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Zhang Q, Yang G, Luo Y, Jiang L, Chi H, Tian G. Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease: insights from peripheral immune cells. Immun Ageing 2024; 21:38. [PMID: 38877498 PMCID: PMC11177389 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-024-00445-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a serious brain disorder characterized by the presence of beta-amyloid plaques, tau pathology, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and cerebrovascular dysfunction. The presence of chronic neuroinflammation, breaches in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and increased levels of inflammatory mediators are central to the pathogenesis of AD. These factors promote the penetration of immune cells into the brain, potentially exacerbating clinical symptoms and neuronal death in AD patients. While microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play a crucial role in AD, recent evidence suggests the infiltration of cerebral vessels and parenchyma by peripheral immune cells, including neutrophils, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, NK cells, and monocytes in AD. These cells participate in the regulation of immunity and inflammation, which is expected to play a huge role in future immunotherapy. Given the crucial role of peripheral immune cells in AD, this article seeks to offer a comprehensive overview of their contributions to neuroinflammation in the disease. Understanding the role of these cells in the neuroinflammatory response is vital for developing new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Yuan Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
| | - Gang Tian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Engineering Technology Research Center of Molecular Diagnosis of Clinical Diseases, Molecular Diagnosis of Clinical Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan, 646000, China.
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Sun Y, Xiao Y, Tang Q, Chen W, Lin L. Genetic markers associated with ferroptosis in Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1364605. [PMID: 38711596 PMCID: PMC11073811 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1364605] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Ferroptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and vascular dementia, implying that it may have a regulatory effect on the progression of these diseases. However, the specific role of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not yet fully understood. The aim of the study was to detect ferroptosis related genes with regulatory functions in the disease and explore potential mechanisms in AD. Methods Hub FRGs were obtained through multiple algorithms based on the GSE5281 dataset. The screening process was implemented by R packages including limma, WGCNA, glm and SVM-RFE. Gene Ontology classification and pathway enrichment analysis were performed based on FRGs. Biological processes involved with hub FRGs were investigated through GSVA and GSEA methods. Immune infiltration analysis was performed by the R package CIBERSORT. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was utilized to validate the accuracy of hub FRGs. The CeRNA network attempted to find non-coding RNA transcripts which may play a role in disease progression. Results DDIT4, MUC1, KLHL24, CD44, and RB1 were identified as hub FRGs. As later revealed by enrichment analysis, the hub FRGs had important effects on AD through involvement in diverse AD pathogenesis-related pathways such as autophagy and glutathione metabolism. The immune microenvironment in AD shows increased numbers of resting NK cells, macrophages, and mast cells, with decreased levels of CD8 T cells when compared to healthy samples. Regulatory T cells were positively correlated with MUC1, KLHL24, and DDIT4 expression, while RB1 showed negative correlations with eosinophils and CD8 T cells, suggesting potential roles in modulating the immune environment in AD. Conclusion Our research has identified five hub FRGs in AD. We concluded that ferroptosis may be involved in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Psychosomatic Medicine Center, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
- Psychosomatic Medicine Center, The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qin Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Zeng J, Liao Z, Yang H, Wang Q, Wu Z, Hua F, Zhou Z. T cell infiltration mediates neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 193:106461. [PMID: 38437992 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder with pathological features of β-amyloid (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau protein accumulation in the brain, often accompanied by cognitive decline. So far, our understanding of the extent and role of adaptive immune responses in AD has been quite limited. T cells, as essential members of the adaptive immune system, exhibit quantitative and functional abnormalities in the brains of AD patients. Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in AD is considered one of the factors leading to T cell infiltration. Moreover, the degree of neuronal loss in AD is correlated with the quantity of T cells. We first describe the differentiation and subset functions of peripheral T cells in AD patients and provide an overview of the key findings related to BBB dysfunction and how T cells infiltrate the brain parenchyma through the BBB. Furthermore, we emphasize the risk factors associated with AD, including Aβ, Tau protein, microglial cells, apolipoprotein E (ApoE), and neuroinflammation. We discuss their regulation of T cell activation and proliferation, as well as the connection between T cells, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline. Understanding the innate immune response is crucial for providing comprehensive personalized therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjian Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hanqin Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhiyong Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Zhidong Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Goncharov NV, Popova PI, Kudryavtsev IV, Golovkin AS, Savitskaya IV, Avdonin PP, Korf EA, Voitenko NG, Belinskaia DA, Serebryakova MK, Matveeva NV, Gerlakh NO, Anikievich NE, Gubatenko MA, Dobrylko IA, Trulioff AS, Aquino AD, Jenkins RO, Avdonin PV. Immunological Profile and Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction in Elderly Patients with Cognitive Impairments. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1888. [PMID: 38339164 PMCID: PMC10855959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The process of aging is accompanied by a dynamic restructuring of the immune response, a phenomenon known as immunosenescence. Further, damage to the endothelium can be both a cause and a consequence of many diseases, especially in elderly people. The purpose of this study was to carry out immunological and biochemical profiling of elderly people with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency (CCCI), prediabetes or newly diagnosed type II diabetes mellitus (DM), and subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD). Socio-demographic, lifestyle, and cognitive data were obtained. Biochemical, hematological, and immunological analyses were carried out, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) with endothelial CD markers were assessed. The greatest number of significant deviations from conditionally healthy donors (HDs) of the same age were registered in the SIVD group, a total of 20, of which 12 were specific and six were non-specific but with maximal differences (as compared to the other three groups) from the HDs group. The non-specific deviations were for the MOCA (Montreal Cognitive Impairment Scale), the MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination) and life satisfaction self-assessment scores, a decrease of albumin levels, and ADAMTS13 (a Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with a Thrombospondin Type 1 motif, member 13) activity, and an increase of the VWF (von Willebrand factor) level. Considering the significant changes in immunological parameters (mostly Th17-like cells) and endothelial CD markers (CD144 and CD34), vascular repair was impaired to the greatest extent in the DM group. The AIS patients showed 12 significant deviations from the HD controls, including three specific to this group. These were high NEFAs (non-esterified fatty acids) and CD31 and CD147 markers of EVs. The lowest number of deviations were registered in the CCCI group, nine in total. There were significant changes from the HD controls with no specifics to this group, and just one non-specific with a maximal difference from the control parameters, which was α1-AGP (alpha 1 acid glycoprotein, orosomucoid). Besides the DM patients, impairments of vascular repair were also registered in the CCCI and AIS patients, with a complete absence of such in patients with dementia (SIVD group). On the other hand, microvascular damage seemed to be maximal in the latter group, considering the biochemical indicators VWF and ADAMTS13. In the DM patients, a maximum immune response was registered, mainly with Th17-like cells. In the CCCI group, the reaction was not as pronounced compared to other groups of patients, which may indicate the initial stages and/or compensatory nature of organic changes (remodeling). At the same time, immunological and biochemical deviations in SIVD patients indicated a persistent remodeling in microvessels, chronic inflammation, and a significant decrease in the anabolic function of the liver and other tissues. The data obtained support two interrelated assumptions. Taking into account the primary biochemical factors that trigger the pathological processes associated with vascular pathology and related diseases, the first assumption is that purine degradation in skeletal muscle may be a major factor in the production of uric acid, followed by its production by non-muscle cells, the main of which are endothelial cells. Another assumption is that therapeutic factors that increase the levels of endothelial progenitor cells may have a therapeutic effect in reducing the risk of cerebrovascular disease and related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay V. Goncharov
- Research Institute of Hygiene, Occupational Pathology and Human Ecology of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, bld 93 Kuzmolovsky, Leningrad Region 188663, Russia
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | | | | | | | | | - Piotr P. Avdonin
- Koltsov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A. Korf
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | - Natalia G. Voitenko
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | - Daria A. Belinskaia
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Irina A. Dobrylko
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | | | - Arthur D. Aquino
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg 197341, Russia
| | - Richard O. Jenkins
- School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Pavel V. Avdonin
- Koltsov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
