1
|
Saade J, Mestre TA. Huntington's Disease: Latest Frontiers in Therapeutics. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:255-264. [PMID: 38861215 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01345-y] [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] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant disorder caused by a pathological expansion of a trinucleotide repeat (CAG) on exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. HD is characterized by the presence of chorea, alongside other hyperkinesia, parkinsonism and a combination of cognitive and behavioural features. Currently, there are no disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for HD, and the only intervention(s) with approved indication target the treatment of chorea. This article reviews recent research on the clinical development of DMTs and newly developed tools that enhance clinical trial design towards a successful DMT in the future. RECENT FINDINGS HD is living in an era of target-specific drug development with emphasis on the mechanisms related to mutant Huntingtin (HTT) protein. Examples include antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), splicing modifiers and microRNA molecules that aim to reduce the levels of mutant HTT protein. After initial negative results with ASO molecules Tominersen and WVE-120101/ WVE-120102, the therapeutic landscape continues to expand, with various trials currently under development to document proof-of-concept and safety/tolerability. Immune-targeted therapies have also been evaluated in early-phase clinical trials, with promising preliminary findings. The possibility of quantifying mHTT in CSF, along with the development of an integrated biological staging system in HD are important innovations applicable to clinical trial design that enhance the drug development process. Although a future in HD with DMTs remains a hope for those living with HD, care partners and care providers, the therapeutic landscape is promising, with various drug development programs underway following a targeted approach supported by disease-specific biomarkers and staging frameworks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Saade
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tiago A Mestre
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- The University of Ottawa Brain and Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Clinic, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Field SE, Curle AJ, Barker RA. Inflammation and Huntington's disease - a neglected therapeutic target? Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:451-467. [PMID: 38758356 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2348738] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Huntington's Disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no disease-modifying treatment. One of several underlying mechanisms proposed to be involved in HD pathogenesis is inflammation; there is now accumulating evidence that the immune system may play an integral role in disease pathology and progression. As such, modulation of the immune system could be a potential therapeutic target for HD. AREAS COVERED To date, the number of trials targeting immune aspects of HD has been limited. However, targeting it, may have great advantages over other therapeutic areas, given that many drugs already exist that have actions in this system coupled to the fact that inflammation can be measured both peripherally and, to some extent, centrally using CSF and PET imaging. In this review, we look at evidence that the immune system and the newly emerging area of the microbiome are altered in HD patients, and then present and discuss clinical trials that have targeted different parts of the immune system. EXPERT OPINION We then conclude by discussing how this field might develop going forward, focusing on the role of imaging and other biomarkers to monitor central immune activation and response to novel treatments in HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie E Field
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, and MRC-WT Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Annabel J Curle
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, and MRC-WT Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Roger A Barker
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, and MRC-WT Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shacham T, Offen D, Lederkremer GZ. Efficacy of therapy by MK-28 PERK activation in the Huntington's disease R6/2 mouse model. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00335. [PMID: 38368172 PMCID: PMC10937961 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00335] [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] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
There is currently no disease-modifying therapy for Huntington's disease (HD). We recently described a small molecule, MK-28, which restored homeostasis in HD models by specifically activating PKR-like ER kinase (PERK). This activation boosts the unfolded protein response (UPR), thereby reducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a central cytotoxic mechanism in HD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we have tested the long-term effects of MK-28 in HD model mice. R6/2 CAG (160) mice were treated by lifetime intraperitoneal injections 3 times a week. CatWalk measurements of motor function showed strong improvement compared to untreated mice after only two weeks of MK-28 treatment and continued with time, most significantly at 1 mg/kg MK-28, approaching WT values. Seven weeks treatment significantly improved paw grip strength. Body weight recovered and glucose levels, which are elevated in HD mice, were significantly reduced. Treatment with another PERK activator, CCT020312 at 1 mg/kg, also caused amelioration, consistent with PERK activation. Lifespan, measured in more resilient R6/2 CAG (120) mice with daily IP injection, was much extended by 16 days (20%) with 0.3 mg/kg MK-28, and by 38 days (46%) with 1 mg/kg MK-28. No toxicity, measured by weight, blood glucose levels and blood liver function markers, was detectable in WT mice treated for 6 weeks with 6 mg/kg MK-28. Boosting of PERK activity by long-term treatment with MK-28 could be a safe and promising therapeutic approach for HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Talya Shacham
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Daniel Offen
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Gerardo Z Lederkremer
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ekwudo MN, Gubert C, Hannan AJ. The microbiota-gut-brain axis in Huntington's disease: pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic targets. FEBS J 2024. [PMID: 38426291 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17102] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a currently incurable neurogenerative disorder and is typically characterized by progressive movement disorder (including chorea), cognitive deficits (culminating in dementia), psychiatric abnormalities (the most common of which is depression), and peripheral symptoms (including gastrointestinal dysfunction). There are currently no approved disease-modifying therapies available for HD, with death usually occurring approximately 10-25 years after onset, but some therapies hold promising potential. HD subjects are often burdened by chronic diarrhea, constipation, esophageal and gastric inflammation, and a susceptibility to diabetes. Our understanding of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in HD is in its infancy and growing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggests a role of gut microbial population imbalance (gut dysbiosis) in HD pathophysiology. The gut and the brain can communicate through the enteric nervous system, immune system, vagus nerve, and microbiota-derived-metabolites including short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and branched-chain amino acids. This review summarizes supporting evidence demonstrating the alterations in bacterial and fungal composition that may be associated with HD. We focus on mechanisms through which gut dysbiosis may compromise brain and gut health, thus triggering neuroinflammatory responses, and further highlight outcomes of attempts to modulate the gut microbiota as promising therapeutic strategies for HD. Ultimately, we discuss the dearth of data and the need for more longitudinal and translational studies in this nascent field. We suggest future directions to improve our understanding of the association between gut microbes and the pathogenesis of HD, and other 'brain and body disorders'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Millicent N Ekwudo
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Carolina Gubert
