1
|
Balistreri CR, Monastero R. Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases: How Much Do We Still Not Know? Brain Sci 2023; 14:19. [PMID: 38248234 PMCID: PMC10812964 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The term "neuroinflammation" defines the typical inflammatory response of the brain closely related to the onset of many neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Neuroinflammation is well known, but its mechanisms and pathways are not entirely comprehended. Some progresses have been achieved through many efforts and research. Consequently, new cellular and molecular mechanisms, diverse and conventional, are emerging. In listing some of those that will be the subject of our description and discussion, essential are the important roles of peripheral and infiltrated monocytes and clonotypic cells, alterations in the gut-brain axis, dysregulation of the apelinergic system, alterations in the endothelial glycocalyx of the endothelial component of neuronal vascular units, variations in expression of some genes and levels of the encoding molecules by the action of microRNAs (miRNAs), or other epigenetic factors and distinctive transcriptional factors, as well as the role of autophagy, ferroptosis, sex differences, and modifications in the circadian cycle. Such mechanisms can add significantly to understanding the complex etiological puzzle of neuroinflammation and ND. In addition, they could represent biomarkers and targets of ND, which is increasing in the elderly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Cellular and Molecular Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Monastero
- Unit of Neurology & Neuro-Physiopathology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), University of Palermo, Via La Loggia 1, 90129 Palermo, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lemos JP, Tenório LPG, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Savino W, Smeriglio P. T cell biology in neuromuscular disorders: a focus on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202834. [PMID: 37920473 PMCID: PMC10619758 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates a continuous interaction between the immune system, the nerve and the muscle in neuromuscular disorders of different pathogenetic origins, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the focus of this review. Herein we highlight the complexity of the cellular and molecular interactions involving the immune system in neuromuscular disorders, as exemplified by DMD and ALS. We describe the distinct types of cell-mediated interactions, such as cytokine/chemokine production as well as cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions between T lymphocytes and other immune cells, which target cells of the muscular or nervous tissues. Most of these interactions occur independently of exogenous pathogens, through ligand-receptor binding and subsequent signal transduction cascades, at distinct levels of specificity. Although this issue reveals the complexity of the system, it can also be envisioned as a window of opportunity to design therapeutic strategies (including synthetic moieties, cell and gene therapy, as well as immunotherapy) by acting upon one or more targets. In this respect, we discuss ongoing clinical trials using VLA-4 inhibition in DMD, and in ALS, with a focus on regulatory T cells, both revealing promising results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pereira Lemos
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Liliane Patrícia Gonçalves Tenório
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Piera Smeriglio
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Levite M. Neuro faces of beneficial T cells: essential in brain, impaired in aging and neurological diseases, and activated functionally by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1165-1178. [PMID: 36453390 PMCID: PMC9838142 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.357903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells are essential for a healthy life, performing continuously: immune surveillance, recognition, protection, activation, suppression, assistance, eradication, secretion, adhesion, migration, homing, communications, and additional tasks. This paper describes five aspects of normal beneficial T cells in the healthy or diseased brain. First, normal beneficial T cells are essential for normal healthy brain functions: cognition, spatial learning, memory, adult neurogenesis, and neuroprotection. T cells decrease secondary neuronal degeneration, increase neuronal survival after central nervous system (CNS) injury, and limit CNS inflammation and damage upon injury and infection. Second, while pathogenic T cells contribute to CNS disorders, recent studies, mostly in animal models, show that specific subpopulations of normal beneficial T cells have protective and regenerative effects in several neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. These include Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), stroke, CNS trauma, chronic pain, and others. Both T cell-secreted molecules and direct cell-cell contacts deliver T cell neuroprotective, neuroregenerative and immunomodulatory effects. Third, normal beneficial T cells are abnormal, impaired, and dysfunctional in aging and multiple neurological diseases. Different T cell impairments are evident in aging, brain tumors (mainly Glioblastoma), severe viral infections (including COVID-19), chronic stress, major depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, MS, stroke, and other neuro-pathologies. The main detrimental mechanisms that impair T cell function are activation-induced cell death, exhaustion, senescence, and impaired T cell stemness. Fourth, several physiological neurotransmitters and neuropeptides induce by themselves multiple direct, potent, beneficial, and therapeutically-relevant effects on normal human T cells, via their receptors in T cells. This scientific field is called "Nerve-Driven Immunity". The main neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that induce directly activating and beneficial effects on naïve normal human T cells are: dopamine, glutamate, GnRH-II, neuropeptide Y, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and somatostatin. Fifth, "Personalized Adoptive Neuro-Immunotherapy". This is a novel unique cellular immunotherapy, based on the "Nerve-Driven Immunity" findings, which was recently designed and patented for safe and repeated rejuvenation, activation, and improvement of impaired and dysfunctional T cells of any person in need, by ex vivo exposure of the person's T cells to neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Personalized adoptive neuro-immunotherapy includes an early ex vivo personalized diagnosis, and subsequent ex vivo → in vivo personalized adoptive therapy, tailored according to the diagnosis. The Personalized Adoptive Neuro-Immunotherapy has not yet been tested in humans, pending validation of safety and efficacy in clinical trials, especially in brain tumors, chronic infectious diseases, and aging, in which T cells are exhausted and/or senescent and dysfunctional.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia Levite
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Campus Ein Karem, Jerusalem, Israel,Institute of Gene Therapy, The Hadassah University Hospital-Ein Karem, Jerusalem, Israel,Correspondence to: Mia Levite, or .
