by Western blotting. RESULTS LbGp could significantly reduce astrocytes injury, demyelination, and microglial activation in NMOSD models. In addition, LbGp also improved locomotor and visual dysfunction through preventing neuron and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from inflammatory attack in a systemic mouse model. Mechanistically, LbGp inhibits proinflammatory factors release via inhibition of NF-κB signaling in NMOSD models. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence to develop LbGp as a functional TCM for the clinical treatment of NMOSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Huiming Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Yuhan Li
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Fuhua Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PR China.
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PR China.
| | - Changyong Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PR China.
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Zhu F, He P, Jiang W, Afridi SK, Xu H, Alahmad M, Alvin Huang YW, Qiu W, Wang G, Tang C. Astrocyte-secreted C3 signaling impairs neuronal development and cognition in autoimmune diseases. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 240:102654. [PMID: 38945516 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102654] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) arises from primary astrocytopathy induced by autoantibodies targeting the astroglial protein aquaporin 4 (AQP4), leading to severe neurological sequelae such as vision loss, motor deficits, and cognitive decline. Mounting evidence has shown that dysregulated activation of complement components contributes to NMO pathogenesis. Complement C3 deficiency has been shown to protect against hippocampal neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, AD) and autoimmune diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, MS). However, whether inhibiting the C3 signaling can ameliorate cognitive dysfunctions in NMO remains unclear. In this study, we found that the levels of C3a, a split product of C3, significantly correlate with cognitive impairment in our patient cohort. In response to the stimulation of AQP4 autoantibodies, astrocytes were activated to secrete complement C3, which inhibited the development of cultured neuronal dendritic arborization. NMO mouse models exhibited reduced adult hippocampal newborn neuronal dendritic and spine development, as well as impaired learning and memory functions, which could be rescued by decreasing C3 levels in astrocytes. Mechanistically, we found that C3a engaged with C3aR to impair neuronal development by dampening β-catenin signalling. Additionally, inhibition of the C3-C3aR-GSK3β/β-catenin cascade restored neuronal development and ameliorated cognitive impairments. Collectively, our results suggest a pivotal role of the activation of the C3-C3aR network in neuronal development and cognition through mediating astrocyte and adult-born neuron communication, which represents a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune-related cognitive impairment diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Pengyan He
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Shabbir Khan Afridi
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; China Graduate School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiming Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Maali Alahmad
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Yu-Wen Alvin Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, RI 02903, United States
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Guangyou Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Clinical Hospital of Harbin Medical University, and Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.
| | - Changyong Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China.
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Garton T, Gadani SP, Gill AJ, Calabresi PA. Neurodegeneration and demyelination in multiple sclerosis. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00372-6. [PMID: 38889714 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.05.025] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) is an immune-initiated neurodegenerative condition that lacks effective therapies. Although peripheral immune infiltration is a hallmark of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), PMS is associated with chronic, tissue-restricted inflammation and disease-associated reactive glial states. The effector functions of disease-associated microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocyte lineage cells are beginning to be defined, and recent studies have made significant progress in uncovering their pathologic implications. In this review, we discuss the immune-glia interactions that underlie demyelination, failed remyelination, and neurodegeneration with a focus on PMS. We highlight the common and divergent immune mechanisms by which glial cells acquire disease-associated phenotypes. Finally, we discuss recent advances that have revealed promising novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of PMS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Garton
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sachin P Gadani
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander J Gill
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter A Calabresi
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Fu X, Wang M, Wan Y, Hua Y, Keep RF, Xi G. Formation of Multinucleated Giant Cells after Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Characteristics and Role of Complement C3. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1251. [PMID: 38927458 PMCID: PMC11201741 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematoma clearance is critical for mitigating intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced brain injury. Multinucleated giant cells (MGCs), a type of phagocyte, and the complement system may play a pivotal role in hematoma resolution, but whether the complement system regulates MGC formation after ICH remains unclear. The current study investigated the following: (1) the characteristics of MGC formation after ICH, (2) whether it was impacted by complement C3 deficiency in mice and (3) whether it also influenced hematoma degradation (hemosiderin formation). Young and aged male mice, young female mice and C3-deficient and -sufficient mice received a 30 μL injection of autologous whole blood into the right basal ganglia. Brain histology and immunohistochemistry were used to examine MGC formation on days 3 and 7. Hemosiderin deposition was examined by autofluorescence on day 28. Following ICH, MGCs were predominantly located in the peri-hematoma region exhibiting multiple nuclei and containing red blood cells or their metabolites. Aging was associated with a decrease in MGC formation after ICH, while sex showed no discernible effect. C3 deficiency reduced MGC formation and reduced hemosiderin formation. Peri-hematomal MGCs may play an important role in hematoma resolution. Understanding how aging and complement C3 impact MGCs may provide important insights into how to regulate hematoma resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongjie Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yingfeng Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ya Hua
