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Angelini DF, De Angelis F, Vacca V, Piras E, Parisi C, Nutini M, Spalloni A, Pagano F, Longone P, Battistini L, Pavone F, Marinelli S. Very Early Involvement of Innate Immunity in Peripheral Nerve Degeneration in SOD1-G93A Mice. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575792. [PMID: 33329541 PMCID: PMC7714949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent preclinical and clinical evidence suggest that immune system has a role in the progression and prognosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), but the identification of a clear mechanism and immune players remains to be elucidated. Here, we have investigated, in 30 and 60 days (presymptomatic) and 120 days (symptomatic) old SOD1-G93A mice, systemic, peripheral, and central innate and adaptive immune and inflammatory response, correlating it with the progression of the neurodegeneration in neuromuscular junction, sciatic nerves, and spinal cord. Surprisingly, we found a very initial (45-60 days) presence of IgG in sciatic nerves together with a gradual enhancement of A20/TNFAIP3 (protein controlling NF-κB signalling) and a concomitantly significant increase and activation of circulating mast cells (MCs) as well as MCs and macrophages in sciatic nerve and an enhancement of IL-6 and IL-10. This immunological frame coincided with a myelin aggregation. The 30-60 days old SOD1-G93A mice didn't show real elements of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in spinal cord. In 120 days old mice macrophages and monocytes are widely diffused in sciatic nerves, peripheral neurodegeneration reaches the tip, high circulating levels of TNFα and IL-2 were found and spinal cord exhibits clear signs of neural damage and infiltrating immune cells. Our results underpin a clear immunological disorder at the origin of ALS axonopathy, in which MCs are involved in the initiation and sustaining of inflammatory events. These data cannot be considered a mere epiphenomenon of motor neuron degeneration and reveal new potential selective immune targets in ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federica De Angelis
- Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- CNR—National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Vacca
- CNR—National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Piras
- Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Parisi
- CNR—National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Nutini
- Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Alida Spalloni
- Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pagano
- CNR—National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luca Battistini
- Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Pavone
- CNR—National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Marinelli
- CNR—National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rome, Italy
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IgGs from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and diabetes target Ca Vα 2δ1 subunits impairing islet cell function and survival. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:26816-26822. [PMID: 31826954 PMCID: PMC6936400 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1911956116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We provide evidence of a mechanistic link between ALS and T2DM. Our data show that a subgroup of ALS-T2DM patients have sera that enhance CaV1 channel-mediated Ca2+ influx and exaggerate [Ca2+]i. These effects occur because the sera accommodate cytotoxic IgG autoantibodies that immunocapture CaVα2δ1 subunits. As a consequence, impairments in [Ca2+]i dynamics, mitochondrial function, insulin secretion, and cell viability appear. We could clarify not only the identity of this serum factor but also the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects on the islet cells. Our findings may lay the foundation for a treatment strategy for this complex and severe group of diabetic patients. Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) often show hallmarks of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the causal link between ALS and T2DM has remained a mystery. We now demonstrate that 60% of ALS patients with T2DM (ALS-T2DM) have sera that exaggerated K+-induced increases in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in mouse islet cells. The effect was attributed to the presence of pathogenic immunoglobulin Gs (IgGs) in ALS-T2DM sera. The pathogenic IgGs immunocaptured the voltage-dependent Ca2+ (CaV) channel subunit CaVα2δ1 in the plasma membrane enhancing CaV1 channel-mediated Ca2+ influx and [Ca2+]i, resulting in impaired mitochondrial function. Consequently, impairments in [Ca2+]i dynamics, insulin secretion, and cell viability occurred. These data reveal that patients with ALS-T2DM carry cytotoxic ALS-T2DM-IgG autoantibodies that serve as a causal link between ALS and T2DM by immunoattacking CaVα2δ1 subunits. Our findings may lay the foundation for a pharmacological treatment strategy for patients suffering from a combination of these diseases.
