FTY720 (fingolimod) treatment tips the balance towards less immunogenic antigen-presenting cells in patients with multiple sclerosis

Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide Plays a Key Role in the Microbial-Neuroimmune Control of Intestinal Motility

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although chronic diarrhea and constipation are common, the treatment is symptomatic because their pathophysiology is poorly understood. Accumulating evidence suggests that the microbiota modulates gut function, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We therefore investigated the pathways by which microbiota modulates gastrointestinal motility in different sections of the alimentary tract.

METHODS

Gastric emptying, intestinal transit, muscle contractility, acetylcholine release, gene expression, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) immunoreactivity were assessed in wild-type and Myd88-/-Trif-/- mice in germ-free, gnotobiotic, and specific pathogen-free conditions. Effects of transient colonization and antimicrobials as well as immune cell blockade were investigated. VIP levels were assessed in human full-thickness biopsies by Western blot.

RESULTS

Germ-free mice had similar gastric emptying but slower intestinal transit compared with specific pathogen-free mice or mice monocolonized with Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Escherichia coli, the latter having stronger effects. Although muscle contractility was unaffected, its neural control was modulated by microbiota by up-regulating jejunal VIP, which co-localized with and controlled cholinergic nerve function. This process was responsive to changes in the microbial composition and load and mediated through toll-like receptor signaling, with enteric glia cells playing a key role. Jejunal VIP was lower in patients with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction compared with control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Microbial control of gastrointestinal motility is both region- and bacteria-specific; it reacts to environmental changes and is mediated by innate immunity-neural system interactions. By regulating cholinergic nerves, small intestinal VIP plays a key role in this process, thus providing a new therapeutic target for patients with motility disorders.

Impact of disease-modifying therapy on dendritic cells and exploring their immunotherapeutic potential in multiple sclerosis

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which play a pivotal role in inducing either inflammatory or tolerogenic response based on their subtypes and environmental signals. Emerging evidence indicates that DCs are critical for initiation and progression of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Current disease-modifying therapies (DMT) for MS can significantly affect DCs' functions. However, the study on the impact of DMT on DCs is rare, unlike T and B lymphocytes that are the most commonly discussed targets of these therapies. Induction of tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs) with powerful therapeutic potential has been well-established to combat autoimmune responses in laboratory models and early clinical trials. In contrast to in vitro tolDC induction, in vivo elicitation by specifically targeting multiple cell-surface receptors has shown greater promise with more advantages. Here, we summarize the role of DCs in governing immune tolerance and in the process of initiating and perpetuating MS as well as the effects of current DMT drugs on DCs. We then highlight the most promising cell-surface receptors expressed on DCs currently being explored as the viable pharmacological targets through antigen delivery to generate tolDCs in vivo.

Innate immunity and immunotherapy for hemorrhagic shock

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) is a shock result of hypovolemic injury, in which the innate immune response plays a central role in the pathophysiology ofthe severe complications and organ injury in surviving patients. During the development of HS, innate immunity acts as the first line of defense, mediating a rapid response to pathogens or danger signals through pattern recognition receptors. The early and exaggerated activation of innate immunity, which is widespread in patients with HS, results in systemic inflammation, cytokine storm, and excessive activation of complement factors and innate immune cells, comprised of type II innate lymphoid cells, CD4⁺ T cells, natural killer cells, eosinophils, basophils, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Recently, compelling evidence focusing on the innate immune regulation in preclinical and clinical studies promises new treatment avenues to reverse or minimize HS-induced tissue injury, organ dysfunction, and ultimately mortality. In this review, we first discuss the innate immune response involved in HS injury, and then systematically detail the cutting-edge therapeutic strategies in the past decade regarding the innate immune regulation in this field; these strategies include the use of mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, genetic approaches, antibody therapy, small molecule inhibitors, natural medicine, mesenteric lymph drainage, vagus nerve stimulation, hormones, glycoproteins, and others. We also reviewed the available clinical studies on immune regulation for treating HS and assessed the potential of immune regulation concerning a translation from basic research to clinical practice. Combining therapeutic strategies with an improved understanding of how the innate immune system responds to HS could help to identify and develop targeted therapeutic modalities that mitigate severe organ dysfunction, improve patient outcomes, and reduce mortality due to HS injury.