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jia Q, Li S, Li XJ, Yin P. Neuroinflammation in Huntington's disease: From animal models to clinical therapeutics. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1088124. [PMID: 36618375 PMCID: PMC9815700 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1088124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by preferential loss of neurons in the striatum in patients, which leads to motor and cognitive impairments and death that often occurs 10-15 years after the onset of symptoms. The expansion of a glutamine repeat (>36 glutamines) in the N-terminal region of huntingtin (HTT) has been defined as the cause of HD, but the mechanism underlying neuronal death remains unclear. Multiple mechanisms, including inflammation, may jointly contribute to HD pathogenesis. Altered inflammation response is evident even before the onset of classical symptoms of HD. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on immune and inflammatory changes, from HD animal models to clinical phenomenon of patients with HD. The understanding of the impact of inflammation on HD would help develop novel strategies to treat HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peng Yin
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Jiang Li, ; Peng Yin,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Therapeutic Strategies in Huntington’s Disease: From Genetic Defect to Gene Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081895. [PMID: 36009443 PMCID: PMC9405755 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the identification of an expanded CAG repeat on exon 1 of the huntingtin gene located on chromosome 1 as the genetic defect causing Huntington’s disease almost 30 years ago, currently approved therapies provide only limited symptomatic relief and do not influence the age of onset or disease progression rate. Research has identified various intricate pathogenic cascades which lead to neuronal degeneration, but therapies interfering with these mechanisms have been marked by many failures and remain to be validated. Exciting new opportunities are opened by the emerging techniques which target the mutant protein DNA and RNA, allowing for “gene editing”. Although some issues relating to “off-target” effects or immune-mediated side effects need to be solved, these strategies, combined with stem cell therapies and more traditional approaches targeting specific pathogenic cascades, such as excitotoxicity and bioavailability of neurotrophic factors, could lead to significant improvement of the outcomes of treated Huntington’s disease patients.
Collapse
|
7
|
Achenbach J, Saft C, Faissner S, Ellrichmann G. Positive effect of immunomodulatory therapies on disease progression in Huntington's disease? Data from a real-world cohort. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2022; 15:17562864221109750. [PMID: 35899100 PMCID: PMC9310279 DOI: 10.1177/17562864221109750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The role of neuroinflammation and autoimmune processes in neurodegenerative diseases is not fully understood. Activation of microglia with expression of proinflammatory cytokines supports the hypothesis that immune processes may play an important role in the pathophysiology of Huntington’s disease (HD) and thus, immunomodulating therapies might have potential neuroprotective properties. Until now, no disease-modifying therapy (DMT) is available for HD. Objective: The aim of this research was to characterize a cohort of patients suffering from both HD and autoimmune demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (classified as G35-37 in ICD-10; ADD-CNS) in comparison to HD cases without ADD-CNS. In particular, we were interested to investigate potential modulating effects on disease manifestation and progression of HD over time of prescribed immunomodulating medications (DMT). Methods: We analyzed the course of HD regarding motoric, functional, and cognitive aspects, using longitudinal data of up to 2 years from the worldwide registry study ENROLL-HD. Additional cross-sectional data in the largest cohort worldwide of HD patients was analyzed using demographic and molecular genetic parameters. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for cross-sectional and repeated-measures ANOVA for longitudinal parameters in IBM SPSS Statistics V.27. Results: Within the ENROLL-HD database, we investigated N = 21,116 participants and identified n = 60 participants suffering from ADD-CNS. Molecular, genetic, and demographic data did not differ between groups. The subgroup of n = 32 participants with motor-manifest HD revealed better cognitive performance in five out of eight cognitive tests at baseline with less progression over time in two tests (all p < 0.05). Differentiation between DMT-treated and untreated patients revealed better cognitive and motor performance in the DMT group; those patients, however, tended to be younger. Pre-manifest HD patients simultaneously diagnosed with ADD-CNS (n = 12) showed lower functional scores and more decline over time when compared with other pre-manifest HD (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients suffering from motor-manifest HD and simultaneously from ADD-CNS have better cognitive capacities compared with other motor-manifest HD patients. Moreover, DMTs might have beneficial effects on progression of neurodegeneration including the motor phenotype. However, this effect might have been biased by younger age in DMT-treated patients. Pre-manifest HD patients showed more functional impairment as expected due to their additional ADD-CNS disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jannis Achenbach
- Department of Neurology, Huntington Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Gudrunstraße 56, Bochum 44791, Germany
| | - Carsten Saft
- Department of Neurology, Huntington Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Simon Faissner
- Department of Neurology, Huntington Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Saba J, Couselo FL, Bruno J, Carniglia L, Durand D, Lasaga M, Caruso C. Neuroinflammation in Huntington's Disease: A Starring Role for Astrocyte and Microglia. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1116-1143. [PMID: 34852742 PMCID: PMC9886821 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666211201094608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene. HD causes motor, cognitive, and behavioral dysfunction. Since no existing treatment affects the course of this disease, new treatments are needed. Inflammation is frequently observed in HD patients before symptom onset. Neuroinflammation, characterized by the presence of reactive microglia, astrocytes and inflammatory factors within the brain, is also detected early. However, in comparison to other neurodegenerative diseases, the role of neuroinflammation in HD is much less known. Work has been dedicated to altered microglial and astrocytic functions in the context of HD, but less attention has been given to glial participation in neuroinflammation. This review describes evidence of inflammation in HD patients and animal models. It also discusses recent knowledge on neuroinflammation in HD, highlighting astrocyte and microglia involvement in the disease and considering anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Saba
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico López Couselo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Bruno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lila Carniglia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Durand
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Lasaga
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Caruso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina,Address correspondence to this author at the Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), UBA-CONICET, Paraguay 2155 Piso 10, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tel: +54 11 5285 3380; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kim C, Yousefian-Jazi A, Choi SH, Chang I, Lee J, Ryu H. Non-Cell Autonomous and Epigenetic Mechanisms of Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12499. [PMID: 34830381 PMCID: PMC8617801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeat located in the exon 1 of Huntingtin (HTT) gene in human chromosome 4. The HTT protein is ubiquitously expressed in the brain. Specifically, mutant HTT (mHTT) protein-mediated toxicity leads to a dramatic degeneration of the striatum among many regions of the brain. HD symptoms exhibit a major involuntary movement followed by cognitive and psychiatric dysfunctions. In this review, we address the conventional role of wild type HTT (wtHTT) and how mHTT protein disrupts the function of medium spiny neurons (MSNs). We also discuss how mHTT modulates epigenetic modifications and transcriptional pathways in MSNs. In addition, we define how non-cell autonomous pathways lead to damage and death of MSNs under HD pathological conditions. Lastly, we overview therapeutic approaches for HD. Together, understanding of precise neuropathological mechanisms of HD may improve therapeutic approaches to treat the onset and progression of HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaebin Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea; (C.K.); (A.Y.-J.); (S.-H.C.)
