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Ten Bosch GJA, Bolk J, 't Hart BA, Laman JD. Multiple sclerosis is linked to MAPK ERK overactivity in microglia. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1033-1042. [PMID: 33948692 PMCID: PMC8313465 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02080-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Reassessment of published observations in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests a microglial malfunction due to inappropriate (over)activity of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway ERK (MAPKERK). These observations regard biochemistry as well as epigenetics, and all indicate involvement of this pathway. Recent preclinical research on neurodegeneration already pointed towards a role of MAPK pathways, in particular MAPKERK. This is important as microglia with overactive MAPK have been identified to disturb local oligodendrocytes which can lead to locoregional demyelination, hallmark of MS. This constitutes a new concept on pathophysiology of MS, besides the prevailing view, i.e., autoimmunity. Acknowledged risk factors for MS, such as EBV infection, hypovitaminosis D, and smoking, all downregulate MAPKERK negative feedback phosphatases that normally regulate MAPKERK activity. Consequently, these factors may contribute to inappropriate MAPKERK overactivity, and thereby to neurodegeneration. Also, MAPKERK overactivity in microglia, as a factor in the pathophysiology of MS, could explain ongoing neurodegeneration in MS patients despite optimized immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory treatment. Currently, for these patients with progressive disease, no effective treatment exists. In such refractory MS, targeting the cause of overactive MAPKERK in microglia merits further investigation as this phenomenon may imply a novel treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- George J A Ten Bosch
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Jolande Bolk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Bert A 't Hart
- Department Anatomy and Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jon D Laman
- Department Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Böhm M, Luger T. Are melanocortin peptides future therapeutics for cutaneous wound healing? Exp Dermatol 2019; 28:219-224. [PMID: 30661264 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous wound healing is a complex process divided into different phases, that is an inflammatory, proliferative and remodelling phase. During these phases, a variety of resident skin cell types but also cells of the immune system orchestrate the healing process. In the last year, it has been shown that the majority of cutaneous cell types express the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) that binds α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with high affinity and elicits pleiotropic biological effects, for example modulation of inflammation and immune responses, cytoprotection, antioxidative defense and collagen turnover. Truncated α-MSH peptides such as Lys-Pro-Val (KPV) as well as derivatives like Lys-d-Pro-Thr (KdPT), the latter containing the amino acid sequence 193-195 of interleukin-1β, have been found to possess anti-inflammatory effects but to lack the pigment-inducing activity of α-MSH. We propose here that such peptides are promising future candidates for the treatment of cutaneous wounds and skin ulcers. Experimental approaches in silico, in vitro, ex vivo and in animal models are outlined. This is followed by an unbiased discussion of the pro and contra arguments of such peptides as future candidates for the therapeutic management of cutaneous wounds and a review of the so-far available data on melanocortin peptides and derivatives in wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Böhm
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology of the Skin and Interdisciplinary Endocrinology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Luger
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology of the Skin and Interdisciplinary Endocrinology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Andersen M, Nagaev I, Meyer MK, Nagaeva O, Wikberg J, Mincheva-Nilsson L, Andersen G. Melanocortin 2, 3 and 4 Receptor Gene Expressions are Downregulated in CD8+T Cytotoxic Lymphocytes and CD19+B Lymphocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis Responding to TNF-αInhibition. Scand J Immunol 2017; 86:31-39. [DOI: 10.1111/sji.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Andersen
- Department of Rheumatology; North Denmark Regional Hospital; Hjørring Denmark
- Department of Health Science and Technology; Aalborg University; Aalborg Denmark
| | - I. Nagaev
- Department of Clinical Microbiology; Division of Clinical Immunology; Umeå University; Umeå Sweden
| | - M. K. Meyer
- Department of Health Science and Technology; Aalborg University; Aalborg Denmark
- Centre of Clinical Science; North Denmark Regional Hospital; Hjørring Denmark
| | - O. Nagaeva
- Department of Clinical Microbiology; Division of Clinical Immunology; Umeå University; Umeå Sweden
| | - J. Wikberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - L. Mincheva-Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology; Division of Clinical Immunology; Umeå University; Umeå Sweden
| | - G. N. Andersen
- Department of Rheumatology; North Denmark Regional Hospital; Hjørring Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine; Aalborg University; Aalborg Denmark
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Loram LC, Culp ME, Connolly-Strong EC, Sturgill-Koszycki S. Melanocortin peptides: potential targets in systemic lupus erythematosus. Inflammation 2015; 38:260-71. [PMID: 25323206 PMCID: PMC4312383 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-014-0029-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease resulting in loss of self-tolerance with multiple organs, such as the kidney, skin, joints, and the central nervous system (CNS), being targeted. Numerous immunosuppressant therapies are currently being used for the treatment of SLE, but their clinical utility is somewhat variable because of the clinical heterogeneity. Melanocortins are a family of peptides derived from the common precursor protein pro-opiomelanocortin. These multifunctional peptides activate five subtypes of melanocortin receptors expressed on immune, skin, muscle, bone, and kidney cells and cells within the CNS. Melanocortin peptides have demonstrated a variety of biologic actions including immunomodulation, melanogenesis, and renoprotection. This review aims to introduce the melanocortin system and explore the mechanisms by which they may be beneficial in diseases such as SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Carole Loram