Multidimensional overview of neurofilament light chain contribution to comprehensively understanding multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease characterized by demyelination, progressive axonal loss, and varying clinical presentations. Axonal damage associated with the inflammatory process causes neurofilaments, the major neuron structural proteins, to be released into the extracellular space, reaching the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the peripheral blood. Methodological advances in neurofilaments’ serological detection and imaging technology, along with many clinical and therapeutic studies in the last years, have deepened our understanding of MS immunopathogenesis. This review examines the use of light chain neurofilaments (NFLs) as peripheral MS biomarkers in light of the current clinical and therapeutic evidence, MS immunopathology, and technological advances in diagnostic tools. It aims to highlight NFL multidimensional value as a reliable MS biomarker with a diagnostic-prognostic profile while improving our comprehension of inflammatory neurodegenerative processes, mainly RRMS, the most frequent clinical presentation of MS.

Neuroprotective Potential of Dendritic Cells and Sirtuins in Multiple Sclerosis

Myeloid cells, including parenchymal microglia, perivascular and meningeal macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs), are present in the central nervous system (CNS) and establish an intricate relationship with other cells, playing a crucial role both in health and in neurological diseases. In this context, DCs are critical to orchestrating the immune response linking the innate and adaptive immune systems. Under steady-state conditions, DCs patrol the CNS, sampling their local environment and acting as sentinels. During neuroinflammation, the resulting activation of DCs is a critical step that drives the inflammatory response or the resolution of inflammation with the participation of different cell types of the immune system (macrophages, mast cells, T and B lymphocytes), resident cells of the CNS and soluble factors. Although the importance of DCs is clearly recognized, their exact function in CNS disease is still debated. In this review, we will discuss modern concepts of DC biology in steady-state and during autoimmune neuroinflammation. Here, we will also address some key aspects involving DCs in CNS patrolling, highlighting the neuroprotective nature of DCs and emphasizing their therapeutic potential for the treatment of neurological conditions. Recently, inhibition of the NAD⁺-dependent deac(et)ylase sirtuin 6 was demonstrated to delay the onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, by dampening DC trafficking towards inflamed LNs. Thus, a special focus will be dedicated to sirtuins’ role in DCs functions.

Lessons from S1P receptor targeting in multiple sclerosis

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a potent bioactive sphingolipid binding to specific G protein-coupled receptors expressed in several organs. The relevance of S1P-S1P receptor axis in the pathophysiology of immune and nervous systems has encouraged the development of S1P receptor modulators for the treatment of neurological, autoimmune and/or inflammatory disorders. Currently, four S1P receptor modulators are approved drugs for multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. As main pharmacologic effect, these treatments induce lymphopenia due to the loss of responsiveness to S1P gradients guiding lymphocyte egress from lymphoid organs into the bloodstream. Recent data point to immunological effects of the S1P modulators beyond the inhibition of lymphocyte trafficking. Further, these drugs may cross the blood-brain barrier and directly target CNS resident cells expressing S1P receptors. Here we review the role of S1P signalling in neuroimmunology at the light of the evidences generated from the study of the mechanism of action of S1P receptor modulators in MS and integrate this information with findings derived from neuroinflammatory animal models and in vitro observations. These insights can direct the application of therapeutic approaches targeting S1P receptors in other disease areas.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Peripheral Monocytes upon Fingolimod Treatment in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Fingolimod (FTY), a second-line oral drug approved for relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) acts in preventing lymphocyte migration outside lymph nodes; moreover, several lines of evidence suggest that it also inhibits myeloid cell activation. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional changes induced by FTY in monocytes in order to better elucidate its mechanism of action. CD14⁺ monocytes were collected from 24 RRMS patients sampled at baseline and after 6 months of treatment and RNA profiles were obtained through next-generation sequencing. We conducted pathway and sub-paths analysis, followed by centrality analysis of cell-specific interactomes on differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We investigated also the predictive role of baseline monocyte transcription profile in influencing the response to FTY therapy. We observed a marked down-regulation effect (60 down-regulated vs. 0 up-regulated genes). Most of the down-regulated DEGs resulted related with monocyte activation and migration like IL7R, CCR7 and the Wnt signaling mediators LEF1 and TCF7. The involvement of Wnt signaling was also confirmed by subpaths analyses. Furthermore, pathway and network analyses showed an involvement of processes related to immune function and cell migration. Baseline transcriptional profile of the HLA class II gene HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DPA1 were associated with evidence of disease activity after 2 years of treatment. Our data support the evidence that FTY induces major transcriptional changes in monocytes, mainly regarding genes involved in cell trafficking and immune cell activation. The baseline transcriptional levels of genes associated with antigen presenting function were associated with disease activity after 2 years of FTY treatment.

