Modulation of Microglial Cell Fcγ Receptor Expression Following Viral Brain Infection

Differential expression of genes involved in the chronic response to intracortical microelectrodes

Brain-Machine Interface systems (BMIs) are clinically valuable devices that can provide functional restoration for patients with spinal cord injury or improved integration for patients requiring prostheses. Intracortical microelectrodes can record neuronal action potentials at a resolution necessary for precisely controlling BMIs. However, intracortical microelectrodes have a demonstrated history of progressive decline in the recording performance with time, inhibiting their usefulness. One major contributor to decreased performance is the neuroinflammatory response to the implanted microelectrodes. The neuroinflammatory response can lead to neurodegeneration and the formation of a glial scar at the implant site. Historically, histological imaging of relatively few known cellular and protein markers has characterized the neuroinflammatory response to implanted microelectrode arrays. However, neuroinflammation requires many molecular players to coordinate the response - meaning traditional methods could result in an incomplete understanding. Taking advantage of recent advancements in tools to characterize the relative or absolute DNA/RNA expression levels, a few groups have begun to explore gene expression at the microelectrode-tissue interface. We have utilized a custom panel of ∼813 neuroinflammatory-specific genes developed with NanoString for bulk tissue analysis at the microelectrode-tissue interface. Our previous studies characterized the acute innate immune response to intracortical microelectrodes. Here we investigated the gene expression at the microelectrode-tissue interface in wild-type (WT) mice chronically implanted with nonfunctioning probes. We found 28 differentially expressed genes at chronic time points (4WK, 8WK, and 16WK), many in the complement and extracellular matrix system. Further, the expression levels were relatively stable over time. Genes identified here represent chronic molecular players at the microelectrode implant sites and potential therapeutic targets for the long-term integration of microelectrodes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Intracortical microelectrodes can record neuronal action potentials at a resolution necessary for the precise control of Brain-Machine Interface systems (BMIs). However, intracortical microelectrodes have a demonstrated history of progressive declines in the recording performance with time, inhibiting their usefulness. One major contributor to the decline in these devices is the neuroinflammatory response against the implanted microelectrodes. Historically, neuroinflammation to implanted microelectrode arrays has been characterized by histological imaging of relatively few known cellular and protein markers. Few studies have begun to develop a more in-depth understanding of the molecular pathways facilitating device-mediated neuroinflammation. Here, we are among the first to identify genetic pathways that could represent targets to improve the host response to intracortical microelectrodes, and ultimately device performance.

Antiviral mechanisms of two broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies for rabies prophylaxis and therapy

Rabies is an acute and lethal encephalomyelitis caused by lyssaviruses, among which rabies virus (RABV) is the most prevalent and important for public health. Although preventable through the post-exposure administration of rabies vaccine and immunoglobulins (RIGs), the disease is almost invariably fatal since the onset of clinical signs. Two human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), RVC20 and RVC58, have been shown to be effective in treating symptomatic rabies. To better understand how these mAbs work, we conducted structural modeling and in vitro assays to analyze their mechanisms of action, including their ability to mediate Fc-dependent effector functions. Our results indicate that both RVC20 and RVC58 recognize and lock the RABV-G protein in its pre-fusion conformation. RVC58 was shown to neutralize more potently the extra-cellular virus, while RVC20 mainly acts by reducing viral spreading from infected cells. Importantly, RVC20 was more effective in promoting effector functions compared to RVC58 and 17C7-RAB1 mAbs, the latter of which is approved for human rabies post-exposure treatment. These results provide valuable insights into the multiple mechanisms of action of RVC20 and RVC58 mAbs, offering relevant information for the development of these mAbs as treatment for human rabies.

Mechanism and Regulation of Microglia Polarization in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most lethal subtype of stroke, but effective treatments are lacking, and neuroinflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis. In the innate immune response to cerebral hemorrhage, microglia first appear around the injured tissue and are involved in the inflammatory cascade response. Microglia respond to acute brain injury by being activated and polarized to either a typical M1-like (pro-inflammatory) or an alternative M2-like (anti-inflammatory) phenotype. These two polarization states produce pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory. With the discovery of the molecular mechanisms and key signaling molecules related to the polarization of microglia in the brain, some targets that regulate the polarization of microglia to reduce the inflammatory response are considered a treatment for secondary brain tissue after ICH damage effective strategies. Therefore, how to promote the polarization of microglia to the M2 phenotype after ICH has become the focus of attention in recent years. This article reviews the mechanism of action of microglia’s M1 and M2 phenotypes in secondary brain injury after ICH. Moreover, it discusses compounds and natural pharmaceutical ingredients that can polarize the M1 to the M2 phenotype.

