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Sillau SH, Coughlan C, Ahmed MM, Nair K, Araya P, Galbraith MD, Bettcher BM, Espinosa JM, Chial HJ, Epperson N, Boyd TD, Potter H. Neuron loss in the brain starts in childhood, increases exponentially with age and is halted by GM-CSF treatment in Alzheimer's disease. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.07.14.24310223. [PMID: 39072024 PMCID: PMC11275665 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.14.24310223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Aging increases the risk of neurodegeneration, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently no means exist to measure neuronal cell death during life or to prevent it. Here we show that cross-sectional measures of human plasma proteins released from dying/damaged neurons (ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1/UCH-L1 and neurofilament light/NfL) become exponentially higher from age 2-85; UCH-L1 rises faster in females. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) concentrations, indicating astrogliosis/inflammation, increase exponentially after age 40. Treatment with human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF/sargramostim) halted neuronal cell death, as evidenced by reduced plasma UCH-L1 concentrations, in AD participants to levels equivalent to those of five-year-old healthy controls. The ability of GM-CSF treatment to reduce neuronal apoptosis was confirmed in a rat model of AD. These findings suggest that the exponential increase in neurodegeneration with age, accelerated by neuroinflammation, may underlie the contribution of aging to cognitive decline and AD and can be halted by GM-CSF/sargramostim treatment.
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Patel B, Greenland JC, Williams-Gray CH. Clinical Trial Highlights: Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Agents. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2024; 14:1283-1300. [PMID: 39331111 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-240353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Inflammation and immune dysregulation have been linked to the pathogenesis and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD), and represent an attractive target for therapeutic intervention, given the potential for repurposing of existing anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents. Despite the fact that initial studies of drugs with secondary anti-inflammatory effects did not yield positive results, agents specifically targeting immune and inflammatory pathways may hold more promise. This article will briefly review the evidence base for targeting the immune system and neuroinflammation in PD, and discuss in detail the recently completed and currently active trials of primary anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory drugs in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bina Patel
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Julia C Greenland
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Caroline H Williams-Gray
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
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Yeapuri P, Machhi J, Lu Y, Abdelmoaty MM, Kadry R, Patel M, Bhattarai S, Lu E, Namminga KL, Olson KE, Foster EG, Mosley RL, Gendelman HE. Amyloid-β specific regulatory T cells attenuate Alzheimer's disease pathobiology in APP/PS1 mice. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:97. [PMID: 38111016 PMCID: PMC10729469 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00692-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory T cells (Tregs) maintain immune tolerance. While Treg-mediated neuroprotective activities are now well-accepted, the lack of defined antigen specificity limits their therapeutic potential. This is notable for neurodegenerative diseases where cell access to injured brain regions is required for disease-specific therapeutic targeting and improved outcomes. To address this need, amyloid-beta (Aβ) antigen specificity was conferred to Treg responses by engineering the T cell receptor (TCR) specific for Aβ (TCRAβ). The TCRAb were developed from disease-specific T cell effector (Teff) clones. The ability of Tregs expressing a transgenic TCRAβ (TCRAβ -Tregs) to reduce Aβ burden, transform effector to regulatory cells, and reverse disease-associated neurotoxicity proved beneficial in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS TCRAβ -Tregs were generated by CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of endogenous TCR and consequent incorporation of the transgenic TCRAb identified from Aβ reactive Teff monoclones. Antigen specificity was confirmed by MHC-Aβ-tetramer staining. Adoptive transfer of TCRAβ-Tregs to mice expressing a chimeric mouse-human amyloid precursor protein and a mutant human presenilin-1 followed measured behavior, immune, and immunohistochemical outcomes. RESULTS TCRAβ-Tregs expressed an Aβ-specific TCR. Adoptive transfer of TCRAβ-Tregs led to sustained immune suppression, reduced microglial reaction, and amyloid loads. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose radiolabeled TCRAβ-Treg homed to the brain facilitating antigen specificity. Reduction in amyloid load was associated with improved cognitive functions. CONCLUSIONS TCRAβ-Tregs reduced amyloid burden, restored brain homeostasis, and improved learning and memory, supporting the increased therapeutic benefit of antigen specific Treg immunotherapy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravin Yeapuri
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jatin Machhi
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Yaman Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Mai Mohamed Abdelmoaty
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Rana Kadry
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Milankumar Patel
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Shaurav Bhattarai
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Eugene Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Krista L Namminga
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Katherine E Olson
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Emma G Foster
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - R Lee Mosley
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Howard E Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
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Abdelmoaty MM, Lu E, Kadry R, Foster EG, Bhattarai S, Mosley RL, Gendelman HE. Clinical biomarkers for Lewy body diseases. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:209. [PMID: 37964309 PMCID: PMC10644566 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01152-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by pathologic aggregates of neural and glial α-synuclein (α-syn) in the form of Lewy bodies (LBs), Lewy neurites, and cytoplasmic inclusions in both neurons and glia. Two major classes of synucleinopathies are LB disease and multiple system atrophy. LB diseases include Parkinson's disease (PD), PD with dementia, and dementia with LBs. All are increasing in prevalence. Effective diagnostics, disease-modifying therapies, and therapeutic monitoring are urgently needed. Diagnostics capable of differentiating LB diseases are based on signs and symptoms which might overlap. To date, no specific diagnostic test exists despite disease-specific pathologies. Diagnostics are aided by brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid evaluations, but more accessible biomarkers remain in need. Mechanisms of α-syn evolution to pathologic oligomers and insoluble fibrils can provide one of a spectrum of biomarkers to link complex neural pathways to effective therapies. With these in mind, we review promising biomarkers linked to effective disease-modifying interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai M Abdelmoaty