Inflammation in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that is characterised pathologically by demyelination, gliosis, neuro-axonal damage and inflammation. Despite intense research, the underlying pathomechanisms driving inflammatory demyelination in MS still remain incompletely understood. It is thought to be caused by an autoimmune response towards CNS self-antigens in genetically susceptible individuals, assuming autoreactive T cells as disease-initiating immune cells. Yet, B cells were recognized as crucial immune cells in disease pathology, including antibody-dependent and independent effects. Moreover, myeloid cells are important contributors to MS pathology, and it is becoming increasingly evident that different cell types act in concert during MS immunopathology. This is supported by the finding that the beneficial effects of actual existing disease-modifying therapies cannot be attributed to one single immune cell-type, but rather involve immunological cooperation. The current strategy of MS therapies thus aims to shift the immune cell repertoire from a pro-inflammatory towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype, involving regulatory T and B cells and anti-inflammatory macrophages. Although no existing therapy actually exists that directly induces an enhanced regulatory immune cell pool, numerous studies identified potential net effects on these cell types. This review gives a conceptual overview on T cells, B cells and myeloid cells in the immunopathology of relapsing-remitting MS and discusses potential contributions of actual disease-modifying therapies on these immune cell phenotypes.

Siponimod (BAF312) Activates Nrf2 While Hampering NFκB in Human Astrocytes, and Protects From Astrocyte-Induced Neurodegeneration

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with heterogeneous pathophysiology. In its progressive course oligodendrocyte and neuroaxonal damage is sustained by compartmentalized inflammation due to glial dysregulation. Siponimod (BAF312), a modulator of two sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors (S1P1 and S1P5) is the first oral treatment specifically approved for active secondary progressive MS. To address potential direct effects of BAF312 on glial function and glia-neuron interaction, we set up a series of in vitro functional assays with astrocytes generated from human fibroblasts. These cells displayed the typical morphology and markers of astroglia, and were susceptible to the action of inflammatory mediators and BAF312, because expressing receptors for IL1, IL17, and S1P (namely S1P1 and S1P3). Targeting of S1P signaling by BAF312 inhibited NFκB translocation evoked by inflammatory cytokines, indicating a direct anti-inflammatory activity of the drug on the human astrocyte. Further, while glia cells exposed to IL1 or IL17 downregulated protein expression of glutamate transporters, BAF312-treated astrocytes maintained high levels of GLAST and GLT1 regardless of the presence of inflammatory mediators. Interestingly, despite potential glial susceptibility to S1P signaling via S1P3, which is not targeted by BAF312, NFκB translocation and downregulation of glutamate transporters in response to S1P were inhibited at similar levels by BAF312 and FTY720, another S1P signaling modulator targeting also S1P3. Accordingly, specific inhibition of S1P1 via NIBR-0213 blocked S1P-evoked NFκB translocation, demonstrating that modulation of S1P1 is sufficient to dampen signaling via other S1P receptors. Considering that NFκB-dependent responses are regulated by Nrf2, we measured activation of this critical transcription factor for anti-oxidant reactions, and observed that BAF312 rapidly induced nuclear translocation of Nrf2, but this effect was attenuated in the presence of an inflammatory milieu. Finally, in vitro experiments with spinal neurons exposed to astrocyte-conditioned media showed that modulation of S1P or cytokine signaling in astrocytes via BAF312 prevented neurons from astrocyte-induced degeneration. Overall, these experiments on human astrocytes suggest that during neuroinflammation targeting of S1P1 via BAF312 may modulate key astrocyte functions and thereby attain neuroprotection indirectly.

Assessment of expression profile of microRNAs in multiple sclerosis patients treated with fingolimod

Fingolimod is an immunotherapeutic drug approved in certain countries as first-line therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The drug has been shown to alter the expression of several coding and non-coding genes. In the current study, we assessed the expression of miR-506-3p, miR-217, miR-381-3p, miR-1827, miR-449a and miR-655-3p in peripheral blood of patients with RRMS undergoing treatment with fingolimod compared with healthy controls. We also compared the expression of these miRNAs between fingolimod responders and non-responders to determine their relevance with regard to response to fingolimod. Expression of miR-381-3p was significantly higher in responders than in controls (RE difference = 3.903, P = 0.005), while expression of miR-655-3p was significantly lower in both responders and non-responders compared with controls (RE difference = -1.03, P = 0.014; RE difference = -1.41, P < 0.0001, respectively). No difference was found in the expression of other miRNAs between study subgroups. In addition, there was no significant difference in the expression of any miRNA between responders and non-responders. Although there were significant pairwise correlations between expression levels of all of the assessed miRNAs in controls, MS patients exhibited differences in correlation patterns. Expression of miR-381-3p was correlated with age in responders. However, expression of other miRNAs did not correlate with age in any study subgroup. The current study indicates a possible role for miR-655-3p and miR-381-3p in the pathogenesis of MS or possible effects of fingolimod on the expression of these miRNAs. Future studies are needed to verify these results in larger patient populations.