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Obál I, Nógrádi B, Meszlényi V, Patai R, Ricken G, Kovacs GG, Tripolszki K, Széll M, Siklós L, Engelhardt JI. Experimental Motor Neuron Disease Induced in Mice with Long-Term Repeated Intraperitoneal Injections of Serum from ALS Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102573. [PMID: 31130623 PMCID: PMC6566871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In an earlier study, signs of commencing degeneration of spinal motor neurons were induced in mice with short-term intraperitoneal injections of immunoglobulin G (IgG) taken from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since in that study, neither weakness nor loss of motor neurons was noted, to test whether the ALS IgG in this paradigm has the potential to evoke relentless degeneration of motor neurons, treatment with repeated injections over a longer period was carried out. Mice were systematically injected intraperitoneally with serum taken from ALS patients over a 75-day period. At selected time points, the isometric force of the limbs, number of spinal motor neurons and their intracellular calcium levels were determined. Furthermore, markers of glial activation and the motoneuronal uptake of human IgG were monitored. During this period, gliosis and progressive motoneuronal degeneration developed, which led to gradual loss of spinal motor neurons, more than 40% at day 21, along with decreasing muscle strength in the limbs. The inclusion-like accumulation of IgG appeared in the perikarya with the increase of intracellular calcium in the cell bodies and motor nerve terminals. Our results demonstrate that ALS serum can transfer motor neuron disease to mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Obál
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary.
- Department of Neurology, Aalborg University Hospital, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Bernát Nógrádi
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary.
- Foundation for the Future of Biomedical Sciences in Szeged, Szeged Scientist Academy, H-6721 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Valéria Meszlényi
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary.
- Foundation for the Future of Biomedical Sciences in Szeged, Szeged Scientist Academy, H-6721 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Roland Patai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Gerda Ricken
- Clinical Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna A-1090, Austria.
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Clinical Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna A-1090, Austria.
| | - Kornélia Tripolszki
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Márta Széll
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary.
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - University of Szeged, Dermatological Research Group, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - László Siklós
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary.
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Puentes F, Malaspina A, van Noort JM, Amor S. Non-neuronal Cells in ALS: Role of Glial, Immune cells and Blood-CNS Barriers. Brain Pathol 2016; 26:248-57. [PMID: 26780491 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological dysfunction and motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is strongly associated with neuroinflammation reflected by activated microglia and astrocytes in the CNS. In ALS endogenous triggers in the CNS such as aggregated protein and misfolded proteins activate a pathogenic response by innate immune cells. However, there is also strong evidence for a neuroprotective immune response in ALS. Emerging evidence also reveals changes in the peripheral adaptive immune responses as well as alterations in the blood brain barrier that may aid traffic of lymphocytes and antibodies into the CNS. Understanding the triggers of neuroinflammation is key to controlling neuronal loss. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the roles of non-neuronal cells as well as the innate and adaptive immune responses in ALS. Existing ALS animal models, in particular genetic rodent models, are very useful to study the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration. We also discuss the approaches used to target the pathogenic immune responses and boost the neuroprotective immune pathways as novel immunotherapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Puentes
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Queen Mary University of London, Neuroscience Centre, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Andrea Malaspina
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Queen Mary University of London, Neuroscience Centre, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | | | - Sandra Amor
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Queen Mary University of London, Neuroscience Centre, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.,Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Centre, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kumar P, Kumar D, Jha SK, Jha NK, Ambasta RK. Ion Channels in Neurological Disorders. ION CHANNELS AS THERAPEUTIC TARGETS, PART A 2016; 103:97-136. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Malaspina A, Puentes F, Amor S. Disease origin and progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: an immunology perspective. Int Immunol 2014; 27:117-29. [DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxu099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Marinelli S, Eleuteri C, Vacca V, Strimpakos G, Mattei E, Severini C, Pavone F, Luvisetto S. Effects of age-related loss of P/Q-type calcium channels in a mice model of peripheral nerve injury. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 36:352-64. [PMID: 25150573 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the role of P/Q-type calcium channels in sciatic nerve regeneration after lesion induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in heterozygous null mutant mice lacking the CaV2.1α1 subunit of these channels (Cacna1a+/-). Compared with wild type, Cacna1a+/- mice showed an initial reduction of the CCI-induced allodynia, indicating a reduced pain perception, but they also evidenced a lack of recovery over time, with atrophy of the injured hindpaw still present 3 months after CCI when wild-type mice fully recovered. In parallel, Cacna1a+/- mice exhibited an early onset of age-dependent loss of P/Q-type channels, which can be responsible for the lack of functional recovery. Moreover, Cacna1a+/- mice showed an early age-dependent reduction of muscular strength, as well as of Schwann cells proliferation and sciatic nerve remyelination. This study demonstrates the important role played by P/Q-type channels in recovery from nerve injury and has important implications for the knowledge of age-related processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Marinelli