Regulatory T-Cells Suppress Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Responses against Microglia

Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) play pivotal roles during infection, cancer, and autoimmunity. In our previous study, we demonstrated a role for the PD-1:PD-L1 pathway in controlling cytolytic responses of CD8⁺ T lymphocytes against microglial cells presenting viral peptides. In this study, we investigated the role of Tregs in suppressing CD8⁺ T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity against primary microglial cells. Using in vitro cytotoxicity assays and flow cytometry, we demonstrated a role for Tregs in suppressing antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses against microglia loaded with a model peptide (SIINFEKL). We went on to show a significant decrease in the frequency of IFN-γ- and TNF-producing CD8⁺ T-cells when cultured with Tregs. Interestingly, a significant increase in the frequency of granzyme B- and Ki67-producing CTLs was observed. We also observed a significant decrease in the production of interleukin (IL)-6 by microglia. On further investigation, we found that Tregs significantly reduced MHC class 1 (MHC-1) expression on IFN-γ-treated microglial cells. Taken together, these studies demonstrate an immunosuppressive role for Tregs on CTL responses generated against primary microglia. Hence, modulation of Treg cell activity in combination with negative immune checkpoint blockade may stimulate anti-viral T-cell responses to more efficiently clear viral infection from microglial cell reservoirs.

Identification of hub genes and immune cell infiltration characteristics in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: Bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

The aim of our study is to reveal the hub genes related to the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and their association with immune cell infiltration through bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental validation. In this study, through differential gene expression analysis, 1,516 upregulated and 1,307 downregulated DEG were obtained from dataset GSE136825 of the GEO database. We identified 14 co-expressed modules using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), among which the most significant positive and negative correlations were MEgreen and MEturquoise modules, containing 1,540 and 3,710 genes respectively. After the intersection of the two modules and DEG, two gene sets—DEG-MEgreen and DEG-MEturquoise—were obtained, containing 395 and 1,168 genes respectively. Through GO term analysis, it was found that immune response and signal transduction are the most important biological processes. We found, based on KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, that osteoclast differentiations, cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions, and neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions are the most important in the two gene sets. Through PPI network analysis, we listed the top-ten genes for the concentrated connectivity of the two gene sets. Next, a few genes were verified by qPCR experiments, and FPR2, ITGAM, C3AR1, FCER1G, CYBB in DEG-MEgreen and GNG4, NMUR2, and GNG7 in DEG-MEturquoise were confirmed to be related to the pathogenesis of CRSwNP. NP immune cell infiltration analysis revealed a significant difference in the proportion of immune cells between the NP group and control group. Finally, correlation analysis between target hub genes and immune cells indicated that FPR2 and GNG7 had a positive or negative correlation with some specific immune cells. In summary, the discoveries of these new hub genes and their association with immune cell infiltration are of great significance for uncovering the specific pathogenesis of CRSwNP and searching for disease biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.

Differential Cytokine-Induced Responses of Polarized Microglia

The role of select pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in driving microglial cell polarization into classically (M1), or alternatively, (M2) activated states, as well as the subsequent differential responses of these induced phenotypes, was examined. Expression of PD-L1, MHC-II, MHC-I, arginase 1 (Arg-1), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was assessed using multi-color flow cytometry. We observed that both pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators induced PD-L1 expression on non-polarized microglia. Moreover, IFN-γ stimulated significant MHC class I and II expression on these cells. Interestingly, we observed that only IL-4 treatment induced Arg-1 expression, indicating M2 polarization. These M2 cells were refractory to subsequent depolarization and maintained their alternatively activated state. Furthermore, PD-L1 expression was significantly induced on these M2-polarized microglia after treatment with pro-inflammatory mediators, but not anti-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, we observed that only LPS induced iNOS expression in microglial cells, indicating M1 polarization. Furthermore, IFN-γ significantly increased the percentage of M1-polarized microglia expressing iNOS. Surprisingly, when these M1-polarized microglia were treated with either IL-6 or other anti-inflammatory cytokines, they returned to their non-polarized state, as demonstrated by significantly reduced expression of iNOS. Taken together, these results demonstrate differential responses of microglial cells to mediators present in dissimilar microenvironments.