Pre-treatment T-cell subsets associate with fingolimod treatment responsiveness in multiple sclerosis

Biomarkers predicting fingolimod (FTY) treatment response in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are lacking. Here, we performed extensive functional immunophenotyping using multiparametric flow cytometry to examine peripheral immune changes under FTY treatment and explore biomarkers of FTY treatment response. From among 135 RRMS patients who initiated FTY in a 2-year multicentre observational study, 36 were classified as ‘Active’ or ‘Stable’ based on clinical and/or radiological activity on-treatment. Flow cytometric analysis of immune cell subsets was performed on pre- and on-treatment peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) samples. Decreased absolute counts of B cells and most T-cell subsets were seen on-treatment. Senescent CD8 + T cells, CD56 + T cells, CD56^dim natural killer cells, monocytes and dendritic cells were not reduced in number and hence relatively increased in frequency on-treatment. An unbiased multiparametric and traditional manual analysis of T-cell subsets suggested a higher pre-treatment frequency of CD4 + central memory T cells (TCM) in patients who were subsequently Active versus Stable on-treatment. Lower pre-treatment terminally differentiated effector memory (TEMRA) cell frequencies were also seen in the subsequently Active cohort. Together, our data highlight differential effects of FTY on peripheral immune cell subsets and suggest that pre-treatment T-cell subset frequencies may have value in predicting FTY treatment response.

Fingolimod Plays Role in Attenuation of Myocardial Injury Related to Experimental Model of Cardiac Arrest and Extracorporeal Life Support Resuscitation

Background: Sudden cardiac arrest is a major global health concern, and survival of patients with ischemia–reperfusion injury is a leading cause of myocardial dysfunction. The mechanism of this phenomenon is not well understood because of the complex pathophysiological nature of the disease. Aim of the study was to investigate the cardioprotective role of fingolimod in an in vivo model of cardiac arrest and resuscitation. Methods: In this study, an in vivo rat model of cardiac arrest using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation resuscitation monitored by invasive hemodynamic measurement was developed. At the beginning of extracorporeal life support (ECLS), animals were randomly treated with fingolimod (Group A, n = 30) or saline (Group B, n = 30). Half of the animals in each group (Group A1 and B1, n = 15 each) were sacrificed after 1 h, and the remaining animals (Group A2 and B2) after 24 h of reperfusion. Blood and myocardial tissues were collected for analysis of cardiac features, inflammatory biomarkers, and cell signaling pathways. Results: Treatment with fingolimod resulted in activation of survival pathways resulting into reduced inflammation, myocardial oxidative stress and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. This led to significant improvement in systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle and improved contractility index. Conclusions: Sphingosine1phosphate receptor activation with fingolimod improved cardiac function after cardiac arrest supported with ECLS. Present study findings strongly support a cardioprotective role of fingolimod through sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor activation during reperfusion after circulatory arrest.

Fingolimod Immune Effects Beyond Its Sequestration Ability

Fingolimod is the first orally administered drug approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). This drug, modulating sphingosine receptors, regulates the trafficking of lymphocytes between primary and secondary lymphoid organs, trapping naïve T cells and central memory T cells in secondary lymphoid organs, without affecting effector memory T cells and therefore without compromising immunosurveillance. Additionally, fingolimod inhibits expression of Th1 and Th17 cytokines and enhances regulatory T-cell differentiation. It also acts on the B arm of immunity through an increased ratio of naïve to memory B cells, higher percentage of plasma cells, and highly increased proportion of transitional B cells as well as additional regulatory subsets. Fingolimod treatment enhances the capacity of regulatory B cells to transmigrate across brain endothelial cells. In fact, patients treated with fingolimod have increased regulatory B-cell frequency in the cerebrospinal fluid. These findings suggest a novel role for fingolimod in MS, by both direct effects and indirect partitioning effects on lymphocytes.