| | - Ali Yousefian-Jazi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea; (C.K.); (A.Y.-J.); (S.-H.C.)
| | - Seung-Hye Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea; (C.K.); (A.Y.-J.); (S.-H.C.)
| | - Inyoung Chang
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Junghee Lee
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA
| | - Hoon Ryu
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea; (C.K.); (A.Y.-J.); (S.-H.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Talley S, Valiauga R, Anderson L, Cannon AR, Choudhry MA, Campbell EM. DSS-induced inflammation in the colon drives a proinflammatory signature in the brain that is ameliorated by prophylactic treatment with the S100A9 inhibitor paquinimod. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:263. [PMID: 34758843 PMCID: PMC8578918 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02317-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is established to drive pathological sequelae in organ systems outside the intestine, including the central nervous system (CNS). Many patients exhibit cognitive deficits, particularly during disease flare. The connection between colonic inflammation and neuroinflammation remains unclear and characterization of the neuroinflammatory phenotype in the brain during colitis is ill-defined. Methods Transgenic mice expressing a bioluminescent reporter of active caspase-1 were treated with 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 7 days to induce acute colitis, and colonic, systemic and neuroinflammation were assessed. In some experiments, mice were prophylactically treated with paquinimod (ABR-215757) to inhibit S100A9 inflammatory signaling. As a positive control for peripheral-induced neuroinflammation, mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Colonic, systemic and brain inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were measured by cytokine bead array (CBA) and Proteome profiler mouse cytokine array. Bioluminescence was quantified in the brain and caspase activation was confirmed by immunoblot. Immune cell infiltration into the CNS was measured by flow cytometry, while light sheet microscopy was used to monitor changes in resident microglia localization in intact brains during DSS or LPS-induced neuroinflammation. RNA sequencing was performed to identify transcriptomic changes occurring in the CNS of DSS-treated mice. Expression of inflammatory biomarkers were quantified in the brain and serum by qRT-PCR, ELISA and WB. Results DSS-treated mice exhibited clinical hallmarks of colitis, including weight loss, colonic shortening and inflammation in the colon. We also detected a significant increase in inflammatory cytokines in the serum and brain, as well as caspase and microglia activation in the brain of mice with ongoing colitis. RNA sequencing of brains isolated from DSS-treated mice revealed differential expression of genes involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses. This inflammatory phenotype was similar to the signature detected in LPS-treated mice, albeit less robust and transient, as inflammatory gene expression returned to baseline following cessation of DSS. Pharmacological inhibition of S100A9, one of the transcripts identified by RNA sequencing, attenuated colitis severity and systemic and neuroinflammation. Conclusions Our findings suggest that local inflammation in the colon drives systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation, and this can be ameliorated by inhibition of the S100 alarmin, S100A9. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02317-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Talley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Rasa Valiauga
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Lillian Anderson
- Alcohol Research Program, Burn and Shock Trauma Research Institute, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Health Science Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Abigail R Cannon
- Alcohol Research Program, Burn and Shock Trauma Research Institute, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Health Science Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Mashkoor A Choudhry
- Alcohol Research Program, Burn and Shock Trauma Research Institute, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Health Science Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Edward M Campbell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA. .,Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kim A, Lalonde K, Truesdell A, Gomes Welter P, Brocardo PS, Rosenstock TR, Gil-Mohapel J. New Avenues for the Treatment of Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168363. [PMID: 34445070 PMCID: PMC8394361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the HD gene. The disease is characterized by neurodegeneration, particularly in the striatum and cortex. The first symptoms usually appear in mid-life and include cognitive deficits and motor disturbances that progress over time. Despite being a genetic disorder with a known cause, several mechanisms are thought to contribute to neurodegeneration in HD, and numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies have been conducted and are currently underway to test the efficacy of therapeutic approaches targeting some of these mechanisms with varying degrees of success. Although current clinical trials may lead to the identification or refinement of treatments that are likely to improve the quality of life of those living with HD, major efforts continue to be invested at the pre-clinical level, with numerous studies testing novel approaches that show promise as disease-modifying strategies. This review offers a detailed overview of the currently approved treatment options for HD and the clinical trials for this neurodegenerative disorder that are underway and concludes by discussing potential disease-modifying treatments that have shown promise in pre-clinical studies, including increasing neurotropic support, modulating autophagy, epigenetic and genetic manipulations, and the use of nanocarriers and stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Kim
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Kathryn Lalonde
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Aaron Truesdell
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Priscilla Gomes Welter
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Patricia S. Brocardo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Tatiana R. Rosenstock
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-250-472-4597; Fax: +1-250-472-5505
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Differential Diagnosis of Chorea-HIV Infection Delays Diagnosis of Huntington's Disease by Years. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060710. [PMID: 34071882 PMCID: PMC8229235 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a broad range of potential differential diagnoses for chorea. Besides rare, inherited neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease (HD) chorea can accompany basal ganglia disorders due to vasculitis or infections, e.g., with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The clinical picture is complicated by the rare occurrence of HIV infection and HD. Methods: First, we present a case suffering simultaneously from HIV and HD (HIV/HD) focusing on clinical manifestation and disease onset. We investigated cross-sectional data regarding molecular genetic, motoric, cognitive, functional, and psychiatric disease manifestation of HIV/HD in comparison to motor-manifest HD patients without HIV infection (nonHIV/HD) in the largest cohort of HD patients worldwide using the registry study ENROLL-HD. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA analyses controlling for covariates of age and CAG repeat length between groups in IBM SPSS Statistics V.25. Results: The HD diagnosis in our case report was delayed by approximately nine years due to the false assumption that the HIV infection might have been the cause of chorea. Out of n = 21,116 participants in ENROLL-HD, we identified n = 10,125 motor-manifest HD patients. n = 23 male participants were classified as suffering from HIV infection as a comorbidity, compared to n = 4898 male non-HIV/HD patients. Except for age, with HIV/HD being significantly younger (p < 0.050), we observed no group differences regarding sociodemographic, genetic, educational, motoric, functional, and cognitive parameters. Male HIV/HD patients reported about a 5.3-year-earlier onset of HD symptoms noticed by themselves compared to non-HIV/HD (p < 0.050). Moreover, patients in the HIV/HD group had a longer diagnostic delay of 1.8 years between onset of symptoms and HD diagnosis and a longer time regarding assessment of first symptoms by the rater and judgement of the patient (all p < 0.050). Unexpectedly, HIV/HD patients showed less irritability in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The HD diagnosis in HIV-infected male patients is secured with a diagnostic delay between first symptoms noticed by the patient and final diagnosis. Treating physicians therefore should be sensitized to think of potential alternative diagnoses in HIV-infected patients also afflicted by movement disorders, especially if there is evidence of subcortical atrophy and a history of hyperkinesia, even without a clear HD-family history. Those patients should be transferred for early genetic testing to avoid further unnecessary diagnostics and improve sociomedical care.
Collapse
|
13
|
Colombo E, Pascente R, Triolo D, Bassani C, De Angelis A, Ruffini F, Ottoboni L, Comi G, Martino G, Farina C. Laquinimod Modulates Human Astrocyte Function and Dampens Astrocyte-Induced Neurotoxicity during Inflammation. Molecules 2020; 25:E5403. [PMID: 33218208 PMCID: PMC7699283 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes greatly participate to inflammatory and neurotoxic reactions occurring in neurodegenerative diseases and are valuable pharmacological targets to support neuroprotection. Here we used human astrocytes generated from reprogrammed fibroblasts as a cellular model to study the effect of the compound Laquinimod and its active metabolite de-Laquinimod on astrocyte functions and the astrocyte-neuron interaction. We show that human iAstrocytes expressed the receptor for the inflammatory mediator IL1 and responded to it via nuclear translocation of NFκB, an event that did not occur if cells were treated with Laquinimod, indicating a direct anti-inflammatory activity of the drug on the human astrocyte. Similarly, while exposure to IL1 downregulated glial glutamate transporters GLAST and GLT1, treatment with Laquinimod supported maintenance of physiological levels of these proteins despite the inflammatory milieu. Laquinimod also induced nuclear translocation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), suggesting that drug action was mediated by activation of the AHR pathway. However, the drug was effective despite AHR inhibition via CH223191, indicating that AHR signaling in the astrocyte is dispensable for drug responses. Finally, in vitro experiments with rat spinal neurons showed that laquinimod did not exert neuroprotection directly on the neuron but dampened astrocyte-induced neurodegeneration. Our findings indicate that fibroblast-derived human astrocytes represent a suitable model to study astrocyte-neuron crosstalk and demonstrate indirect, partial neuroprotective efficacy for laquinimod.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Colombo
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.C.); (R.P.); (D.T.); (C.B.); (A.D.A.); (F.R.); (L.O.); (G.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Rosaria Pascente
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.C.); (R.P.); (D.T.); (C.B.); (A.D.A.); (F.R.); (L.O.); (G.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Daniela Triolo
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.C.); (R.P.); (D.T.); (C.B.); (A.D.A.); (F.R.); (L.O.); (G.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Claudia Bassani
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.C.); (R.P.); (D.T.); (C.B.); (A.D.A.); (F.R.); (L.O.); (G.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Anthea De Angelis
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.C.); (R.P.); (D.T.); (C.B.); (A.D.A.); (F.R.); (L.O.); (G.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Francesca Ruffini
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.C.); (R.P.); (D.T.); (C.B.); (A.D.A.); (F.R.); (L.O.); (G.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Linda Ottoboni
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.C.); (R.P.); (D.T.); (C.B.); (A.D.A.); (F.R.); (L.O.); (G.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.C.); (R.P.); (D.T.); (C.B.); (A.D.A.); (F.R.); (L.O.); (G.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Gianvito Martino
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.C.); (R.P.); (D.T.); (C.B.); (A.D.A.); (F.R.); (L.O.); (G.C.); (G.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Cinthia Farina
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (E.C.); (R.P.); (D.T.); (C.B.); (A.D.A.); (F.R.); (L.O.); (G.C.); (G.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bozzi M, Sciandra F. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Muscle Wasting in Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218314. [PMID: 33167595 PMCID: PMC7664236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by pathogenic expansions of the triplet cytosine-adenosine-guanosine (CAG) within the Huntingtin gene. These expansions lead to a prolongation of the poly-glutamine stretch at the N-terminus of Huntingtin causing protein misfolding and aggregation. Huntingtin and its pathological variants are widely expressed, but the central nervous system is mainly affected, as proved by the wide spectrum of neurological symptoms, including behavioral anomalies, cognitive decline and motor disorders. Other hallmarks of HD are loss of body weight and muscle atrophy. This review highlights some key elements that likely provide a major contribution to muscle atrophy, namely, alteration of the transcriptional processes, mitochondrial dysfunction, which is strictly correlated to loss of energy homeostasis, inflammation, apoptosis and defects in the processes responsible for the protein quality control. The improvement of muscular symptoms has proven to slow the disease progression and extend the life span of animal models of HD, underlining the importance of a deep comprehension of the molecular mechanisms driving deterioration of muscular tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Bozzi
- Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Sezione di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Roma, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “Giulio Natta”– SCITEC Sede di Roma, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesca Sciandra