There Is Strength in Numbers: Quantitation of Fc Gamma Receptors on Murine Tissue-Resident Macrophages

Many of the effector functions of antibodies rely on the binding of antibodies/immune complexes to cellular Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). Since the majority of innate immune effector cells express both activating and inhibitory Fc receptors, the outcome of the binding of immune complexes to cells of a given population is influenced by the relative affinities of the respective IgG subclasses to these receptors, as well as by the numbers of activating and inhibitory FcγRs on the cell surface. A group of immune cells that has come into focus more recently is the various subsets of tissue-resident macrophages. The central functions of FcγRs on tissue macrophages include the clearance of opsonized pathogens, the removal of small immune complexes from the circulation and the depletion of antibody-opsonized cells in the therapy of autoimmunity and cancer. Despite these essential functions of FcγRs on tissue-resident macrophages, an in-depth quantification of FcγRs is lacking. Thus, the aim of our current study was to quantify the various Fcγ receptors on macrophages in murine liver, lung, kidney, brain, skin and spleen. Our study identified a pronounced heterogeneity between FcγR expression patterns of the different tissue macrophages, which may reflect their specialized functions within their unique niches in different organ environments.

Blockage of Fc Gamma Receptors Alleviates Neuronal and Microglial Toxicity Induced by Palmitic Acid

BACKGROUND

Palmitic acid (PA) promotes brain pathologies including Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related proteins, neuroinflammation, and microglial activation. The activation of neurons and microglia via their Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) results in producing inflammatory cytokines.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of FcγRs, FcγR signaling proteins, AD-related proteins, proinflammatory cytokines, and cell viability of neurons and microglia in association with PA exposure as well as the effects of FcγR blockade on these parameters in response to PA.

METHODS

200 and 400μM PA-conjugated BSA were applied to SH-SY5Y and HMC3 cells for 24 h. For FcγR blockage experiment, both cells were exposed to FcγR blocker before receiving of 200 and 400μM of PA-conjugated BSA for 24 h.

RESULTS

PA significantly increased AD-related proteins, including Aβ and BACE1, as well as increasing TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 in SH-SY5Y and HMC3 cells. However, the p-Tau/Tau ratio was only increased in SH-SY5Y cells. These results were associated with an increase in FcγRs activation and a decrease in cell viability in both cell types. FcγRs blockage diminished the activation of FcγR in SH-SY5Y and HMC3 cells. Interestingly, blocking FcγRs before PA exposure reduced the increment of AD-related proteins, proinflammatory cytokines caused by PA. FcγRs blocking also inhibits cell death for 23%of SH-SY5Y cells and 64%of HMC3 cells, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that PA is a risk factor for AD via the increased AD-related pathologies, inflammation, FcγRs activation, and brain cell death, while FcγR blockage can alleviate these effects.

MOG autoantibodies trigger a tightly-controlled FcR and BTK-driven microglia proliferative response

Autoantibodies are a hallmark of numerous neurologic disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), autoimmune encephalitides and neuromyelitis optica (NMO). While well understood in peripheral myeloid cells, the pathophysiological significance of autoantibody-induced Fc receptor (FcR) signaling in microglia remains unknown, in part due to the lack of a robust in vivo model. Moreover, application of therapeutic antibodies for neurodegenerative disease also highlights the importance of understanding FcR signaling in microglia. Here, we describe a novel in vivo experimental paradigm that allows for selective engagement of Fc receptors within the CNS by peripherally injecting anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in normal wild-type mice. MOG antigen-bound immunoglobulins were detected throughout the CNS and triggered a rapid and tightly regulated proliferative response in both brain and spinal cord microglia. This microglial response was abrogated when anti-MOG antibodies were deprived of Fc effector function or injected into Fc γ R knockout mice and was associated with the downregulation of FcRs in microglia, but not peripheral myeloid cells, establishing that this response was dependent on central FcR engagement. Downstream of FcRs, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) was a required signaling node for this response, as microglia proliferation was amplified in BTKE41K knock-in mice expressing a constitutively active form of BTK and blunted in mice treated with a CNS penetrant small molecule inhibitor of BTK. Finally, this response was associated with transient and stringently regulated changes in gene expression predominantly related to cellular proliferation, which markedly differed from transcriptional programs typically associated with FcR engagement in peripheral myeloid cells. Together, these results establish a physiologically-meaningful functional response to FcR and BTK signaling in microglia while providing a novel in vivo tool to further dissect the roles of microglia-specific FcR and BTK-driven responses to both pathogenic and therapeutic antibodies in CNS homeostasis and disease.