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
HuD regulates SOD1 expression during oxidative stress in differentiated neuroblastoma cells and sporadic ALS motor cortex. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 148:105211. [PMID: 33271327 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuronal RNA-binding protein (RBP) HuD plays an important role in brain development, synaptic plasticity and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's (PD) and Alzheimer's (AD). Bioinformatics analysis of the human SOD1 mRNA 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) demonstrated the presence of HuD binding adenine-uridine (AU)-rich instability-conferring elements (AREs). Using differentiated SH-SY5Y cells along with brain tissues from sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) patients, we assessed HuD-dependent regulation of SOD1 mRNA. In vitro binding and mRNA decay assays demonstrate that HuD specifically binds to SOD1 ARE motifs promoting mRNA stabilization. In SH-SY5Y cells, overexpression of full-length HuD increased SOD1 mRNA and protein levels while a dominant negative form of the RBP downregulated its expression. HuD regulation of SOD1 mRNA was also found to be oxidative stress (OS)-dependent, as shown by the increased HuD binding and upregulation of this mRNA after H2O2 exposure. This treatment also induced a shift in alternative polyadenylation (APA) site usage in SOD1 3'UTR, increasing the levels of a long variant bearing HuD binding sites. The requirement of HuD for SOD1 upregulation during oxidative damage was validated using a specific siRNA that downregulated HuD protein levels to 36% and prevented upregulation of SOD1 and 91 additional genes. In the motor cortex from sALS patients, we found increases in SOD1 and HuD mRNAs and proteins, accompanied by greater HuD binding to this mRNA as confirmed by RNA-immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Altogether, our results suggest a role of HuD in the post-transcriptional regulation of SOD1 expression during ALS pathogenesis.
Collapse
|
5
|
Rps27a might act as a controller of microglia activation in triggering neurodegenerative diseases. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239219. [PMID: 32941527 PMCID: PMC7498011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are increasing serious menaces to human health in the recent years. Despite exhibiting different clinical phenotypes and selective neuronal loss, there are certain common features in these disorders, suggesting the presence of commonly dysregulated pathways. Identifying causal genes and dysregulated pathways can be helpful in providing effective treatment in these diseases. Interestingly, in spite of the considerable researches on NDDs, to the best of our knowledge, no dysregulated genes and/or pathways were reported in common across all the major NDDs so far. In this study, for the first time, we have applied the three-way interaction model, as an approach to unravel sophisticated gene interactions, to trace switch genes and significant pathways that are involved in six major NDDs. Subsequently, a gene regulatory network was constructed to investigate the regulatory communication of statistically significant triplets. Finally, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was applied to find possible common pathways. Because of the central role of neuroinflammation and immune system responses in both pathogenic and protective mechanisms in the NDDs, we focused on immune genes in this study. Our results suggest that "cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction" pathway is enriched in all of the studied NDDs, while "osteoclast differentiation" and "natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity" pathways are enriched in five of the NDDs each. The results of this study indicate that three pathways that include "osteoclast differentiation", "natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity" and "cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction" are common in five, five and six NDDs, respectively. Additionally, our analysis showed that Rps27a as a switch gene, together with the gene pair {Il-18, Cx3cl1} form a statistically significant and biologically relevant triplet in the major NDDs. More specifically, we suggested that Cx3cl1 might act as a potential upstream regulator of Il-18 in microglia activation, and in turn, might be controlled with Rps27a in triggering NDDs.
Collapse
|
6
|
Béland LC, Markovinovic A, Jakovac H, De Marchi F, Bilic E, Mazzini L, Kriz J, Munitic I. Immunity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: blurred lines between excessive inflammation and inefficient immune responses. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa124. [PMID: 33134918 PMCID: PMC7585698 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite wide genetic, environmental and clinical heterogeneity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a rapidly fatal neurodegenerative disease targeting motoneurons, neuroinflammation is a common finding. It is marked by local glial activation, T cell infiltration and systemic immune system activation. The immune system has a prominent role in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases, hence some of them, including some types of cancer, are successfully targeted by immunotherapeutic approaches. However, various anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have failed. This prompted increased scrutiny over the immune-mediated processes underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Perhaps the biggest conundrum is that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis exhibits features of three otherwise distinct immune dysfunctions-excessive inflammation, autoimmunity and inefficient immune responses. Epidemiological and genome-wide association studies show only minimal overlap between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and autoimmune diseases, so excessive inflammation is usually thought to be secondary to protein aggregation, mitochondrial damage or other stresses. In contrast, several recently characterized amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-linked mutations, including those in TBK1, OPTN, CYLD and C9orf72, could lead to inefficient immune responses and/or damage pile-up, suggesting that an innate immunodeficiency may also be a trigger and/or modifier of this disease. In such cases, non-selective immunosuppression would further restrict neuroprotective immune responses. Here we discuss multiple layers of immune-mediated neuroprotection and neurotoxicity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Particular focus is placed on individual patient mutations that directly or indirectly affect the immune system, and the mechanisms by which these mutations influence disease progression. The topic of immunity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is timely and relevant, because it is one of the few common and potentially malleable denominators in this heterogenous disease. Importantly, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression has recently been intricately linked to patient T cell and monocyte profiles, as well as polymorphisms in cytokine and chemokine receptors. For this reason, precise patient stratification based on immunophenotyping will be crucial for efficient therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Markovinovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- ENCALS Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Jakovac
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- Department of Neurology, ALS Centre, University of Piemonte Orientale, “Maggiore della Carità” Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Ervina Bilic
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- ENCALS Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- Department of Neurology, ALS Centre, University of Piemonte Orientale, “Maggiore della Carità” Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Jasna Kriz
- CERVO Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Ivana Munitic
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
PARL deficiency in mouse causes Complex III defects, coenzyme Q depletion, and Leigh-like syndrome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 116:277-286. [PMID: 30578322 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1811938116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial intramembrane rhomboid protease PARL has been implicated in diverse functions in vitro, but its physiological role in vivo remains unclear. Here we show that Parl ablation in mouse causes a necrotizing encephalomyelopathy similar to Leigh syndrome, a mitochondrial disease characterized by disrupted energy production. Mice with conditional PARL deficiency in the nervous system, but not in muscle, develop a similar phenotype as germline Parl KOs, demonstrating the vital role of PARL in neurological homeostasis. Genetic modification of two major PARL substrates, PINK1 and PGAM5, do not modify this severe neurological phenotype. Parl -/- brain mitochondria are affected by progressive ultrastructural changes and by defects in Complex III (CIII) activity, coenzyme Q (CoQ) biosynthesis, and mitochondrial calcium metabolism. PARL is necessary for the stable expression of TTC19, which is required for CIII activity, and of COQ4, which is essential in CoQ biosynthesis. Thus, PARL plays a previously overlooked constitutive role in the maintenance of the respiratory chain in the nervous system, and its deficiency causes progressive mitochondrial dysfunction and structural abnormalities leading to neuronal necrosis and Leigh-like syndrome.