Protein phosphatase 2A as a therapeutic target in inflammation and neurodegeneration

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a highly complex heterotrimeric enzyme that catalyzes the selective removal of phosphate groups from protein serine and threonine residues. Emerging evidence suggests that it functions as a tumor suppressor by constraining phosphorylation-dependent signalling pathways that regulate cellular transformation and metastasis. Therefore, PP2A-activating drugs (PADs) are being actively sought and investigated as potential novel anti-cancer treatments. Here we explore the concept that PP2A also constrains inflammatory responses through its inhibitory effects on various signalling pathways, suggesting that PADs may be effective in the treatment of inflammation-mediated pathologies.

Cardioprotective Effects of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor Immunomodulator FTY720 in a Clinically Relevant Model of Cardioplegic Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Objective: FTY720, an immunomodulator derived from sphingosine-1-phosphate, has recently demonstrated its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, FTY720 might be a key pharmacological target for preconditioning. In this preclinical model, we have investigated the effects of FTY720 on myocardium during reperfusion in an experimental model of cardioplegic arrest (CPA) and cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods: 30 Sprague–Dawley rats (300–350 g) were randomized into two groups: Group-A, treated with FTY720 1 mg/kg via intravenous cannulation, and Group-B, as control. After 15 min of treatment, rats underwent CPA for 30 min followed by initiation of extracorporeal life support for 2 h. Support weaning was done, and blood and myocardial tissues were collected for analysis. Hemodynamic parameters, inflammatory mediators, nitro-oxidative stress, neutrophil infiltration, immunoblotting analysis, and immunohistochemical staining were analyzed and compared between groups.

Results: FTY720 treatment activated the Akt/Erk1/2 signaling pathways, reduced the level of inflammatory mediators, activated antiapoptotic proteins, and inhibited proapoptotic proteins, leading to reduced nitro-oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Moreover, significant preservation of high-energy phosphates were observed in the FTY720-treated group. This resulted in improved recovery of left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions.

Conclusion: The cardioprotective mechanism in CPA is associated with activation of prosurvival cell signaling pathways that prevents myocardial damage. FTY720 preserves high-energy phosphates attenuates myocardial inflammation and oxidative stress, and improves cardiac function.

Nanomodulation of Macrophages in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating autoimmune disease primarily affecting young adults. Despite an unclear causal factor, symptoms and pathology arise from the infiltration of peripheral immune cells across the blood brain barrier. Accounting for the largest fraction of this infiltrate, macrophages are functionally heterogeneous innate immune cells capable of adopting either a pro or an anti-inflammatory phenotype, a phenomenon dependent upon cytokine milieu in the CNS. This functional plasticity is of key relevance in MS, where the pro-inflammatory state dominates the early stage, instructing demyelination and axonal loss while the later anti-inflammatory state holds a key role in promoting tissue repair and regeneration in later remission. This review highlights a potential therapeutic benefit of modulating macrophage polarisation to harness the anti-inflammatory and reparative state in MS. Here, we outline the role of macrophages in MS and look at the role of current FDA approved therapeutics in macrophage polarisation. Moreover, we explore the potential of particulate carriers as a novel strategy to manipulate polarisation states in macrophages, whilst examining how optimising macrophage uptake via nanoparticle size and functionalisation could offer a novel therapeutic approach for MS.

[Dendritic cells in multiple sclerosis]

Main functions, structure and stages of development of dendritic cells (DCs) are reviewed. A role of DCs in the development of immune tolerance and autoimmune diseases as well as involvement of DCs in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS and their therapeutic potential in the treatment of MS are discussed.

Modulating acute neuroinflammation in intracerebral hemorrhage: the potential promise of currently approved medications for multiple sclerosis

The secondary inflammatory injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) results in increased morbidity and mortality. White blood cells have been implicated as critical mediators of this inflammatory injury. Currently, no medications have been clinically proven to ameliorate or beneficially modulate inflammation, or to improve outcomes by any mechanism, following ICH. However, other neuroinflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, have approved pharmacologic therapies that modulate the inflammatory response and minimize the damage caused by inflammatory cells. Thus, there is substantial interest in existing therapies for neuroinflammation and their potential applicability to other acute neurological diseases such as ICH. In this review, we examined the mechanism of action of twelve currently approved medications for multiple sclerosis: alemtuzumab, daclizumab, dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, glatiramer acetate, interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b, mitoxantrone, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, rituximab, teriflunomide. We analyzed the existing literature pertaining to the effects of these medications on various leukocytes and also with emphasis on mechanisms of action during the acute period following initiation of therapy. As a result, we provide a valuable summary of the current body of knowledge regarding these therapies and evidence that supports or refutes their likely promise for treating neuroinflammation following ICH.