Phagocytosis by Peripheral Glia: Importance for Nervous System Functions and Implications in Injury and Disease

The central nervous system (CNS) has very limited capacity to regenerate after traumatic injury or disease. In contrast, the peripheral nervous system (PNS) has far greater capacity for regeneration. This difference can be partly attributed to variances in glial-mediated functions, such as axon guidance, structural support, secretion of growth factors and phagocytic activity. Due to their growth-promoting characteristic, transplantation of PNS glia has been trialed for neural repair. After peripheral nerve injuries, Schwann cells (SCs, the main PNS glia) phagocytose myelin debris and attract macrophages to the injury site to aid in debris clearance. One peripheral nerve, the olfactory nerve, is unique in that it continuously regenerates throughout life. The olfactory nerve glia, olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), are the primary phagocytes within this nerve, continuously clearing axonal debris arising from the normal regeneration of the nerve and after injury. In contrast to SCs, OECs do not appear to attract macrophages. SCs and OECs also respond to and phagocytose bacteria, a function likely critical for tackling microbial invasion of the CNS via peripheral nerves. However, phagocytosis is not always effective; inflammation, aging and/or genetic factors may contribute to compromised phagocytic activity. Here, we highlight the diverse roles of SCs and OECs with the focus on their phagocytic activity under physiological and pathological conditions. We also explore why understanding the contribution of peripheral glia phagocytosis may provide us with translational strategies for achieving axonal regeneration of the injured nervous system and potentially for the treatment of certain neurological diseases.

TLR7 Is Critical for Anti-Viral Humoral Immunity to EV71 Infection in the Spinal Cord

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a positive single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus from the enterovirus genus of Picornaviridae family and causes diseases ranged from the mild disease of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) to the severe disease of neurological involvement in young children. TLR7 is an intracellular pattern recognition receptor (PRR) recognizing viral ssRNA. In this study, we investigated the role of TLR7 in EV71 infection in mouse pups (10-12 days old) and found that wild-type (WT) and TLR7 knock-out (TLR7KO) mice infected with EV71 showed similar limb paralysis at the onset and peak of the disease, comparable loss of motor neurons, and similar levels of antiviral molecules in the spinal cord. These results suggest that TLR7 is not the absolute PRR for EV71 in the spinal cord. Interestingly, TLR7KO mice infected with EV71 exhibited significantly delayed recovery from limb paralysis compared with WT mice. TLR7KO mice infected with EV71 showed significantly decreased levels of IgM and IgG2, important antibodies for antiviral humoral immunity. Furthermore, TLR7KO mice infected with EV71 showed a decrease of germinal center B cells in the spleen compared with WT mice. Altogether, our study suggests that TLR7 plays a critical role in anti-viral humoral immunity rather than in being a PRR in the spinal cord during EV71 infection in young mice.

Neuroprotective epi-drugs quench the inflammatory response and microglial/macrophage activation in a mouse model of permanent brain ischemia

BACKGROUND

Activation of NF-kappaB RelA deacetylated at the lysine residues, except the lysine 310, drives pro-apoptotic transcription in noxious brain ischemia. We showed that the sinergistic combination of the histone deacetilase inhibitor MS-275 with the sirtuin 1 activator resveratrol, at very low doses, restores normal RelA acetylation and elicit neuroprotection in mice subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and primary cortical neurons exposed to oxygen-glucose-deprivation (OGD). The present study aims at corroborating the neuroprotective potential of the epigenetic treatment in a model of permanent brain ischemia and investigate its effect on post-ischemic inflammation and microglia activation.

METHODS

Male mice subjected to permanent occlusion of the distal MCAO (pMCAO) were treated with vehicle or MS-275 (20 μg/kg) and resveratrol (680 μg/kg) i.p. immediately after the ischemia. Microglia-containing mixed glial cultures were prepared from the brain of 1-3-day-old mice. Primary cortical neurons were prepared from 15-day-old embryonic mice.