Collapse
|
8
|
Kjældgaard AL, Pilely K, Olsen KS, Pedersen SW, Lauritsen AØ, Møller K, Garred P. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The complement and inflammatory hypothesis. Mol Immunol 2018; 102:14-25. [PMID: 29933890 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, neurodegenerative motor neuron disease. The aetiology of ALS remains an enigma which hinders the design of an effective treatment to prevent, postpone, or reverse the pathophysiological changes occurring during the aggressive progression of this disease. During the last decade, basic research within the innate immune system, and in particular the complement system, has revealed new, important roles of the innate immune system during development, homeostasis, and ageing within as well as outside the central nervous system. Several lines of evidence indicate that aberrant activation of the complement system locally in the central nervous system as well as systemically may be involved in the pathophysiology of ALS. This exciting new knowledge could point towards the innate immune system as a potential target of medical intervention in ALS. Recently, the historic perception of ALS as a central neurodegenerative disease has been challenged due to the significant amount of evidence of a dying-back mechanism causing the selective destruction of the motor neurons, indicating that disease onset occurs outside the borders of the blood-brain-barrier. This review addresses the function of the innate immune system during ALS. We emphasize the role of the complement system and specifically suggest the involvement of ficolin-3 from the lectin pathway in the pathophysiology of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Lene Kjældgaard
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Diagnostic Centre, Section 7631; Department of Neuroanaesthesiology.
| | - Katrine Pilely
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Diagnostic Centre, Section 7631
| | | | - Stephen Wørlich Pedersen
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Centre, Rigshospitalet, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Peter Garred
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Diagnostic Centre, Section 7631
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Murdock BJ, Zhou T, Kashlan SR, Little RJ, Goutman SA, Feldman EL. Correlation of Peripheral Immunity With Rapid Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Progression. JAMA Neurol 2017; 74:1446-1454. [PMID: 28973548 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2017.2255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Importance Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has an immune component, but previous human studies have not examined immune changes over time. Objectives To assess peripheral inflammatory markers in participants with ALS and healthy control individuals and to track immune changes in ALS and determine whether these changes correlate with disease progression. Design, Setting, and Participants In this longitudinal cohort study, leukocytes were isolated from peripheral blood samples from 35 controls and 119 participants with ALS at the ALS Clinic of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, from June 18, 2014, through May 26, 2016. Follow-up visits occurred every 6 to 12 months. Fifty-one participants with ALS provided samples at multiple points. Immune cell populations were measured and compared between control and ALS groups. Surface marker expression of CD11b+ myeloid cells was also assessed. Changes over time were correlated with disease progression using multivariate regression. Main Outcomes and Measures The number of immune cells per milliliter of blood and the fold expression of cell surface markers. Multivariate regression models were used to correlate changes in immune metrics with changes on the Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R). Results Thirty-five controls (17 women [48.6%] and 18 men [51.4%]; mean [SD] age, 63.5 [9.9] years) and 119 participants with ALS (50 women [42.0%] and 69 men [68.0%]; mean [SD] age, 61.4 [11.5] years) were enrolled. Compared with controls, participants with ALS had increased mean (SEM) counts ( × 106/mL) of total leukocytes (4.57 [0.29; 95% CI, 3.94-5.11] vs 5.53 [0.16; 95% CI, 5.21-5.84]), neutrophils (2.87 [0.23; 95% CI, 2.40-3.35] vs 3.80 [0.12; 95% CI, 3.56-4.04]), CD16+ monocytes (0.03 [0.003; 95% CI, 0.02-0.04] vs 0.04 [0.002; 95% CI, 0.03-0.04]), CD16- monocytes (0.25 [0.02; 95% CI, 0.21-0.30] vs 0.29 [0.01; 95% CI, 0.27-0.31]), and natural killer cells (0.13 [0.02; 95% CI, 0.10-0.17] vs 0.18 [0.01; 95% CI, 0.16-0.21]). We also observed an acute, transient increase in a population of CD11b+ myeloid cells expressing HLA-DR, CD11c, and CX3CR1. Finally, early changes in immune cell numbers had a significant correlation with disease progression measured by change in ALSFRS-R score, particularly neutrophils (-4.37 [95% CI, -6.60 to -2.14] per 11.47 × 104/mL [SD, 58.04 × 104/mL] per year) and CD4 T cells (-30.47 [95% CI, -46.02 to -14.94] per -3.72 × 104/mL [SD, 26.21 × 104/mL] per year). Conclusions and Relevance Changes in the immune system occur during ALS and may contribute to the pathologic features of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Samy R Kashlan
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Roderick J Little
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | | | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bowerman M, Murray LM, Scamps F, Schneider BL, Kothary R, Raoul C. Pathogenic commonalities between spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Converging roads to therapeutic development. Eur J Med Genet 2017; 61:685-698. [PMID: 29313812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are the two most common motoneuron disorders, which share typical pathological hallmarks while remaining genetically distinct. Indeed, SMA is caused by deletions or mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene whilst ALS, albeit being mostly sporadic, can also be caused by mutations within genes, including superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), Fused in Sarcoma (FUS), TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72). However, it has come to light that these two diseases may be more interlinked than previously thought. Indeed, it has recently been found that FUS directly interacts with an Smn-containing complex, mutant SOD1 perturbs Smn localization, Smn depletion aggravates disease progression of ALS mice, overexpression of SMN in ALS mice significantly improves their phenotype and lifespan, and duplications of SMN1 have been linked to sporadic ALS. Beyond genetic interactions, accumulating evidence further suggests that both diseases share common pathological identities such as intrinsic muscle defects, neuroinflammation, immune organ dysfunction, metabolic perturbations, defects in neuron excitability and selective motoneuron vulnerability. Identifying common molecular effectors that mediate shared pathologies in SMA and ALS would allow for the development of therapeutic strategies and targeted gene therapies that could potentially alleviate symptoms and be equally beneficial in both disorders. In the present review, we will examine our current knowledge of pathogenic commonalities between SMA and ALS, and discuss how furthering this understanding can lead to the establishment of novel therapeutic approaches with wide-reaching impact on multiple motoneuron diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bowerman