Fingolimod modulates T cell phenotype and regulatory T cell plasticity in vivo

Fingolimod is an approved therapeutic option for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis that primarily functions by sequestering T cells in lymph nodes inhibiting their egress to the central nervous system. However, recent data suggests that Fingolimod may also directly affect the immune cell function. Here we examined the in vivo effects of Fingolimod in modulating the phenotype and function of T cell and Foxp3 regulatory T cell populations in patients with multiple sclerosis under Fingolimod treatment. Besides decreasing the cell numbers in peripheral blood and sera levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Fingolimod inhibited the expression of Th1 and Th17 cytokines on CD4⁺ T cells and increased the expression of exhaustion markers. Furthermore, treatment increased the frequency of regulatory T cells in blood and inhibited the Th1-like phenotype that is characteristic of patients with multiple sclerosis, augmenting the expression of markers associated with increased suppressive function. Overall, our data suggest that Fingolimod performs other important immunomodulatory functions besides altering T cell migratory capacities, with consequences for other autoimmune pathologies characterized by excessive Th1/Th17 responses and Th1-like regulatory T cell effector phenotypes.

Aging and lymphocyte changes by immunomodulatory therapies impact PML risk in multiple sclerosis patients

New potent immunomodulatory therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) are associated with increased risk for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). It is unclear why a subset of treated patients develops PML, but patient age has emerged as an important risk factor. PML is caused by the JC virus and aging is associated with immune senescence, which increases susceptibility to infection. With the goal of improving PML risk stratification, we here describe the lymphocyte changes that occur with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) associated with high or moderate risk toward PML in MS patients, how these changes compare to immune aging, and which measures best correlate with risk. We reviewed studies examining how these therapies alter patient immune profiles, which revealed the induction of changes to lymphocyte number and/or function that resemble immunosenescence. Therefore, the immunosuppressive activity of these MS DMTs may be enhanced in the context of an immune system that is already exhibiting features of senescence.

[Effects of FTY720-P on EphA2-EphrinA2 bidirectional signaling in osteoclasts]

Objective

To investigate the effects of FTY720-P on EphA2-EphrinA2 bidirectional signaling in osteoclasts.

Methods

Murine RAW264.7 macrophages were induced into osteoclasts by dexamethasone and 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D ₃, and identified by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Then, the osteoclasts were divided into 2 groups. The osteoclasts were treated with 400 ng/mL FTY720-P in experimental group and without FTY720-P in control group, respectively. After 48 hours of culture, the cells in 2 groups were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. The expressions of EphA2, EphrinA2, RhoA, and the bone reconstruction associated proteins［bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and transform growth factor β ₁ (TGF-β ₁)］were analyzed and compared.

Results

RAW264.7 cells were successfully induced into osteoclasts identified by TRAP staining. Compared with control group, the relative expressions of EphA2 and EphrinA2 mRNAs and proteins in experimental group significantly decreased after 48 hours ( P<0.05), and the relative expression of RhoA protein also significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The relative expressions of BMP-2 and TGF-β ₁ mRNAs were significantly increased ( P<0.05), and those protein expressions were enhanced.

Conclusion

FTY720-P can down-regulate the expression of RhoA and promote the expressions of TGF- β ₁ and BMP-2 by affecting the transduction of EphA2-EphrinA2 bidirectional signaling in osteoclasts.

Fingolimod hydrochloride for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Fingolimod was the first oral and the first in class disease modifying treatment in multiple sclerosis that acts as sphingosine-1-phospathe receptor agonist. Since approval in 2010 there is a growing experience with fingolimod use in clinical practice, but also next-generation sphingosin-1-receptor agonists in ongoing clinical trials. Growing evidence demonstrates additional effects beyond impact on lymphocyte circulation, highlighting further promising targets in multiple sclerosis therapy. Areas covered: Here we present a systematic review using PubMed database searching and expert opinion on fingolimod use in clinical practice. Long-term data of initial clinical trials and post-marketing evaluations including long-term efficacy, safety, tolerability and management especially within growing disease modifying treatment options and pre-treatment constellation in multiple sclerosis patients are critically discussed. Furthermore novel findings in mechanism of actions and prospective on additional use in progressive forms in multiple sclerosis are presented. Expert opinion: There is an extensive long-term experience on fingolimod use in clinical practice demonstrating the favorable benefit-risk of this drug. Using a defined risk management approach experienced MS clinicians should apply fingolimod after critical choice of patients and review of clinical aspects. Further studies are essential to discuss additional benefit in progressive forms in multiple sclerosis.