RESULTS

MS-275 and resveratrol in combination, but not individually, reduced infarct volume and neurological deficits evaluated 48 h after the pMCAO. At 24 h, the treatment inhibited the RelA binding to Nos2 promoter, reduced the elevated expression of Nos2, Il6, Il1b, Mrc1 and Ym1 and the leukocytes infiltration in the ischemic area. The effect was nonpermanent. The treatment did not limit the sustained leukocyte infiltration or Nos2 and Il1b transcription observed at 7 days. Though, it induced alternative activation markers of microglia/macrophages, Arg1, Ym1 and Fcgr2b that could be added to Mrc1, Tgfb1 and Trem2 spontaneously increased at 7 days after ischemia. At 24 hours the drug treatment quenched the microglia/macrophages activation in the ischemic cortical sections, as shown by the recovered ramified morphology and lowered iNOS or CD68 immunoreactivity in Iba1-positive cells. Both microglia and astrocytes in mixed glial cultures, but not pure astrocytes, displayed signs of activation and iNOS-immunoreactivity when treated with a conditioned medium (NCM) from OGD-exposed cortical neurons. The epigenetic drugs limited the OGD-NCM-mediated activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that single treatment with MS-275 and resveratrol can reduce stroke-mediated brain injury and inflammation observed 2 days after the pMCAO and put the rational to test repeated administration of the drugs. The anti-inflammatory property of MS-275 and resveratrol combination can be ascribed to both primary direct inhibition of microglia/macrophage activation and secondary glial/macrophages inhibition mediated by neuroprotection.

A combination of two human monoclonal antibodies cures symptomatic rabies

Rabies is a neglected disease caused by a neurotropic Lyssavirus, transmitted to humans predominantly by the bite of infected dogs. Rabies is preventable with vaccines or proper post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), but it still causes about 60,000 deaths every year. No cure exists after the onset of clinical signs, and the case-fatality rate approaches 100% even with advanced supportive care. Here, we report that a combination of two potent neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies directed against the viral envelope glycoprotein cures symptomatic rabid mice. Treatment efficacy requires the concomitant administration of antibodies in the periphery and in the central nervous system through intracerebroventricular infusion. After such treatment, recovered mice presented good clinical condition, viral loads were undetectable, and the brain inflammatory profile was almost normal. Our findings provide the unprecedented proof of concept of an antibody-based therapeutic approach for symptomatic rabies.

Programmed death ligand-1 induction restrains the cytotoxic T lymphocyte response against microglia

Microglial cells are the main reservoir for HIV-1 within the brain and potential exists for negative immune checkpoint blockade therapies to purge this viral reservoir. Here, we investigated cytolytic responses of CD8⁺ T lymphocytes against microglia loaded with peptide epitopes. Initially, flow cytometric analysis demonstrated efficient killing of HIV-1 p24 AI9 or YI9 peptide-loaded splenocytes in MHC-matched recipients. Cytolytic killing of microglia was first demonstrated using ovalbumin (OVA) as a model antigen for in vitro cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) assays. Peptide-loaded primary microglia obtained from programmed death ligand (PD-L) 1 knockout (KO) animals showed significantly more killing than cells from wild-type (WT) animals when co-cultured with activated CD8⁺ T-cells isolated from rAd5-OVA primed animals. Moreover, when peptide loaded-microglial cells from WT animals were treated with neutralizing α-PD-L1 Ab, significantly more killing was observed compared to either untreated or IgG isotype-treated cells. Most importantly, significantly increased in vivo killing of HIV-1 p24 YI9 peptide-loaded microglia from PD-L1 KO animals, as well as AI9 peptide-loaded BALB/c microglial cells treated with α-PD-L1, was observed within brains of rAd5-p24 primed-CNS boosted C57BL/6 or BALB/c mice, respectively. Finally, ex vivo responses of brain CD8⁺ T-cells in response to AI9 stimulation showed significantly increased IFN-γ and IL-2 production when treated with α-PD-1 Abs. Greater proliferation of CD8+ T-cells from the brain was also observed following blockade. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that PD-L1 induction on microglia restrains CTL responses and indicate that immune checkpoint blockade targeting this pathway may be beneficial in clearing viral brain reservoirs.

Proteostasis of α-Synuclein and Its Role in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease

Aggregation of α-Synuclein, possibly caused by disturbance of proteostasis, has been identified as a common pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the initiating events of aggregation have not been fully illustrated, and this knowledge may be critical to understanding the disease mechanisms of PD. Proteostasis is essential in maintaining normal cellular metabolic functions, which regulate the synthesis, folding, trafficking, and degradation of proteins. The toxicity of the aggregating proteins is dramatically influenced by its physical and physiological status. Genetic mutations may also affect the metastable phase transition of proteins. In addition, neuroinflammation, as well as lipid metabolism and its interaction with α-Synuclein, are likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of PD. In this review article, we will highlight recent progress regarding α-Synuclein proteostasis in the context of PD. We will also discuss how the phase transition status of α-Synuclein could correlate with different functional consequences in PD.