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom; Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom; Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndsay M Murray
- Euan McDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research and Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Frédérique Scamps
- The Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Univ Montpellier, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Bernard L Schneider
- Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada; Departments of Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Cédric Raoul
- The Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Inserm UMR1051, Univ Montpellier, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Beers DR, Zhao W, Wang J, Zhang X, Wen S, Neal D, Thonhoff JR, Alsuliman AS, Shpall EJ, Rezvani K, Appel SH. ALS patients' regulatory T lymphocytes are dysfunctional, and correlate with disease progression rate and severity. JCI Insight 2017; 2:e89530. [PMID: 28289705 PMCID: PMC5333967 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.89530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a pathological hallmark of ALS in both transgenic rodent models and patients, and is characterized by proinflammatory T lymphocytes and activated macrophages/microglia. In ALS mouse models, decreased regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) exacerbate the neuroinflammatory process, leading to accelerated motoneuron death and shortened survival; passive transfer of Tregs suppresses the neuroinflammation and prolongs survival. Treg numbers and FOXP3 expression are also decreased in rapidly progressing ALS patients. A key question is whether the marked neuroinflammation in ALS can be attributed to the impaired suppressive function of ALS Tregs in addition to their decreased numbers. To address this question, T lymphocyte proliferation assays were performed. Compared with control Tregs, ALS Tregs were less effective in suppressing responder T lymphocyte proliferation. Although both slowly and rapidly progressing ALS patients had dysfunctional Tregs, the greater the clinically assessed disease burden or the more rapidly progressing the patient, the greater the Treg dysfunction. Epigenetically, the percentage methylation of the Treg-specific demethylated region was greater in ALS Tregs. After in vitro expansion, ALS Tregs regained suppressive abilities to the levels of control Tregs, suggesting that autologous passive transfer of expanded Tregs might offer a novel cellular therapy to slow disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R. Beers
- Peggy and Gary Edwards ALS Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Weihua Zhao
- Peggy and Gary Edwards ALS Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jinghong Wang
- Peggy and Gary Edwards ALS Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiujun Zhang
- Peggy and Gary Edwards ALS Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shixiang Wen
- Peggy and Gary Edwards ALS Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dan Neal
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jason R. Thonhoff
- Peggy and Gary Edwards ALS Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Abdullah S. Alsuliman
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth J. Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Katy Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Stanley H. Appel
- Peggy and Gary Edwards ALS Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wald-Altman S, Pichinuk E, Kakhlon O, Weil M. A differential autophagy-dependent response to DNA double-strand breaks in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from sporadic ALS patients. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:645-654. [PMID: 28213588 PMCID: PMC5451167 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.027938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable motor neurodegenerative disease caused by a diversity of genetic and environmental factors that leads to neuromuscular degeneration and has pathophysiological implications in non-neural systems. Our previous work showed abnormal levels of mRNA expression for biomarker genes in non-neuronal cell samples from ALS patients. The same genes proved to be differentially expressed in the brain, spinal cord and muscle of the SOD1G93A ALS mouse model. These observations support the idea that there is a pathophysiological relevance for the ALS biomarkers discovered in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) isolated from bone marrow samples of ALS patients (ALS-hMSCs). Here, we demonstrate that ALS-hMSCs are also a useful patient-based model to study intrinsic cell molecular mechanisms of the disease. We investigated the ALS-hMSC response to oxidative DNA damage exerted by neocarzinostatin (NCS)-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). We found that the ALS-hMSCs responded to this stress differently from cells taken from healthy controls (HC-hMSCs). Interestingly, we found that ALS-hMSC death in response to induction of DSBs was dependent on autophagy, which was initialized by an increase of phosphorylated (p)AMPK, and blocked by the class III phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3MeA). ALS-hMSC death in response to DSBs was not apoptotic as it was caspase independent. This unique ALS-hMSC-specific response to DNA damage emphasizes the possibility that an intrinsic abnormal regulatory mechanism controlling autophagy initiation exists in ALS-patient-derived hMSCs. This mechanism may also be relevant to the most-affected tissues in ALS. Hence, our approach might open avenues for new personalized therapies for ALS. Summary: A novel endogenous disease mechanism in cells from ALS patients after NCS-induced DNA damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shane Wald-Altman
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Personalized Medicine, Department of Cell Research and Immunology, The George S. Wise Faculty for Life Sciences, Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Edward Pichinuk
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Personalized Medicine, Department of Cell Research and Immunology, The George S. Wise Faculty for Life Sciences, Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Or Kakhlon
- Department of Neurology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Miguel Weil