Reduction of Pertussis Inflammatory Pathology by Therapeutic Treatment With Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor Ligands by a Pertussis Toxin-Insensitive Mechanism

Recent data have demonstrated the potential of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor (S1PR) agonism in the treatment of infectious diseases. A previous study used a murine model of Bordetella pertussis infection to demonstrate that treatment with the S1PR agonist AAL-R reduces pulmonary inflammation during infection. In the current study, we showed that this effect is mediated via the S1PR1 on LysM+ (myeloid) cells. Signaling via this receptor results in reduced lung inflammation and cellular recruitment as well as reduced morbidity and mortality in a neonatal mouse model of disease. Despite the fact that S1PRs are pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein-coupled receptors, the effects of AAL-R were pertussis toxin insensitive in our model. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that S1PR agonist administration may be effective at therapeutic time points. These results indicate a role for S1P signaling in B. pertussis-mediated pathology and highlight the possibility of host-targeted therapy for pertussis.

Fingolimod additionally acts as immunomodulator focused on the innate immune system beyond its prominent effects on lymphocyte recirculation

BACKGROUND

Growing evidence emphasizes the relevance of sphingolipids for metabolism and immunity of antigen-presenting cells (APC). APCs are key players in balancing tolerogenic and encephalitogenic responses in immunology. In contrast to the well-known prominent effects of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) on lymphocyte trafficking, modulatory effects on APCs have not been fully characterized.

METHODS

Frequencies and activation profiles of dendritic cell (DC) subtypes, monocytes, and T cell subsets in 35 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were evaluated prior and after undergoing fingolimod treatment for up to 24 months. Impact of fingolimod and S1P on maturation and activation profile, pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and phagocytotic capacity was assessed in vitro and ex vivo. Modulation of DC-dependent programming of naïve CD4+ T cells, as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation, was also investigated in vitro and ex vivo.

RESULTS

Fingolimod increased peripheral slanDC count-CD1+ DC, and monocyte frequencies remained stable. While CD4+ T cell count decreased, ratio of Treg/Th17 significantly increased in fingolimod-treated patients over time. CD83, CD150, and HLADR were all inhibited, but CD86 was upregulated in DCs after incubation in the presence of fingolimod. Fingolimod but not S1P was associated with reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from DCs and monocytes in vitro and ex vivo. Fingolimod also inhibited phagocytic capacity of slanDCs and monocytes. After fingolimod, slanDCs demonstrated reduced potential to induce interferon-gamma-expressing Th1 or IL-17-expressing Th17 cells and DC-dependent T cell proliferation in vitro and in fingolimod-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We present the first evidence that S1P-directed therapies can act additionally as immunomodulators that decrease the pro-inflammatory capabilities of APCs, which is a crucial element in DC-dependent T cell activation and programming.

Myeloid cells - targets of medication in multiple sclerosis

Discussions of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathophysiology tend to focus on T cells and B cells of the adaptive immune response. The innate immune system is less commonly considered in this context, although dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages and microglia - collectively referred to as myeloid cells - have prominent roles in MS pathogenesis. These populations of myeloid cells function as antigen-presenting cells and effector cells in neuroinflammation. Furthermore, a vicious cycle of interactions between T cells and myeloid cells exacerbates pathology. Several disease-modifying therapies are now available to treat MS, and insights into their mechanisms of action have largely focused on the adaptive immune system, but these therapies also have important effects on myeloid cells. In this Review, we discuss the evidence for the roles of myeloid cells in MS and the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of MS, and consider how interactions between myeloid cells and T cells and/or B cells promote MS pathology. Finally, we discuss the direct and indirect effects of existing MS medications on myeloid cells.