Lupus serum IgG induces microglia activation through Fc fragment dependent way and modulated by B-cell activating factor

Background

Neuropsychiatric manifestations are frequent in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), yet the etiology and pathogenesis of brain damage in SLE remains unclear. Because the production of autoantibodies, formation and deposition of immunocomplexes are major serological characteristics of SLE, the elevated level of serum immunoglobulin may contribute to brain tissue injury of SLE. To testify this, in this study, we examined whether immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum of SLE patients affects the cellular functions in central nervous system and the potential mechanism.

Methods

In vivo intracerebral injection of SLE-serum in mouse was used to activate microglia and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine was assessed by ELISA. Sera was divided into IgG and IgG depleted fractions, while IgG was further divided into Fc and Fab fragments to examine which part has an effect on microglia. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were used to verify the synergistic effect of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) on IgG stimulation of microglia.

Results

We found that IgG in lupus sera can induce M1 activation of brain microglia following intraventricular injection into normal mice, and BAFF facilitates this process. In vitro, we identified that IgG bound to microglia through Fc rather than Fab fragments, and BAFF up-regulated the expression of Fc receptors (FcγR) on the surface of microglia, consequently, promote IgG binding to microglia.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that lupus serum IgG causes inflammatory responses of microglia by involving the Fc signaling pathway and the activity could be up-regulated by BAFF. Accordingly, disruption of the FcγR-mediated signaling pathway and blockade of microglia activation may be a therapeutic target in patients with neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus.

DHA-SBT-1214 Taxoid Nanoemulsion and Anti-PD-L1 Antibody Combination Therapy Enhances Antitumor Efficacy in a Syngeneic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Model

The goal of this study was to evaluate combination of a novel taxoid, DHA-SBT-1214 chemotherapy, in modulating immune checkpoint marker expression and ultimately in improving antibody-based checkpoint blockade therapy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). DHA-SBT-1214 was encapsulated in an oil-in-water nanoemulsion and administered systemically in Panc02 syngeneic PDAC-bearing C57BL/6 mice. Following treatment with DHA-SBT-1214, expression levels of PD-L1 were measured and anti-PD-L1 antibody was administered in combination. The effects of combination therapy on efficacy and the molecular basis of synergistic effects were evaluated. PD-L1 expression was lower on Panc02 pancreatic tumor cells in vitro, which significantly increased after exposure to different chemotherapy drugs. Administration of DHA-SBT-1214, gemcitabine, and PD-L1 antibody alone failed to increase CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration inside tumors. However, combination of anti-PD-L1 therapy with a novel chemotherapy drug DHA-SBT-1214 in nanoemulsion (NE-DHA-SBT-1214) significantly enhanced CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration and the therapeutic effects of the anti-PD-L1 antibody. Furthermore, in the Panc02 syngeneic model, the NE-DHA-SBT-1214 combination therapy group reduced tumor growth to a higher extend than paclitaxel, nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane), gemcitabine, or single anti-PD-L1 antibody therapy groups. Our results indicate that NE-DHA-SBT-1214 stimulated immunogenic potential of PDAC and provided an enhanced therapeutic effect with immune checkpoint blockade therapy, which warrants further evaluation.

Glial Cell Expression of PD-L1

The programmed death (PD)-1/PD-L1 pathway is a well-recognized negative immune checkpoint that results in functional inhibition of T-cells. Microglia, the brain-resident immune cells are vital for pathogen detection and initiation of neuroimmune responses. Moreover, microglial cells and astrocytes govern the activity of brain-infiltrating antiviral T-cells through upregulation of PD-L1 expression. While T-cell suppressive responses within brain are undoubtedly beneficial to the host, preventing cytotoxic damage to this vital organ, establishment of a prolonged anti-inflammatory milieu may simultaneously lead to deficiencies in viral clearance. An immune checkpoint blockade targeting the PD-1: PD-L1 (B7-H1; CD274) axis has revolutionized contemporary treatment for a variety of cancers. However, the therapeutic potential of PD1: PD-L1 blockade therapies targeting viral brain reservoirs remains to be determined. For these reasons, it is key to understand both the detrimental and protective functions of this signaling pathway within the brain. This review highlights how glial cells use PD-L1 expression to modulate T-cell effector function and limit detrimental bystander damage, while still retaining an effective defense of the brain.