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Eugene Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Rana Kadry
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Emma G Foster
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Shaurav Bhattarai
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - R Lee Mosley
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Howard E Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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Lauritsen J, Romero-Ramos M. The systemic immune response in Parkinson's disease: focus on the peripheral immune component. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:863-878. [PMID: 37598092 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
During Parkinson's disease (PD), both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) are affected. In parallel, innate immune cells respond early to neuronal changes and alpha-synuclein (α-syn) pathology. Moreover, some of the affected neuronal groups innervate organs with a relevant role in immunity. Consequently, not only microglia, but also peripheral immune cells are altered, resulting in a systemic immune response. Innate and adaptive immune cells may participate in the neurodegenerative process by acting peripherally, infiltrating the brain, or releasing mediators that can protect or harm neurons. However, the sequence of the changes and the significance of each immune compartment in the disease remain to be clarified. In this review, we describe current understanding of the peripheral immune response in PD and discuss the road ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Lauritsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Health Faculty & Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marina Romero-Ramos
- Department of Biomedicine, Health Faculty & Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Liang J, Fang D, Yao F, Chen L, Zou Z, Tang X, Feng L, Zhuang Y, Xie T, Wei P, Li P, Zheng H, Zhang S. Analysis of shared ceRNA networks and related-hub genes in rats with primary and secondary photoreceptor degeneration. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1259622. [PMID: 37811327 PMCID: PMC10552924 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1259622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Photoreceptor degenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive death of photoreceptor cells, resulting in irreversible visual impairment. However, the role of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in photoreceptor degeneration is unclear. We aimed to explore the shared ceRNA regulation network and potential molecular mechanisms between primary and secondary photoreceptor degenerations. Methods We established animal models for both types of photoreceptor degenerations and conducted retina RNA sequencing to identify shared differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Using ceRNA regulatory principles, we constructed a shared ceRNA network and performed function enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses to identify hub genes and key pathways. Immune cell infiltration and drug-gene interaction analyses were conducted, and hub gene expression was validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results We identified 37 shared differentially expressed lncRNAs, 34 miRNAs, and 247 mRNAs and constructed a ceRNA network consisting of 3 lncRNAs, 5 miRNAs, and 109 mRNAs. Furthermore, we examined 109 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through functional annotation, PPI analysis, and regulatory network analysis. We discovered that these diseases shared the complement and coagulation cascades pathway. Eight hub genes were identified and enriched in the immune system process. Immune infiltration analysis revealed increased T cells and decreased B cells in both photoreceptor degenerations. The expression of hub genes was closely associated with the quantities of immune cell types. Additionally, we identified 7 immune therapeutical drugs that target the hub genes. Discussion Our findings provide new insights and directions for understanding the common mechanisms underlying the development of photoreceptor degeneration. The hub genes and related ceRNA networks we identified may offer new perspectives for elucidating the mechanisms and hold promise for the development of innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shaochong Zhang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Abdelmoaty MM, Yeapuri P, Machhi J, Lu Y, Namminga KL, Kadry R, Lu E, Bhattarai S, Mosley RL, Gendelman HE. Immune senescence in aged APP/PS1 mice. NEUROIMMUNE PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS 2023; 2:317-330. [PMID: 38023614 PMCID: PMC10659760 DOI: 10.1515/nipt-2023-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the linkage between age and deficits in innate and adaptive immunity which heralds both Alzheimer's disease (AD) onset and progression. The pathobiological events which underlie and tie these outcomes remain not fully understood. Methods To investigate age-dependent immunity in AD, we evaluated innate and adaptive immunity in coordinate studies of regulatory T cell (Treg) function, T cell frequencies, and microglial integrity. These were assessed in blood, peripheral lymphoid tissues, and the hippocampus of transgenic (Tg) amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) against non-Tg mice. Additionally, immune arrays of hippocampal tissue were performed at 4, 6, 12, and 20 months of age. Results APP/PS1 mice showed progressive impairment of Treg immunosuppressive function with age. There was partial restoration of Treg function in 20-month-old mice. Ingenuity pathway analyses of hippocampal tissues were enriched in inflammatory, oxidative, and cellular activation pathways that paralleled advancing age and AD-pathobiology. Operative genes in those pathways included, but were not limited to triggering receptor on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1), T helper type 1 (Th1), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Interleukin-17 (IL-17), nitric oxide, acute phase, and T cell receptor signaling pathways were also perturbed. Significant inflammation was observed at 6- and 12-months. However, at 20-months, age associated partial restoration of Treg function reduced inflammatory phenotype. Conclusions Impaired Treg function, inflammation and oxidative stress were associated with AD pathology. Age associated partial restoration of Treg function in old mice reduced the hippocampal inflammatory phenotype. Restoring Treg suppressive function can be a therapeutic modality for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai M. Abdelmoaty
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Pravin Yeapuri
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jatin Machhi
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yaman Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Krista L. Namminga
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rana Kadry
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Eugene Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Shaurav Bhattarai
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rodney Lee Mosley
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Howard E. Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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