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Personalized Medicine, Department of Cell Research and Immunology, The George S. Wise Faculty for Life Sciences, Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Non-pathogenic tissue-resident CD8 + T cells uniquely accumulate in the brains of lupus-prone mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40838. [PMID: 28098193 PMCID: PMC5241651 DOI: 10.1038/srep40838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe lupus often includes psychiatric and neurological sequelae, although the cellular contributors to CNS disease remain poorly defined. Using intravascular staining to discriminate tissue-localized from blood-borne cells, we find substantial accumulation of CD8+ T cells relative to other lymphocytes in brain tissue, which correlates with lupus disease and limited neuropathology. This is in contrast to all other affected organs, where infiltrating CD4+ cells are predominant. Brain-infiltrating CD8+ T cells represent an activated subset of those found in the periphery, having a resident-memory phenotype (CD69+CD122−PD1+CD44+CD62L−) and expressing adhesion molecules (VLA-4+LFA-1+) complementary to activated brain endothelium. Remarkably, infiltrating CD8+ T cells do not cause tissue damage in lupus-prone mice, as genetic ablation of these cells via β2 m deficiency does not reverse neuropathology, but exacerbates disease both in the brain and globally despite decreased serum IgG levels. Thus, lupus-associated inflammation disrupts the blood-brain barrier in a discriminating way biased in favor of non-pathogenic CD8+ T cells relative to other infiltrating leukocytes, perhaps preventing further tissue damage in such a sensitive organ.
Collapse
|
14
|
Rauskolb S, Dombert B, Sendtner M. Insulin-like growth factor 1 in diabetic neuropathy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 97:103-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
|
15
|
Holder A, Mella S, Palmer DB, Aspinall R, Catchpole B. An Age-Associated Decline in Thymic Output Differs in Dog Breeds According to Their Longevity. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165968. [PMID: 27824893 PMCID: PMC5100965 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The age associated decline in immune function is preceded in mammals by a reduction in thymic output. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence of a link between immune competence and lifespan. One approach to determining thymic output is to quantify signal joint T cell receptor excision circles (sj-TRECs), a method which has been developed and used in several mammalian species. Life expectancy and the rate of aging vary in dogs depending upon their breed. In this study, we quantified sj-TRECs in blood samples from dogs of selected breeds to determine whether there was a relationship between longevity and thymic output. In Labrador retrievers, a breed with a median expected lifespan of 11 years, there was an age-associated decline in sj-TREC values, with the greatest decline occurring before 5 years of age, but with sj-TREC still detectable in some geriatric animals, over 13 years of age. In large short-lived breeds (Burnese mountain dogs, Great Danes and Dogue de Bordeaux), the decline in sj-TREC values began earlier in life, compared with small long-lived breeds (Jack Russell terriers and Yorkshire terriers), and the presence of animals with undetectable sj-TRECs occurred at a younger age in the short-lived breeds. The study findings suggest that age-associated changes in canine sj-TRECs are related to breed differences in longevity, and this research highlights the use of dogs as a potential model of immunosenescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Holder
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Mella
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Donald B. Palmer
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Aspinall
- Health and Wellbeing Academy, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Catchpole
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vitaliti G, Tabatabaie O, Matin N, Ledda C, Pavone P, Lubrano R, Serra A, Di Mauro P, Cocuzza S, Falsaperla R. The usefulness of immunotherapy in pediatric neurodegenerative disorders: A systematic review of literature data. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:2749-63. [PMID: 26266339 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1061161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapeutic strategies to treat neurodegenerative disorders have inspired the scientific community. The aim of our review is to address the translational aspects of neuroimmunology to describe the efficacy of immunotherapy in the treatment of pediatric neurodegenerative disorders. In the studies we analyzed IVIG were found to be efficient in the treatment of post-streptococcal neurodegenerative disorders, even if in PANDAS, plasma-exchange (PE) showed a higher efficiency. IVIG were also successfully used in ADEM and Guillan-Barré syndrome. In Sydenham Chorea the use of methylprednisolone was found in most cases as efficient as IVIG, while in Tourette's Syndrome, Colecoxib was successfully used in one patient. Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis seems to respond better to immunosuppressant agents (Mitoxantrone, Cyclophosphamide, Natalizumab), as well as Neuromyelitis optica (Rituximab, Mycofenolate). The importance of this review relies in the attempt to draw standardized guidelines for immunotherapy in pediatric neurodegeneratve disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Vitaliti
- a Acute and Emergency Paediatric and General Paediatric Operative Unit; Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele Hospital; University of Catania ; Catania , Italy
| | | | - Nassim Matin
- b School of Medicine; Tehran University of Medical Sciences ; Tehran , Iran
| | - Caterina Ledda
- c Hygiene and Public Health; Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia"; University of Catania ; Catania , Italy
| | - Piero Pavone
- a Acute and Emergency Paediatric and General Paediatric Operative Unit; Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele Hospital; University of Catania ; Catania , Italy
| | - Riccardo Lubrano
- d Pediatric Department ; Pediatric Nephrology Operative Unit of the Sapienza University of Rome ; Rome , Italy
| | - Agostino Serra
- e ENT Department G.F. Ingrassia ; Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital; University of Catania ; Catania , Italy
| | - Paola Di Mauro
- e ENT Department G.F. Ingrassia ; Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital; University of Catania ; Catania , Italy
| | - Salvatore Cocuzza
- e ENT Department G.F. Ingrassia ; Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital; University of Catania ; Catania , Italy
| | - Raffaele Falsaperla