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “Giulio Natta”– SCITEC Sede di Roma, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jiang N, Li Z, Li Z, Zhang Y, Yu Z, Wan P, Zhu Y, Li Y, Su W, Zhuo Y. Laquinimod exerts anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects in retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106989. [PMID: 33182069 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) occurs in various vision disabled ocular diseases, involved in acute glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, ischemic optic neuropathy, hypertensive retinopathy and retinal vascular occlusion. Laquinimod (LQ), a new type of immunosuppressant, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects on autoimmune diseases. This research aims to investigate the protective effect of LQ on I/R damage by focusing on inhibiting dysregulated neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis. In our study, mice were treated with LQ after high intraocular pressure (IOP)-induced retinal I/R injury. The data showed that LQ significantly attenuated high IOP-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and inner plexiform layer (IPL) thinning and inhibited microglial activation. The results of qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and Luminex multiplex assays demonstrated the anti-inflammatory action of LQ in BV2 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, primary RGC apoptosis induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) was also directly suppressed by LQ. Importantly, LQ inhibited the expression of cleaved caspase-8 and the downstream NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β. In conclusion, our findings offer the first evidence that LQ treatment prevents retinal I/R damage. Furthermore, LQ could directly inhibit RGC apoptosis. Caspase-8 activation and subsequent inflammation can also be suppressed by LQ, which suggests that LQ may act through inhibiting the caspase-8 pathway. This study demonstrates a new mechanism of LQ and provides beneficial preclinical data for the clinical application of LQ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhidong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zuohong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziyu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peixing Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingting Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yehong Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Boros F, Vécsei L. Progress in the development of kynurenine and quinoline-3-carboxamide-derived drugs. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:1223-1247. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1813716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fanni Boros
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Jamwal S, Elsworth JD, Rahi V, Kumar P. Gene therapy and immunotherapy as promising strategies to combat Huntington's disease-associated neurodegeneration: emphasis on recent updates and future perspectives. Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:1123-1141. [PMID: 32720531 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1801424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Modulation of gene expression using gene therapy as well as modulation of immune activation using immunotherapy has attracted considerable attention as rapidly emerging potential therapeutic intervention for the treatment of HD. Several preclinical and clinical trials for gene-based therapy and immunotherapy/antibody-based have been conducted. AREAS COVERED This review focused on the potential use of gene therapy and immuno-based therapies to treat HD, including the current status, the rationale for these approaches as well as preclinical and clinical data supporting it. Growing knowledge of HD pathogenesis has resulted in the discovery of new therapeutic targets, some of which are now in clinical trials. Focus has been allocated to RNA and DNA-based gene therapies for the reduction of mutant huntingtin (mHTT), using Immuno/antibody-based therapies. EXPERT OPINION While safety and efficacy of gene therapy and immunotherapy has been well demonstrated for HD, therefore much focus has now been shifted to disease-modifying therapies. This review defines the current status and future directions of gene therapy and immunotherapies. The review summarizes by what means HD genetic root cause modification and functional restoration of mHtt protein could be achieved by using targeted multimodality gene therapy and immunotherapy to target intracellular and extracellular mHtt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Jamwal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, CT, USA
| | - John D Elsworth
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vikrant Rahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University , Bathinda, India
| | - Puneet Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab , Bathinda, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rolfes S, Munro DAD, Lyras EM, Matute E, Ouk K, Harms C, Böttcher C, Priller J. Lentiviral delivery of human erythropoietin attenuates hippocampal atrophy and improves cognition in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 144:105024. [PMID: 32702387 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder caused by a trinucleotide (CAG) repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT). The R6/2 transgenic mouse model of HD expresses exon 1 of the human HTT gene with approximately 150 CAG repeats. R6/2 mice develop progressive behavioural abnormalities, impaired neurogenesis, and atrophy of several brain regions. In recent years, erythropoietin (EPO) has been shown to confer neuroprotection and enhance neurogenesis, rendering it a promising molecule to attenuate HD symptoms. In this study, the therapeutic potential of EPO was evaluated in female R6/2 transgenic mice. A single bilateral injection of a lentivirus encoding human EPO (LV-hEPO) was performed into the lateral ventricles of R6/2 mice at disease onset (8 weeks of age). Control groups were either untreated or injected with a lentivirus encoding green fluorescent protein (LV-GFP). Thirty days after virus administration, hEPO mRNA and protein were present in injected R6/2 brains. Compared to control R6/2 mice, LV-hEPO-treated R6/2 mice exhibited reduced hippocampal atrophy, increased neuroblast branching towards the dentate granular cell layer, and improved spatial cognition. Our results suggest that LV-hEPO administration may be a promising strategy to reduce cognitive impairment in HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Rolfes
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - David A D Munro
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Ekaterini-Maria Lyras
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Eduardo Matute
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Koliane Ouk
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; DZNE Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Harms
- Department of Experimental Neurology and Center for Stroke Research, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Chotima Böttcher
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Josef Priller
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK; DZNE Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Molecular Effects of FDA-Approved Multiple Sclerosis Drugs on Glial Cells and Neurons of the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124229. [PMID: 32545828 PMCID: PMC7352301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by peripheral and central inflammatory features, as well as demyelination and neurodegeneration. The available Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for MS have been designed to suppress the peripheral immune system. In addition, however, the effects of these drugs may be partially attributed to their influence on glial cells and neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). We here describe the molecular effects of the traditional and more recent FDA-approved MS drugs Fingolimod, Dimethyl Fumarate, Glatiramer Acetate, Interferon-β, Teriflunomide, Laquinimod, Natalizumab, Alemtuzumab and Ocrelizumab on microglia, astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, we point to a possible common molecular effect of these drugs, namely a key role for NFκB signaling, causing a switch from pro-inflammatory microglia and astrocytes to anti-inflammatory phenotypes of these CNS cell types that recently emerged as central players in MS pathogenesis. This notion argues for the need to further explore the molecular mechanisms underlying MS drug action.