Increase of Alternatively Activated Antigen Presenting Cells in Active Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

The importance of CD11c⁺ antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is well accepted and the gate keeper function of perivascular CD11c⁺ APCs has been demonstrated. CD11c can be expressed by APCs from external sources or by central nervous system (CNS) resident APCs such as microglia. Yet, changes in the gene expression pattern of CNS CD11c⁺ APCs during disease are still unclear and differentially expressed genes might play a decisive role in EAE progression. Due to their low numbers in the diseased brain and due to the absence of considerable numbers in the healthy CNS, analysis of CNS CD11c⁺ cells is technically difficult. To ask whether the CD11c⁺ APC population contributes to remission of EAE disease, we used Illumina deep mRNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses to identify the transcriptome of CD11c⁺ APCs during disease course. We identified a battery of genes that were significantly regulated during the exacerbation of the disease compared to remission and relapse. Three of these genes, Arginase-1, Chi3l3 and Ms4a8a, showed a higher expression at the exacerbation than at later time points during the disease, both in SJL/J and in C57BL/6 mice, and could be attributed to alternatively activated APCs. Expression of Arginase-1, Chi3l3 and Ms4a8a genes was linked to the disease phase of EAE rather than to disease score. Expression of these genes suggested that APCs resembling alternatively activated macrophages are involved during the first wave of neuroinflammation and can be directly associated with the disease progress.

Dendritic cells as therapeutic targets in neuroinflammation

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system characterized by infiltration of immune cells and progressive damage to myelin sheaths and neurons. There is still no cure for the disease, but drug regimens can reduce the frequency of relapses and slightly delay progression. Myeloid cells or antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells (DC), macrophages, and resident microglia, are key players in both mediating immune responses and inducing immune tolerance. Mounting evidence indicates a contribution of these myeloid cells to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and to the effects of treatment, the understanding of which might provide strategies for more potent novel therapeutic interventions. Here, we review recent insights into the role of APCs, with specific focus on DCs in the modulation of neuroinflammation in MS.

Identification of a novel mechanism of action of fingolimod (FTY720) on human effector T cell function through TCF-1 upregulation

Background

Fingolimod (FTY720), the first oral treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), blocks immune cell trafficking and prevents disease relapses by downregulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor. We determined the effect of FTY720 on human T cell activation and effector function.

Methods

T cells from MS patients and healthy controls were isolated to measure gene expression profiles in the presence or absence of FTY720 using nanostring and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Cytokine protein expression was measured using luminex assay and flow cytometry analysis. Lentivirus vector carrying short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to knock down the expression of specific genes in CD4+ T cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed to assess T cell factor 1 (TCF-1) binding to promoter regions. Luciferase assays were performed to test the direct regulation of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and granzyme B (GZMB) by TCF-1. Western blot analysis was used to assess the phosphorylation status of Akt and GSK3β.

Results

We showed that FTY720 treatment not only affects T cell trafficking but also T cell activation. Patients treated with FTY720 showed a significant reduction in circulating CD4 T cells. Activation of T cells in presence of FTY720 showed a less inflammatory phenotype with reduced production of IFN-γ and GZMB. This decreased effector phenotype of FTY720-treated T cells was dependent on the upregulation of TCF-1. FTY720-induced TCF-1 downregulated the pathogenic cytokines IFN-γ and GZMB by binding to their promoter/enhancer regions and mediating epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, we observed that TCF-1 expression was lower in T cells from multiple sclerosis patients than in those from healthy individuals, and FTY720 treatment increased TCF-1 expression in multiple sclerosis patients.

Conclusions

These results reveal a previously unknown mechanism of the effect of FTY720 on human CD4+ T cell modulation in multiple sclerosis and demonstrate the role of TCF-1 in human T cell activation and effector function.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-015-0460-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Myeloid cells as target of fingolimod action in multiple sclerosis

Objective:

To track the effects of fingolimod, an approved drug for multiple sclerosis (MS), on the activation of myeloid cells from the periphery to the CNS.

Methods:

In vitro and ex vivo immunologic studies coupled with flow cytometry were performed to evaluate the action of fingolimod on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced expression of activation markers in human monocytes from healthy participants, participants with untreated MS, and participants with fingolimod-treated MS. In vivo administration of fingolimod during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was established to verify the activation state of splenic, CNS infiltrating, and CNS resident myeloid cells ex vivo at flow cytometer.

Results:

We found that in vitro exposure of human monocytes to fingolimod inhibited LPS-induced CD25 and CD150 expression and tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α) secretion without altering immune cell survival. Further, EAE treatment with fingolimod led to reduced amounts of TNF-α produced by myeloid cells in vivo in the spleen and CNS. Finally, while displaying normal induction of CD25 and CD150 levels at high LPS concentration, monocytes from patients with fingolimod-treated MS showed significantly higher activation threshold at suboptimal LPS stimulation than controls.

Conclusions:

The inhibition of myeloid cell activation may be part of the immunosuppressive action of fingolimod and take place in the periphery and in the CNS.