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Eleuteri
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Vacca
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios Strimpakos
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mattei
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Pavone
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Siro Luvisetto
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
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Novel molecular biomarkers at the blood-brain barrier in ALS. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:907545. [PMID: 24949481 PMCID: PMC4037612 DOI: 10.1155/2014/907545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recently neuroinflammation has gained a particular focus as a key mechanism of ALS. Several studies in vivo as well as in vitro have nominated immunoglobulin G (IgG) isolated from ALS patients as an active contributor to disease onset and progression. We have shown that ALS IgG affects astroglial Ca2+ excitability and induces downstream activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. These studies were hampered by a lack of knowledge of the pathway of entry of immune factors in the CNS. Our MRI data revealed the blood-brain barrier BBB leakage and T cell infiltration into brain parenchyma in ALS G93A rats. Since astrocyte ensheathes blood vessel wall contributing to BBB stability and plays an important role in ALS pathogenesis, we have studied astrocytic membrane proteins water channel aquaporin-4 and the inwardly rectifying potassium channel. In this review, we will summarize data related to BBB disruption with particular emphasis on impaired function of astrocytes in ALS. We will discuss implication of membrane proteins expressed on astrocytic endfeet, aquaporin-4, and inwardly rectifying potassium channel in the pathology of ALS. In addition to ALS-specific IgGs, these membrane proteins are proposed as novel biomarkers of the disease.
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Fewou SN, Plomp JJ, Willison HJ. The pre-synaptic motor nerve terminal as a site for antibody-mediated neurotoxicity in autoimmune neuropathies and synaptopathies. J Anat 2013; 224:36-44. [PMID: 23937354 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pre-synaptic motor nerve terminal is a highly complex and dynamic compartment within the lower motor neuron responsible for converting electrical signals into secreted chemicals. This self-renewing process of synaptic transmission is accomplished by the calcium-triggered fusion of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles with the plasma membrane and the subsequent retrieval and recycling of vesicle components. Besides this conventional physiological role, the highly active process of vesicle fusion and re-uptake into endosomal sorting pathways acts as a conduit for entry of a range of substances into the intracellular compartment of the motor nerve terminal. Whilst this entry portal sub-serves many vital physiological processes, such as those mediated by neurotrophin trafficking, there is also the potential for substantial pathological consequences resulting from uptake of noxious agents, including autoantibodies, viruses and toxins. These may act locally to induce disease within the nerve terminal, or traffic beyond to the motor neuron cell body and central nervous system to exert their pathological effects. This review focuses on the recent evidence that the ganglioside-rich pre-synaptic membrane acts as a binding site for potentially neurotoxic serum autoantibodies that are present in human autoimmune motor neuropathies. Autoantibodies that bind surface antigens induce membrane lytic effects, whereas their uptake attenuates local injury and transfers any potential pathological consequences to the intracellular compartment. Herein the thesis is explored that a balance exists between local injury at the exofacial leaflet of the pre-synaptic membrane and antibody uptake, which dictates the overall level and site of motor nerve injury in this group of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon N Fewou
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Calcium channel agonists protect against neuromuscular dysfunction in a genetic model of TDP-43 mutation in ALS. J Neurosci 2013; 33:1741-52. [PMID: 23345247 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4003-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
TAR DNA binding protein (TDP-43, encoded by the TARDBP gene) has recently been shown to be associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the early pathophysiological deficits causing impairment in motor function are unknown. Here we expressed the wild-type human gene (wtTARDBP) or the ALS mutation G348C (mutTARDBP) in zebrafish larvae and characterized their motor (swimming) activity and the structure and function of their neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Of these groups only mutTARDBP larvae showed impaired swimming and increased motoneuron vulnerability with reduced synaptic fidelity, reduced quantal transmission, and more orphaned presynaptic and postsynaptic structures at the NMJ. Remarkably, all behavioral and cellular features were stabilized by chronic treatment with either of the L-type calcium channel agonists FPL 64176 or Bay K 8644. These results indicate that expression of mutTARDBP results in defective NMJs and that calcium channel agonists could be novel therapeutics for ALS.
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