- a Acute and Emergency Paediatric and General Paediatric Operative Unit; Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele Hospital; University of Catania ; Catania , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Immunization with a Myelin-Derived Antigen Activates the Brain's Choroid Plexus for Recruitment of Immunoregulatory Cells to the CNS and Attenuates Disease Progression in a Mouse Model of ALS. J Neurosci 2015; 35:6381-93. [PMID: 25904790 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3644-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating fatal motor neuron disease, for which there is currently no cure or effective treatment. In this disease, local neuroinflammation develops along the disease course and contributes to its rapid progression. In several models of CNS pathologies, circulating immune cells were shown to display an indispensable role in the resolution of the neuroinflammatory response. The recruitment of such cells to the CNS involves activation of the choroid plexus (CP) of the brain for leukocyte trafficking, through a mechanism that requires IFN-γ signaling. Here, we found that in the mutant SOD1(G93A) (mSOD1) mouse model of ALS, the CP does not support leukocyte trafficking during disease progression, due to a local reduction in IFN-γ levels. Therapeutic immunization of mSOD1 mice with a myelin-derived peptide led to CP activation, and was followed by the accumulation of immunoregulatory cells, including IL-10-producing monocyte-derived macrophages and Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells, and elevation of the neurotrophic factors IGF-1 and GDNF in the diseased spinal cord parenchyma. The immunization resulted in the attenuation of disease progression and an increased life expectancy of the mSOD1 mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that recruitment of immunoregulatory cells to the diseased spinal cord in ALS, needed for fighting off the pathology, can be enhanced by transiently boosting peripheral immunity to myelin antigens.
Collapse
|
18
|
Sheean RK, Weston RH, Perera ND, D'Amico A, Nutt SL, Turner BJ. Effect of thymic stimulation of CD4+ T cell expansion on disease onset and progression in mutant SOD1 mice. J Neuroinflammation 2015; 12:40. [PMID: 25889790 PMCID: PMC4359394 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-015-0254-3] [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] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The peripheral immune system is implicated in modulating microglial activation, neurodegeneration and disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Specifically, there is reduced thymic function and regulatory T cell (Treg) number in ALS patients and mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mice, while passive transfer of Tregs ameliorates disease in mutant SOD1 mice. Here, we assessed the effects of augmenting endogenous CD4+ T cell number by stimulating the thymus using surgical castration on the phenotype of transgenic SOD1(G93A) mice. METHOD Male SOD1(G93A) mice were castrated or sham operated, and weight loss, disease onset and progression were examined. Thymus atrophy and blood CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+ FoxP3+ T cell numbers were determined by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Motor neuron counts, glial cell activation and androgen receptor (AR) expression in the spinal cord were investigated using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Differences between castrated and sham mice were analysed using an unpaired t test or one-way ANOVA. RESULTS Castration significantly increased thymus weight and total CD4+ T cell numbers in SOD1(G93A) mice, although Tregs levels were not affected. Despite this, disease onset and progression were similar in castrated and sham SOD1(G93A) mice. Castration did not affect motor neuron loss or astrocytic activation in spinal cords of SOD1(G93A) mice; however, microglial activation was reduced, specifically M1 microglia. We also show that AR is principally expressed in spinal motor neurons and progressively downregulated in spinal cords of SOD1(G93A) mice from disease onset which is further enhanced by castration. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that increasing thymic function and CD4+ T cell number by castration confers no clinical benefit in mutant SOD1 mice, which may reflect an inability to stimulate neuroprotective Tregs. Nonetheless, castration decreases M1 microglial activation in the spinal cord without any clinical improvement and motor neuron rescue, in contrast to other approaches to suppress microglia in mutant SOD1 mice. Lastly, diminished AR expression in spinal motor neurons, which links to another motor neuron disorder, spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), may contribute to ALS pathogenesis and suggests a common disease pathway in ALS and SBMA mediated by disruption of AR signalling in motor neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Sheean
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Richard H Weston
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Nirma D Perera
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia. .,Centre for Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Angela D'Amico
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Stephen L Nutt
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Bradley J Turner
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia. .,Centre for Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Patel P, Julien JP, Kriz J. Early-stage treatment with Withaferin A reduces levels of misfolded superoxide dismutase 1 and extends lifespan in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2015; 12:217-33. [PMID: 25404049 PMCID: PMC4322065 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-014-0311-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 20% of cases of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are caused by mutations in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Recent studies have shown that Withaferin A (WA), an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B activity, was efficient in reducing disease phenotype in a TAR DNA binding protein 43 transgenic mouse model of ALS. These findings led us to test WA in mice from 2 transgenic lines expressing different ALS-linked SOD1 mutations, SOD1(G93A) and SOD1(G37R). Intraperitoneal administration of WA at a dosage of 4 mg/kg of body weight was initiated from postnatal day 40 until end stage in SOD1(G93A) mice, and from 9 months until end stage in SOD1(G37R) mice. The beneficial effects of WA in the SOD1(G93A) mice model were accompanied by an alleviation of neuroinflammation, a decrease in levels of misfolded SOD1 species in the spinal cord, and a reduction in loss of motor neurons resulting in delayed disease progression and mortality. Interestingly, WA treatment triggered robust induction of heat shock protein 25 (a mouse ortholog of heat shock protein 27), which may explain the reduced level of misfolded SOD1 species in the spinal cord of SOD1(G93A) mice and the decrease of neuronal injury responses, as revealed by real-time imaging of biophotonic SOD1(G93A) mice expressing a luciferase transgene under the control of the growth-associated protein 43 promoter. These results suggest that WA may represent a potential lead compound for drug development aiming to treat ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Patel
- Research Centre of Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, and Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Laval University, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC G1J 2G3 Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Julien
- Research Centre of Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, and Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Laval University, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC G1J 2G3 Canada