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals (formerly Questcor), 26118 Research Road, Hayward, CA, 94545, USA
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Gangoso L, Roulin A, Ducrest AL, Grande JM, Figuerola J. Morph-specific genetic and environmental variation in innate and acquired immune response in a color polymorphic raptor. Oecologia 2015; 178:1113-23. [PMID: 25834999 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3306-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Genetic color polymorphism is widespread in nature. There is an increasing interest in understanding the adaptive value of heritable color variation and trade-off resolution by differently colored individuals. Melanin-based pigmentation is often associated with variation in many different life history traits. These associations have recently been suggested to be the outcome of pleiotropic effects of the melanocortin system. Although pharmacological research supports that MC1R, a gene with a major role in vertebrate pigmentation, has important immunomodulatory effects, evidence regarding pleiotropy at MC1R in natural populations is still under debate. We experimentally assessed whether MC1R-based pigmentation covaries with both inflammatory and humoral immune responses in the color polymorphic Eleonora's falcon. By means of a cross-fostering experiment, we disentangled potential genetic effects from environmental effects on the covariation between coloration and immunity. Variation in both immune responses was primarily due to genetic factors via the nestlings' MC1R-related color genotype/phenotype, although environmental effects via the color morph of the foster father also had an influence. Overall, dark nestlings had lower immune responses than pale ones. The effect of the color morph of the foster father was also high, but in the opposite direction, and nestlings raised by dark eumelanic foster fathers had higher immune responses than those raised by pale foster fathers. Although we cannot completely discard alternative explanations, our results suggest that MC1R might influence immunity in this species. Morph-specific variation in immunity as well as pathogen pressure may therefore contribute to the long-term maintenance of genetic color polymorphism in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gangoso
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Avda Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain,
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Pintér E, Pozsgai G, Hajna Z, Helyes Z, Szolcsányi J. Neuropeptide receptors as potential drug targets in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2015; 77:5-20. [PMID: 23432438 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cross-talk between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems exists via regulator molecules, such as neuropeptides, hormones and cytokines. A number of neuropeptides have been implicated in the genesis of inflammation, such as tachykinins and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Development of their receptor antagonists could be a promising approach to anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapy. Anti-inflammatory neuropeptides, such as vasoactive intestinal peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, urocortin, adrenomedullin, somatostatin, cortistatin, ghrelin, galanin and opioid peptides, are also released and act on their own receptors on the neurons as well as on different inflammatory and immune cells. The aim of the present review is to summarize the most prominent data of preclinical animal studies concerning the main pharmacological effects of ligands acting on the neuropeptide receptors. Promising therapeutic impacts of these compounds as potential candidates for the development of novel types of anti-inflammatory drugs are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12., H-7624, Pécs, Hungary; János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság u. 20., H-7624, Pécs, Hungary
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α-MSH-Stimulated Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells Induce Functional Regulatory T Cells and Ameliorate Ongoing Skin Inflammation. J Invest Dermatol 2012; 132:1814-24. [DOI: 10.1038/jid.2012.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Exogenous control of the expression of Group I CD1 molecules competent for presentation of microbial nonpeptide antigens to human T lymphocytes. Clin Dev Immunol 2011; 2011:790460. [PMID: 21603161 PMCID: PMC3095450 DOI: 10.1155/2011/790460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Revised: 01/12/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Group I CD1 (CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c) glycoproteins expressed on immature and mature dendritic cells present nonpeptide antigens (i.e., lipid or glycolipid molecules mainly of microbial origin) to T cells. Cytotoxic CD1-restricted T lymphocytes recognizing mycobacterial lipid antigens were found in tuberculosis patients. However, thanks to a complex interplay between mycobacteria and CD1 system, M. tuberculosis possesses a successful tactic based, at least in part, on CD1 downregulation to evade CD1-dependent immunity. On the ground of these findings, it is reasonable to hypothesize that modulation of CD1 protein expression by chemical, biological, or infectious agents could influence host's immune reactivity against M. tuberculosis-associated lipids, possibly affecting antitubercular resistance. This scenario prompted us to perform a detailed analysis of the literature concerning the effect of external agents on Group I CD1 expression in order to obtain valuable information on the possible strategies to be adopted for driving properly CD1-dependent immune functions in human pathology and in particular, in human tuberculosis.
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