Brain-Resident T Cells Following Viral Infection

Activated CD8⁺ lymphocytes infiltrate the brain in response to many viral infections; where some remain stationed long term as memory T cells. Brain-resident memory T cells (bT_RM) are positioned to impart immediate defense against recurrent or reactivated infection. The cytokine and chemokine milieu present within a tissue is critical for T_RM generation and retention; and reciprocal interactions exist between brain-resident glia and bT_RM. High concentrations of TGF-β are found within brain and this cytokine has been shown to induce CD103 (integrin αeβ7) expression. The majority of T cells persisting within brain express CD103, which aids in retention through interaction with E-cadherin. Likewise, cytokines produced by T cells also modulate microglia. The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 has been shown to preferentially polarize microglial cells toward an M2 phenotype, with a corresponding increase in E-cadherin expression. These findings demonstrate that the brain microenvironment, both during and following inflammation, prominently contributes to the role of CD103 in T cell persistence. Further evidence shows that microglia, and astrocytes, upregulate programmed death (PD) ligand 1 during neuroinflammation, likely to limit neuropathology, and the PD-1: PD-L1 pathway also aids in bT_RM generation and retention. Upon reactivation of quiescent neurotropic viruses, bT_RM may respond to small amounts of de novo-produced viral antigen by rapidly releasing IFN-γ, resulting in interferon-stimulated gene expression in surrounding glia, thereby amplifying activation of a small number of adaptive immune cells into an organ-wide innate antiviral response. While advantageous from an antiviral perspective; over time, recall response-driven, organ-wide innate immune activation likely has cumulative neurotoxic and neurocognitive consequences.

Microglia Response During Parkinson's Disease: Alpha-Synuclein Intervention

The discovery of the central role played by the protein alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and other Lewy body brain disorders has had a great relevance in the understanding of the degenerative process occurring in these diseases. In addition, during the last two decades, the evidence suggesting an immune response in Parkinson's disease patients have multiplied. The role of the immune system in the disease is supported by data from genetic studies and patients, as well as from laboratory animal models and cell cultures. In the immune response, the microglia, the immune cell of the brain, will have a determinant role. Interestingly, alpha-synuclein is suggested to have a central function not only in the neuronal events occurring in Parkinson's disease, but also in the immune response during the disease. Numerous studies have shown that alpha-synuclein can act directly on immune cells, such as microglia in brain, initiating a sterile response that will have consequences for the neuronal health and that could also translate in a peripheral immune response. In parallel, microglia should also act clearing alpha-synuclein thus avoiding an overabundance of the protein, which is crucial to the disease progression. Therefore, the microglia response in each moment will have significant consequences for the neuronal fate. Here we will review the literature addressing the microglia response in Parkinson's disease with an especial focus on the protein alpha-synuclein. We will also reflect upon the limitations of the studies carried so far and in the therapeutic possibilities opened based on these recent findings.

Imaging Reporter Strategy to Monitor Gene Activation of Microglia Polarisation States under Stimulation

Microglial cells as innate immune key players have a critical and unique role in neurodegenerative disorders. They strongly interact with their microenvironment in a complex manner and react to changes by switching their phenotype and functional activation states. In order to understand the development of brain diseases, it is imperative to elucidate up- or down-regulation of genes involved in microglia polarisation in time-profile by a simple-to-use strategy. Here, we present a new imaging strategy to follow promoter activity of genes involved in microglia polarisation. We lentivirally transduced BV-2 microglia cells in culture with constructs consisting of the induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Fc gamma receptor III (Fcgr3) (both resembling the pro-inflammatory M1-like phenotype) or Chitinase-like 3 (Chil3/Ym1) (resembling the anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype) promoters and stimulated transgenic cells with potent activators for pro- or anti-inflammatory response, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + interferon gamma (IFN-γ) or interleukin (IL)-4, respectively. Promoter activities upon polarisation phases were quantitatively assessed by the two imaging reporters Luc2 for bioluminescence and eGFP for fluorescence.

