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Prapas P, Anagnostouli M. Macrophages and HLA-Class II Alleles in Multiple Sclerosis: Insights in Therapeutic Dynamics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7354. [PMID: 39000461 PMCID: PMC11242320 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Antigen presentation is a crucial mechanism that drives the T cell-mediated immune response and the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Genetic alterations within the highly variable Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II (MHC II) have been proven to result in significant changes in the molecular basis of antigen presentation and the clinical course of patients with both Adult-Onset MS (AOMS) and Pediatric-Onset MS (POMS). Among the numerous polymorphisms of the Human Leucocyte Antigens (HLA), within MHC II complex, HLA-DRB1*15:01 has been labeled, in Caucasian ethnic groups, as a high-risk allele for MS due to the ability of its structure to increase affinity to Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) epitopes. This characteristic, among others, in the context of the trimolecular complex or immunological synapsis, provides the foundation for autoimmunity triggered by environmental or endogenous factors. As with all professional antigen presenting cells, macrophages are characterized by the expression of MHC II and are often implicated in the formation of MS lesions. Increased presence of M1 macrophages in MS patients has been associated both with progression and onset of the disease, each involving separate but similar mechanisms. In this critical narrative review, we focus on macrophages, discussing how HLA genetic alterations can promote dysregulation of this population's homeostasis in the periphery and the Central Nervous System (CNS). We also explore the potential interconnection in observed pathological macrophage mechanisms and the function of the diverse structure of HLA alleles in neurodegenerative CNS, seen in MS, by comparing available clinical with molecular data through the prism of HLA-immunogenetics. Finally, we discuss available and experimental pharmacological approaches for MS targeting the trimolecular complex that are based on cell phenotype modulation and HLA genotype involvement and try to reveal fertile ground for the potential development of novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Prapas
- Research Immunogenetics Laboratory, First Department of Neurology, Aeginition University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sofias 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Anagnostouli
- Research Immunogenetics Laboratory, First Department of Neurology, Aeginition University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sofias 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Multiple Sclerosis and Demyelinating Diseases Unit, Center of Expertise for Rare Demyelinating and Autoimmune Diseases of CNS, First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens NKUA, Aeginition University Hospital, Vas. Sofias 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
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Liu C, Zhu J, Mi Y, Jin T. Impact of disease-modifying therapy on dendritic cells and exploring their immunotherapeutic potential in multiple sclerosis. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:298. [PMID: 36510261 PMCID: PMC9743681 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02663-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which play a pivotal role in inducing either inflammatory or tolerogenic response based on their subtypes and environmental signals. Emerging evidence indicates that DCs are critical for initiation and progression of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Current disease-modifying therapies (DMT) for MS can significantly affect DCs' functions. However, the study on the impact of DMT on DCs is rare, unlike T and B lymphocytes that are the most commonly discussed targets of these therapies. Induction of tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs) with powerful therapeutic potential has been well-established to combat autoimmune responses in laboratory models and early clinical trials. In contrast to in vitro tolDC induction, in vivo elicitation by specifically targeting multiple cell-surface receptors has shown greater promise with more advantages. Here, we summarize the role of DCs in governing immune tolerance and in the process of initiating and perpetuating MS as well as the effects of current DMT drugs on DCs. We then highlight the most promising cell-surface receptors expressed on DCs currently being explored as the viable pharmacological targets through antigen delivery to generate tolDCs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyun Liu
- grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences & Society, Division of Neurogeriatrcs, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yan Mi
- grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tao Jin
- grid.430605.40000 0004 1758 4110Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Wolf J, Boneva S, Rosmus DD, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Wieghofer P, Schlecht A, Lange C. In-Depth Molecular Profiling Specifies Human Retinal Microglia Identity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:863158. [PMID: 35371110 PMCID: PMC8971200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.863158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the tissue-resident macrophages of the retina and brain, being critically involved in organ development, tissue homeostasis, and response to cellular damage. Until now, little is known about the molecular signature of human retinal microglia and how it differs from the one of brain microglia and peripheral monocytes. In addition, it is not yet clear to what extent murine retinal microglia resemble those of humans, which represents an important prerequisite for translational research. The present study applies fluorescence-activated cell sorting to isolate human retinal microglia from enucleated eyes and compares their transcriptional profile with the one of whole retinal tissue, human brain microglia as well as classical, intermediate and non-classical monocytes. Finally, human retinal microglia are compared to murine retinal microglia, isolated from Cx3cr1GFP/+ mice. Whereas human retinal microglia exhibited a high grade of similarity in comparison to their counterparts in the brain, several enriched genes were identified in retinal microglia when compared to whole retinal tissue, as well as classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes. In relation to whole retina sequencing, several risk genes associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) were preferentially expressed in retinal microglia, indicating their potential pathophysiological involvement. Although a high degree of similarity was observed between human and murine retinal microglia, several species-specific genes were identified, which should be kept in mind when employing mouse models to investigate retinal microglia biology. In summary, this study provides detailed insights into the molecular profile of human retinal microglia, identifies a plethora of tissue-specific and species-specific genes in comparison to human brain microglia and murine retinal microglia, and thus highlights the significance of retinal microglia in human retinal diseases and for translational research approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
- *Correspondence: Clemens Lange,
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