Collapse
|
20
|
Shukla S, Tekwani BL. Histone Deacetylases Inhibitors in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Neuroprotection and Neuronal Differentiation. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:537. [PMID: 32390854 PMCID: PMC7194116 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HADC) are the enzymes that remove acetyl group from lysine residue of histones and non-histone proteins and regulate the process of transcription by binding to transcription factors and regulating fundamental cellular process such as cellular proliferation, differentiation and development. In neurodegenerative diseases, the histone acetylation homeostasis is greatly impaired, shifting towards a state of hypoacetylation. The histone hyperacetylation produced by direct inhibition of HDACs leads to neuroprotective actions. This review attempts to elaborate on role of small molecule inhibitors of HDACs on neuronal differentiation and throws light on the potential of HDAC inhibitors as therapeutic agents for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The role of HDACs in neuronal cellular and disease models and their modulation with HDAC inhibitors are also discussed. Significance of these HDAC inhibitors has been reviewed on the process of neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth and neuroprotection regarding their potential therapeutic application for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Babu L Tekwani
- Division of Drug Discovery, Department of Infectious Diseases, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yin P, Liu Q, Pan Y, Yang W, Yang S, Wei W, Chen X, Hong Y, Bai D, Li XJ, Li S. Phosphorylation of myelin regulatory factor by PRKG2 mediates demyelination in Huntington's disease. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e49783. [PMID: 32270922 PMCID: PMC9336218 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Demyelination is a common pathological feature of a large number of neurodegenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis and Huntington's disease (HD). Laquinimod (LAQ) has been found to have therapeutic effects on multiple sclerosis and HD. However, the mechanism underlying LAQ's therapeutic effects remains unknown. Using HD mice that selectively express mutant huntingtin in oligodendrocytes and show demyelination, we found that LAQ reduces the Ser259 phosphorylation on myelin regulatory factor (MYRF), an oligodendrocyte-specific transcription factor promoting the expression of myelin-associated genes. The reduced MYRF phosphorylation inhibits MYRF's binding to mutant huntingtin and increases the expression of myelin-associated genes. We also found that PRKG2, a cGMP-activated protein kinase subunit II, promotes the Ser259-MYRF phosphorylation and that knocking down PRKG2 increased myelin-associated protein's expression in HD mice. Our findings suggest that PRKG2-regulated phosphorylation of MYRF is involved in demyelination and can serve as a potential therapeutic target for reducing demyelination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yin
- Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Qiong Liu
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongcheng Pan
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weili Yang
- Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Su Yang
- Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Wei
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingxing Chen
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Brain and Cognition Research Institute, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Hong
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dazhang Bai
- Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihua Li
- Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Elgart A, Greenblatt DJ, Loupe PS, Zur AA, Weiss S, Mimrod D, Spiegelstein O. The Effect of CYP3A Induction and Inhibition on the Pharmacokinetics of Laquinimod, a Novel Neuroimmunomodulator. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2020; 9:1015-1024. [PMID: 32237115 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Laquinimod, a neuroimmunomodulator, is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, and modulations of CYP3A4 activity may lead to alterations in the pharmacokinetics and/or clinical effects of laquinimod. To determine the drug-drug interaction potential of laquinimod with CYP3A inhibitors and inducers, interaction assessments were conducted in healthy volunteers using single-dose administration of laquinimod before and after multiple dosing of CYP3A inhibitors (ketoconazole, fluconazole, and cimetidine) or a CYP3A4 inducer (rifampin). For ketoconazole, subjects (n = 14) received laquinimod 0.6 mg following 1 day of ketoconazole (400 mg daily) pretreatment, a single concomitant dose, and 28 additional days. For fluconazole, subjects (n = 14) received laquinimod 0.6 mg after a single fluconazole dose of 400 mg followed by 200-mg daily fluconazole administration for 20 additional days. For cimetidine, subjects (n = 14) received laquinimod 0.6 mg following 1 day of cimetidine (800 mg twice daily) pretreatment, a single concomitant dose, and 21 additional days. For rifampin, subjects (n = 14) received laquinimod 0.6 mg following 9 days of rifampin (600 mg daily) pretreatment, a single concomitant dose, and 12 additional days. Coadministration of laquinimod with CYP3A inhibitors, ketoconazole, fluconazole, and cimetidine increased laquinimod area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity by approximately 3.1-, 2.5-, and 1.1-fold, respectively. Coadministration of laquinimod with rifampin decreased laquinimod area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity by 5-fold. These results indicate that coadministration of laquinimod with moderate to strong inhibitors of CYP3A or strong inducers of CYP3A may give rise to significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Elgart
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Netanya, Israel
| | | | | | - Arik A Zur
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Netanya, Israel
| | - Sivan Weiss
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Netanya, Israel
| | - Dorit Mimrod
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Netanya, Israel
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fatoba O, Ohtake Y, Itokazu T, Yamashita T. Immunotherapies in Huntington's disease and α-Synucleinopathies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:337. [PMID: 32161599 PMCID: PMC7052383 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of immune activation using immunotherapy has attracted considerable attention for many years as a potential therapeutic intervention for several inflammation-associated neurodegenerative diseases. However, the efficacy of single-target immunotherapy intervention has shown limited or no efficacy in alleviating disease burden and restoring functional capacity. Marked immune system activation and neuroinflammation are important features and prodromal signs in polyQ repeat disorders and α-synucleinopathies. This review describes the current status and future directions of immunotherapies in proteinopathy-induced neurodegeneration with emphasis on preclinical and clinical efficacies of several anti-inflammatory compounds and antibody-based therapies for the treatment of Huntington's disease and α-synucleinopathies. The review concludes with how disease modification and functional restoration could be achieved by using targeted multimodality therapy to target multiple factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Fatoba
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,WPI -Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yosuke Ohtake
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takahide Itokazu
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,WPI -Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Calabrese EJ, Bhatia TN, Calabrese V, Dhawan G, Giordano J, Hanekamp YN, Kapoor R, Kozumbo WJ, Leak RK. Cytotoxicity models of Huntington’s disease and relevance of hormetic mechanisms: A critical assessment of experimental approaches and strategies. Pharmacol Res 2019; 150:104371. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