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Richard F. Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Guohua Xi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Wei Y, Guo J, Meng T, Gao T, Mai Y, Zuo W, Yang J. The potential application of complement inhibitors-loaded nanosystem for autoimmune diseases via regulation immune balance. J Drug Target 2024; 32:485-498. [PMID: 38491993 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2332730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The complement is an important arm of the innate immune system, once activated, the complement system rapidly generates large quantities of protein fragments that are potent mediators of inflammation. Recent studies have shown that over-activated complement is the main proinflammatory system of autoimmune diseases (ADs). In addition, activated complements interact with autoantibodies, immune cells exacerbate inflammation, further worsening ADs. With the increasing threat of ADs to human health, complement-based immunotherapy has attracted wide attention. Nevertheless, efficient and targeted delivery of complement inhibitors remains a significant challenge owing to their inherent poor targeting, degradability, and low bioavailability. Nanosystems offer innovative solutions to surmount these obstacles and amplify the potency of complement inhibitors. This prime aim to present the current knowledge of complement in ADs, analyse the function of complement in the pathogenesis and treatment of ADs, we underscore the current situation of nanosystems assisting complement inhibitors in the treatment of ADs. Considering technological, physiological, and clinical validation challenges, we critically appraise the challenges for successfully translating the findings of preclinical studies of these nanosystem assisted-complement inhibitors into the clinic, and future perspectives were also summarised. (The graphical abstract is by BioRender.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaya Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jueshuo Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Tingting Meng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yaping Mai
- School of Science and Technology Centers, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Wenbao Zuo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jianhong Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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He X, Tan T, Yang S, Feng Y, Wen Q. Characterisation of an anticomplement polysaccharide BP-S1 from seeds of Brucea javanica. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38189427 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2300399] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Bioactivity-guided purification obtained polysaccharide BP-S1 from seeds of Brucea javanica. The results showed that BP-S1 was a homogenous polysaccharide with molecular weight of 45.7 kDa, mainly composed of arabinose and glucose in the ratio of 1.0:1.0 and the backbone of BP-S1 was deduced to be →3,4)-α-Glup-(1→ with branches of →2)-α-Arap-(1→and α-Arap-(1→, and the possible repetitive units were speculated according to result of methylation and 2D-NMR. Moreover, BP-S1 is a periodic rope-like structure. Functional analysis revealed that BP-S1 inhibited complement activation on the classic and alternative pathways with values of CH50 0.073 ± 0.012 mg/mL and AP50 0.097 ± 0.004 mg/mL, respectively. In mechanism study, using complement component depleted-sera methods indicated that BP-S1 selectively interacted with C3 and C4 components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao He
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Ting Tan
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Shilin Yang
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug and Efficient Energy- Saving Pharmaceutical Equipment, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yulin Feng
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug and Efficient Energy- Saving Pharmaceutical Equipment, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Quan Wen
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug and Efficient Energy- Saving Pharmaceutical Equipment, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Chu CQ. Complement-targeted therapy for autoimmune diseases. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:521-525. [PMID: 38282797 PMCID: PMC10808840 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The success and safety seen in treating complement-mediated hemolysis conditions has sparked the development of targeted therapies for rare autoimmune diseases, with expansion to more common autoimmune conditions. Various classes of drugs, including small molecules, peptides, monoclonal antibodies, and small interfering RNA (siRNA), are undergoing development to specifically address complement activity. A dual approach targeting both complement and other immune components may be required for autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation and complex pathogenic mechanisms. siRNA, which suppresses complement production, is emerging as a potent therapeutic tool. Combining a complement-blocking siRNA drug with a treatment that reduces autoantibodies could prove clinically feasible and impactful in managing these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Qiu Chu
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Rheumatology Section, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
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