Reactive glia promote development of CD103+ CD69+ CD8+ T-cells through programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)

INTRODUCTION

Previous work from our laboratory has demonstrated in vivo persistence of CD103⁺ CD69⁺ brain resident memory CD8⁺ T-cells (bT_RM ) following viral infection, and that the PD-1: PD-L1 pathway promotes development of these T_RM cells within the brain. Although glial cells express low basal levels of PD-L1, its expression is upregulated upon IFN-γ-treatment, and they have been shown to modulate antiviral T-cell effector responses through the PD-1: PD-L1 pathway.

METHODS

We performed flow cytometric analysis of cells from co-cultures of mixed glia and CD8⁺ T-cells obtained from wild type mice to investigate the role of glial cells in the development of bT_RM .

RESULTS

In this study, we show that interactions between reactive glia and anti-CD3 Ab-stimulated CD8⁺ T-cells promote development of CD103⁺ CD69⁺ CD8⁺ T-cells through engagement of the PD-1: PD-L1 pathway. These studies used co-cultures of primary murine glial cells obtained from WT animals along with CD8⁺ T-cells obtained from either WT or PD-1 KO mice. We found that αCD3 Ab-stimulated CD8⁺ T-cells from WT animals increased expression of CD103 and CD69 when co-cultured with primary murine glial cells. In contrast, significantly reduced expression of CD103 and CD69 was observed using CD8⁺ T-cells from PD-1 KO mice. We also observed that reactive glia promoted high levels of CD127, a marker of memory precursor effector cells (MPEC), on CD69⁺ CD8⁺ T-cells, which promotes development of T_RM cells. Interestingly, results obtained using T-cells from PD-1 KO animals showed significantly reduced expression of CD127 on CD69⁺ CD8⁺ cells. Additionally, blocking of glial PD-L1 resulted in decreased expression of CD103, along with reduced CD127 on CD69⁺ CD8⁺ T-cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results demonstrate a role for activated glia in promoting development of bT_RM through the PD-1: PD-L1 pathway.

Nitrosative damage during retrovirus infection-induced neuropathic pain

BACKGROUND

Peripheral neuropathy is currently the most common neurological complication in HIV-infected individuals, occurring in 35-50% of patients undergoing combination anti-retroviral therapy. Data have shown that distal symmetric polyneuropathy develops in mice by 6 weeks following infection with the LP-BM5 retrovirus mixture. Previous work from our laboratory has demonstrated that glial cells modulate antiviral T-cell effector responses through the programmed death (PD)-1: PD-L1 pathway, thereby limiting the deleterious consequences of unrestrained neuroinflammation.

METHODS

Using the MouseMet electronic von Frey system, we assessed hind-paw mechanical hypersensitivity in LP-BM5-infected wild-type (WT) and PD-1 KO animals. Using multi-color flow cytometry, we quantitatively assessed cellular infiltration and microglial activation. Using real-time RT-PCR, we assessed viral load, expression of IFN-γ, iNOS, and MHC class II. Using western blotting, we measured protein nitrosylation within the lumbar spinal cord (LSC) and dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Histochemical staining was performed to analyze the presence of CD3, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule (Iba)-1, MHCII, nitrotyrosine, isolectin B4 (IB4) binding, and neurofilament 200 (NF200). Statistical analyses were carried out using graphpad prism.

RESULTS

Hind-paw mechanical hypersensitivity observed in LP-BM5-infected animals was associated with significantly increased lymphocyte infiltration into the spinal cord and DRG. We also observed elevated expression of IFN-γ (in LSC and DRG) and MHC II (on resident microglia in LSC). We detected elevated levels of 3-nitrotyrosine within the LSC and DRG of LP-BM5-infected animals, an indicator of nitric oxide (NO)-induced protein damage. Moreover, we observed 3-nitrotyrosine in both small (IB4+) and large (NF200+) DRG sensory neurons. Additionally, infected PD-1 KO animals displayed significantly greater mechanical hypersensitivity than WT or uninfected mice at 4 weeks post-infection (p.i.). Accelerated onset of hind-paw hypersensitivity in PD-1 KO animals was associated with significantly increased infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, macrophages, and microglial activation at early time points. Importantly, we also observed elevated levels of 3-nitrotyrosine and iNOS in infected PD-1 KO animals when compared with WT animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Results reported here connect peripheral immune cell infiltration and reactive gliosis with nitrosative damage. These data may help elucidate how retroviral infection-induced neuroinflammatory networks contribute to nerve damage and neuropathic pain.