25
|
Laquinimod ameliorates secondary brain inflammation. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 134:104675. [PMID: 31731041 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that a degenerative processes within the brain can trigger the formation of new, focal inflammatory lesions in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Here, we used a novel pre-clinical MS animal model to test whether the amelioration of degenerative brain events reduces the secondary recruitment of peripheral immune cells and, in consequence, inflammatory lesion development. Neural degeneration was induced by a 3 weeks cuprizone intoxication period. To mitigate the cuprizone-induced pathology, animals were treated with Laquinimod (25 mg/kg) during the cuprizone-intoxication period. At the beginning of week 6, encephalitogenic T cell development in peripheral lymphoid organs was induced by the immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55 peptide (i.e., Cup/EAE). Demyelination, axonal injury and reactive gliosis were determined by immunohistochemistry. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was performed to analyze glia activation in vivo. Vehicle-treated cuprizone mice displayed extensive callosal demyelination, glia activation and enhanced TSPO-ligand binding. This cuprizone-induced pathology was profoundly ameliorated in mice treated with Laquinimod. In vehicle-treated Cup/EAE mice, the cuprizone-induced pathology triggered massive peripheral immune cell recruitment into the forebrain, evidenced by multifocal perivascular inflammation, glia activation and neuro-axonal injury. While anti myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55 peptide immune responses were comparable in vehicle- and Laquinimod-treated Cup/EAE mice, the cuprizone-triggered immune cell recruitment was ameliorated by the Laquinimod treatment. This study clearly illustrates that amelioration of a primary brain-intrinsic degenerative process secondary halts peripheral immune cell recruitment and, in consequence, inflammatory lesion development. These findings have important consequences for the interpretation of the results of clinical studies.
Collapse
|
26
|
Nyamoya S, Steinle J, Chrzanowski U, Kaye J, Schmitz C, Beyer C, Kipp M. Laquinimod Supports Remyelination in Non-Supportive Environments. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111363. [PMID: 31683658 PMCID: PMC6912710 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory demyelination, which is a characteristic of multiple sclerosis lesions, leads to acute functional deficits and, in the long term, to progressive axonal degeneration. While remyelination is believed to protect axons, the endogenous-regenerative processes are often incomplete or even completely fail in many multiple sclerosis patients. Although it is currently unknown why remyelination fails, recurrent demyelination of previously demyelinated white matter areas is one contributing factor. In this study, we investigated whether laquinimod, which has demonstrated protective effects in active multiple sclerosis patients, protects against recurrent demyelination. To address this, male mice were intoxicated with cuprizone for up to eight weeks and treated with either a vehicle solution or laquinimod at the beginning of week 5, where remyelination was ongoing. The brains were harvested and analyzed by immunohistochemistry. At the time-point of laquinimod treatment initiation, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells proliferated and maturated despite ongoing demyelination activity. In the following weeks, myelination recovered in the laquinimod- but not vehicle-treated mice, despite continued cuprizone intoxication. Myelin recovery was paralleled by less severe microgliosis and acute axonal injury. In this study, we were able to demonstrate that laquinimod, which has previously been shown to protect against cuprizone-induced oligodendrocyte degeneration, exerts protective effects during oligodendrocyte progenitor differentiation as well. By this mechanism, laquinimod allows remyelination in non-supportive environments. These results should encourage further clinical studies in progressive multiple sclerosis patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stella Nyamoya
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and JARA-BRAIN, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Julia Steinle
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and JARA-BRAIN, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Uta Chrzanowski
- Department of Anatomy II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Joel Kaye
- AyalaPharma, VP Research & Nonclinical Development, Rehovot 7670104, Israel.
| | - Christoph Schmitz
- Department of Anatomy II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Cordian Beyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and JARA-BRAIN, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Markus Kipp
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and JARA-BRAIN, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
- Centre for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yu-Taeger L, Stricker-Shaver J, Arnold K, Bambynek-Dziuk P, Novati A, Singer E, Lourhmati A, Fabian C, Magg J, Riess O, Schwab M, Stolzing A, Danielyan L, Nguyen HHP. Intranasal Administration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorates the Abnormal Dopamine Transmission System and Inflammatory Reaction in the R6/2 Mouse Model of Huntington Disease. Cells 2019; 8:E595. [PMID: 31208073 PMCID: PMC6628278 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrastriatal administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown beneficial effects in rodent models of Huntington disease (HD). However, the invasive nature of surgical procedure and its potential to trigger the host immune response may limit its clinical use. Hence, we sought to evaluate the non-invasive intranasal administration (INA) of MSC delivery as an effective alternative route in HD. GFP-expressing MSCs derived from bone marrow were intranasally administered to 4-week-old R6/2 HD transgenic mice. MSCs were detected in the olfactory bulb, midbrain and striatum five days post-delivery. Compared to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated littermates, MSC-treated R6/2 mice showed an increased survival rate and attenuated circadian activity disruption assessed by locomotor activity. MSCs increased the protein expression of DARPP-32 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and downregulated gene expression of inflammatory modulators in the brain 7.5 weeks after INA. While vehicle treated R6/2 mice displayed decreased Iba1 expression and altered microglial morphology in comparison to the wild type littermates, MSCs restored both, Iba1 level and the thickness of microglial processes in the striatum of R6/2 mice. Our results demonstrate significantly ameliorated phenotypes of R6/2 mice after MSCs administration via INA, suggesting this method as an effective delivering route of cells to the brain for HD therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Libo Yu-Taeger
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Janice Stricker-Shaver
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Katrin Arnold
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics (IZBI), University of Leipzig, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Patrycja Bambynek-Dziuk
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Arianna Novati
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Elisabeth Singer
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Ali Lourhmati
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Claire Fabian
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics (IZBI), University of Leipzig, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Janine Magg
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, D-70376 Stuttgart, Germany.