| | - Jasna Kriz
- Research Centre of Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, and Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Laval University, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC G1J 2G3 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kwon MS, Noh MY, Oh KW, Cho KA, Kang BY, Kim KS, Kim YS, Kim SH. The immunomodulatory effects of human mesenchymal stem cells on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in ALS patients. J Neurochem 2014; 131:206-18. [PMID: 24995608 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In a previous study, we reported that intrathecal injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) slowed disease progression in G93A mutant superoxide dismutase1 transgenic mice. In this study, we found that intrathecal MSC administration vastly increased the infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the spinal cord of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice (G93A mutant superoxide dismutase1 transgenic). Thus, we investigated the immunomodulatory effect of MSCs on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in ALS patients, focusing on regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg ; CD4(+) /CD25(high) /FoxP3(+) ) and the mRNA expression of several cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and TGF-β). Peripheral blood samples were obtained from nine healthy controls (HC) and sixteen patients who were diagnosed with definite or probable ALS. Isolated PBMCs from the blood samples of all subjects were co-cultured with MSCs for 24 or 72 h. Based on a fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, we found that co-culture with MSCs increased the Treg /total T-lymphocyte ratio in the PBMCs from both groups according to the co-culture duration. Co-culture of PBMCs with MSCs for 24 h led to elevated mRNA levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 in the PBMCs from both groups. However, after co-culturing for 72 h, although the IFN-γ mRNA level had returned to the basal level in co-cultured HC PBMCs, the IFN-γ mRNA level in co-cultured ALS PBMCs remained elevated. Additionally, the levels of IL-4 and TGF-β were markedly elevated, along with Gata3 mRNA, a Th2 transcription factor mRNA, in both HC and ALS PBMCs co-cultured for 72 h. The elevated expression of these cytokines in the co-culture supernatant was confirmed via ELISA. Furthermore, we found that the increased mRNA level of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in the co-cultured MSCs was correlated with the increase in Treg induction. These findings of Treg induction and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in co-cultured ALS PBMCs provide indirect evidence that MSCs may play a role in the immunomodulation of inflammatory responses when MSC therapy is targeted to ALS patients. We propose the following mechanism for the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) administered intrathecally in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): MSCs increase infiltration of peripheral immune cells into CNS and skew the infiltrated immune cells toward regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg ) and Th2 lymphocytes. Treg and Th2 secret anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β. A series of immunomodulatory mechanism provides a new strategy for ALS treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min-Soo Kwon
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, CHA University, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Min-Young Noh
- Cell Therapy Center and Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Haengdang-dong, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki-Wook Oh
- Cell Therapy Center and Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Haengdang-dong, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Ah Cho
- Cell Therapy Center and Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Haengdang-dong, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Yong Kang
- Cell Therapy Center and Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Haengdang-dong, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Suk Kim
- Bioengineering Institute, CoreStem Inc., Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Seo Kim
- Cell Therapy Center and Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Haengdang-dong, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung H Kim
- Cell Therapy Center and Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Haengdang-dong, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bowerman M, Vincent T, Scamps F, Perrin FE, Camu W, Raoul C. Neuroimmunity dynamics and the development of therapeutic strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:214. [PMID: 24312006 PMCID: PMC3833095 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal paralytic disorder characterized by the progressive and selective loss of both upper and lower motoneurons. The neurodegenerative process is accompanied by a sustained inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. The neuron-immune interaction, implicating resident microglia of the central nervous system and blood-derived immune cells, is highly dynamic over the course of the disease. Here, we discuss the timely controlled neuroprotective and neurotoxic cues that are provided by the immune environment of motoneurons and their potential therapeutic applications for ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bowerman
- The Neuroscience Institute of Montpellier, INM, INSERM UMR1051, Saint Eloi Hospital Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rodrigues MCO, Sanberg PR, Cruz LE, Garbuzova-Davis S. The innate and adaptive immunological aspects in neurodegenerative diseases. J Neuroimmunol 2013; 269:1-8. [PMID: 24161471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2013.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affect a considerable percentage of the elderly population. New therapeutic approaches are warranted, aiming to at least delay and possibly reverse disease progression. Strategies to elaborate such approaches require knowledge of specific immune system involvement in disease pathogenesis. In this review, innate and adaptive immunological aspects of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are discussed. Initiating disease factors, as well as common mechanistic pathways, are detailed and potential immunological therapeutic targets are identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria C O Rodrigues
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paul R Sanberg
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Luis Eduardo Cruz
- Cryopraxis, Cell Praxis, BioRio, Polo de Biotechnologia do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Svitlana Garbuzova-Davis