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia.
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia.
| | - Alexandra Stolzing
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics (IZBI), University of Leipzig, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany.
- Centre for Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK.
| | - Lusine Danielyan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia.
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia.
| | - Hoa Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ZSE), University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- Departments of Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia.
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University of Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany.
- Departments of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Spronck EA, Brouwers CC, Vallès A, de Haan M, Petry H, van Deventer SJ, Konstantinova P, Evers MM. AAV5-miHTT Gene Therapy Demonstrates Sustained Huntingtin Lowering and Functional Improvement in Huntington Disease Mouse Models. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 13:334-343. [PMID: 30984798 PMCID: PMC6446047 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by an autosomal dominant CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. The translated expanded polyglutamine repeat in the HTT protein is known to cause toxic gain of function. We showed previously that strong HTT lowering prevented neuronal dysfunction in HD rodents and minipigs after single intracranial injection of adeno-associated viral vector serotype 5 expressing a microRNA targeting human HTT (AAV5-miHTT). To evaluate long-term efficacy, AAV5-miHTT was injected into the striatum of knockin Q175 HD mice, and the mice were sacrificed 12 months post-injection. AAV5-miHTT caused a dose-dependent and sustained HTT protein reduction with subsequent suppression of mutant HTT aggregate formation in the striatum and cortex. Functional proof of concept was shown in transgenic R6/2 HD mice. Eight weeks after AAV5-miHTT treatment, a significant improvement in motor coordination on the rotarod was observed. Survival analysis showed that a single AAV5-miHTT treatment resulted in a significant 4-week increase in median survival compared with vehicle-treated R6/2 HD mice. The combination of long-term HTT lowering, reduction in aggregation, prevention of neuronal dysfunction, alleviation of HD-like symptoms, and beneficial survival observed in HD rodents treated with AAV5-miHTT supports the continued development of HTT-lowering gene therapies for HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth A Spronck
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cynthia C Brouwers
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Vallès
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin de Haan
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harald Petry
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sander J van Deventer
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Pavlina Konstantinova
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Melvin M Evers
- Department of Research and Development, uniQure biopharma B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Denis HL, Lauruol F, Cicchetti F. Are immunotherapies for Huntington's disease a realistic option? Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:364-377. [PMID: 29487401 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0021-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
There is compelling evidence that the pathophysiology of many neurodegenerative diseases includes dysregulation of the immune system, with some elements that precede disease onset. However, if these alterations are prominent, why have clinical trials targeting this system failed to translate into long-lasting meaningful benefits for patients? This review focuses on Huntington's disease, a genetic disorder marked by notable cerebral and peripheral inflammation. We summarize ongoing and completed clinical trials that have involved pharmacological approaches to inhibit various components of the immune system and their pre-clinical correlates. We then discuss new putative treatment strategies using more targeted immunotherapies such as vaccination and intrabodies and how these may offer new hope in the treatment of Huntington's disease as well as other neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hélèna L Denis
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Florian Lauruol
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.,Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Francesca Cicchetti
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada. .,Département de Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
The effect of laquinimod, a novel immuno-modulator in development to treat Huntington disease, on the pharmacokinetics of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel in healthy young women. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2018; 75:41-49. [DOI: 10.1007/s00228-018-2549-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
31
|
Cha MY, Chen H, Chan D. Removal of the Mitochondrial Fission Factor Mff Exacerbates Neuronal Loss and Neurological Phenotypes in a Huntington's Disease Mouse Model. PLOS CURRENTS 2018; 10. [PMID: 30279997 PMCID: PMC6149597 DOI: 10.1371/currents.hd.a4e15b80c4915c828d39754942c6631f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Excessive mitochondrial fission has been associated with several
neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington’s disease (HD). Consequently,
mitochondrial dynamics has been suggested to be a promising therapeutic target
for Huntington’s disease. Mitochondrial fission depends on recruitment of Drp1
to mitochondria, and Mff (mitochondrial fission factor) is one of the key
adaptor proteins for this process. Removal of Mff therefore greatly reduces
mitochondrial fission. Here we investigate whether removal of Mff can mitigate
HD-associated pathologies in HD transgenic mice (R6/2) expressing mutant
Htt. Method: We compared the phenotype of HD mice with and without Mff. The mice were
monitored for lifespan, neurological phenotypes, Htt aggregate formation, and
brain histology. Results: We found that HD mice lacking Mff display more severe neurological
phenotypes and have shortened lifespans. Loss of Mff does not affect mutant Htt
aggregation, but it accelerates HD pathology, including neuronal loss and
neuroinflammation. Conclusions: Our data indicate a protective role for mitochondrial fission in HD
and suggest that more studies are needed before manipulation of mitochondrial
dynamics can be applied to HD therapy.
Collapse
|
32
|
Activation of NPY-Y2 receptors ameliorates disease pathology in the R6/2 mouse and PC12 cell models of Huntington's disease. Exp Neurol 2018; 302:112-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|