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Henkel JS, Beers DR, Wen S, Rivera AL, Toennis KM, Appel JE, Zhao W, Moore DH, Powell SZ, Appel SH. Regulatory T-lymphocytes mediate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression and survival. EMBO Mol Med 2012; 5:64-79. [PMID: 23143995 PMCID: PMC3569654 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201201544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice, regulatory T-lymphocytes (Tregs) are neuroprotective, slowing disease progression. To address whether Tregs and FoxP3, a transcription factor required for Treg function, similarly influence progression rates of ALS patients, T-lymphocytes from patients were assessed by flow cytometry. Both numbers of Tregs and their FoxP3 protein expressions were reduced in rapidly progressing ALS patients and inversely correlated with progression rates. The mRNA levels of FoxP3, TGF-β, IL4 and Gata3, a Th2 transcription factor, were reduced in rapidly progressing patients and inversely correlated with progression rates. Both FoxP3 and Gata3 were accurate indicators of progression rates. No differences in IL10, Tbx21, a Th1 transcription factor or IFN-γ expression were found between slow and rapidly progressing patients. A 3.5-year prospective study with a second larger cohort revealed that early reduced FoxP3 levels were indicative of progression rates at collection and predictive of future rapid progression and attenuated survival. Collectively, these data suggest that Tregs and Th2 lymphocytes influence disease progression rates. Importantly, early reduced FoxP3 levels could be used to identify rapidly progressing patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny S Henkel
- Department of Neurology, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rodrigues MCO, Voltarelli JC, Sanberg PR, Borlongan CV, Garbuzova-Davis S. Immunological Aspects in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Transl Stroke Res 2012; 3:331-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s12975-012-0177-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Revised: 04/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
25
|
Finkelstein A, Kunis G, Seksenyan A, Ronen A, Berkutzki T, Azoulay D, Koronyo-Hamaoui M, Schwartz M. Abnormal changes in NKT cells, the IGF-1 axis, and liver pathology in an animal model of ALS. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22374. [PMID: 21829620 PMCID: PMC3149057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective death of motor neurons (MN) in the spinal cord, and is associated with local neuroinflammation. Circulating CD4+ T cells are required for controlling the local detrimental inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, and for supporting neuronal survival, including that of MN. T-cell deficiency increases neuronal loss, while boosting T cell levels reduces it. Here, we show that in the mutant superoxide dismutase 1 G93A (mSOD1) mouse model of ALS, the levels of natural killer T (NKT) cells increased dramatically, and T-cell distribution was altered both in lymphoid organs and in the spinal cord relative to wild-type mice. The most significant elevation of NKT cells was observed in the liver, concomitant with organ atrophy. Hepatic expression levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 decreased, while the expression of IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1 was augmented by more than 20-fold in mSOD1 mice relative to wild-type animals. Moreover, hepatic lymphocytes of pre-symptomatic mSOD1 mice were found to secrete significantly higher levels of cytokines when stimulated with an NKT ligand, ex-vivo. Immunomodulation of NKT cells using an analogue of α-galactosyl ceramide (α-GalCer), in a specific regimen, diminished the number of these cells in the periphery, and induced recruitment of T cells into the affected spinal cord, leading to a modest but significant prolongation of life span of mSOD1 mice. These results identify NKT cells as potential players in ALS, and the liver as an additional site of major pathology in this disease, thereby emphasizing that ALS is not only a non-cell autonomous, but a non-tissue autonomous disease, as well. Moreover, the results suggest potential new therapeutic targets such as the liver for immunomodulatory intervention for modifying the disease, in addition to MN-based neuroprotection and systemic treatments aimed at reducing oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arseny Finkelstein
- Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gilad Kunis
- Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Akop Seksenyan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ayal Ronen
- Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tamara Berkutzki
- Department of Veterinary Resources, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - David Azoulay
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Michal Schwartz
- Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Motor neuron-immune interactions: the vicious circle of ALS. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2010; 117:981-1000. [PMID: 20552235 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-010-0429-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Because microglial cells, the resident macrophages of the CNS, react to any lesion of the nervous system, they have for long been regarded as potential players in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common motor neuron disease in the adult. In recent years, this microglial reaction to motor neuron injury, in particular, and the innate immune response, in general, has been implicated in the progression of the disease, in mouse models of ALS. The mechanisms by which microglial cells influence motor neuron death in ALS are still largely unknown. Microglial activation increases over the course of the disease and is associated with an alteration in the production of toxic factors and also neurotrophic factors. Adding to the microglial/macrophage response to motor neuron degeneration, the adaptive immune system can likewise influence the disease process. Exploring these motor neuron-immune interactions could lead to a better understanding in the physiopathology of ALS to find new pathways to slow down motor neuron degeneration.
Collapse
|
27
|
Gunsolly C, Nicholson JD, Listwak SJ, Ledee D, Zelenka P, Verthelyi D, Chapoval S, Keegan A, Tonelli LH. Expression and regulation in the brain of the chemokine CCL27 gene locus. J Neuroimmunol 2010; 225:82-90. [PMID: 20605223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 04/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The chemokine CCL27 has chemoattractant properties for memory T cells and has been implicated in skin allergic reactions. The present study reports the expression in the brain of two CCL27 splice variants localized in the cerebral cortex and limbic regions. CCL27-like immunoreactivity was identified mainly in neurons. Variant 1 was found elevated in the olfactory bulbs during allergic inflammation induced by intranasal challenge with allergen. This was accompanied by the presence of T cells in the olfactory bulbs. Intranasal administration of neutralizing antibodies against CCL27 reduced the presence of T cells in the olfactory bulbs suggesting a function in T cell activity in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad Gunsolly
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1549, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|