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Yang Q, Wu Q, Zhan Q, Deng L, Ding Y, Wang F, Chen J, Xie L. Association between cytokines and fatigue in patients with type 1 narcolepsy. J Clin Neurosci 2024; 120:102-106. [PMID: 38237487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is a frequent complaint among patients with narcolepsy. Studies have shown that inflammatory cytokines are associated with fatigue in neurological disorders; however, this association has not been identified in patients with type 1 narcolepsy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between cytokines and fatigue in patients with type 1 narcolepsy. METHODS We investigated the association between 12 inflammatory cytokines and fatigue in 49 patients with type 1 narcolepsy. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 was used to assess the fatigue severity. The associations of fatigue were identified using Spearman and Pearson correlation analyses. A linear regression analysis model was used to adjust the confounding factors and evaluate the associations of fatigue. RESULTS Correlation analysis showed that the plasma interleukin (IL)-2 level (r = 0.409, p = 0.004) was positively correlated with fatigue in patients with narcolepsy type 1. After adjusting for confounding factors, the linear regression model revealed a positive association between the IL-2 level (β = 1.148, p = 0.04) and fatigue in individuals diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy. CONCLUSION IL-2 levels show a positive correlation with fatigue in type 1 narcolepsy, suggesting its potential role in the pathophysiology of fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Nanchang, China; Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Qinqin Zhan
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Liying Deng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, China; Jiangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yongmin Ding
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, China; Jiangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fen Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, China; Jiangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
| | - Liang Xie
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurological Tumors and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Nanchang, China; Jiangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Neurological Medicine, Nanchang, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
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Huang Z, Gong Z, Lin Y, Yang F, Chen W, Xiang S, Huang Y, Xiao H, Xu S, Duan J. Treatment with glatiramer acetate in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice at an early stage of Alzheimer's disease prior to amyloid-beta deposition delays the disease's pathological development and ameliorates cognitive decline. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1267780. [PMID: 38352237 PMCID: PMC10861656 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1267780] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neuroinflammation, which is frequently accompanied by immune system dysfunction. Although the mechanism of neurodegenerative lesions is unclear, various clinical trials have highlighted that early intervention in AD is crucial to the success of treatment. In order to explore the potential of immunotherapy in the early period of AD, the present study evaluated whether application of glatiramer acetate (GA), an immunomodulatory agent approved for remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis (RRMS), in the early stages of AD prior to amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition altered the Aβ pathology and cognitive impairments in APPswe/PSEN1dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice. Methods We treated two cohorts of pre-depositing and amyloid-depositing (2- and 6-month-old) APP/PS1 mice with weekly-GA subcutaneous injection over a 12-week period. We then tested spatial learning and memory using the Morris water maze (MWM) and the Y maze. Immunohistochemistry staining was utilized to analyze Aβ burden in the brain as well as activated microglia. Furthermore, the inflammatory cytokine milieu within brains was estimated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the spleen were measured by flow cytometry. Results We found that early GA administration reduced Aβ burden and ameliorated cognitive decline. Meanwhile, the immune microenvironment had changed in the brain, with an increase in the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in microglial activation. Interestingly, early GA administration also modulated the peripheral immune system through the amplification of Tregs in the spleen. Conclusion Overall, our findings revealed that GA treatment might enhance the central and peripheral immune systems' protective capabilities in the early stages of AD, eventually improving cognitive deficits. Our research supports the advantages of immunomodulatory treatments for AD at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengyong Huang
- Eastern Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Guangdong Geriatrics Institute and Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China
| | - Zhuo Gong
- Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China
| | - Yongtai Lin
- Eastern Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Guangdong Geriatrics Institute and Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Eastern Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Guangdong Geriatrics Institute and Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiping Chen
- Eastern Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Guangdong Geriatrics Institute and Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaotong Xiang
- Eastern Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Guangdong Geriatrics Institute and Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuedong Huang
- Eastern Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Guangdong Geriatrics Institute and Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Xiao
- Eastern Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Guangdong Geriatrics Institute and Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuwen Xu
- Eastern Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Guangdong Geriatrics Institute and Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinhai Duan
- Eastern Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Guangdong Geriatrics Institute and Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Velikic G, Maric DM, Maric DL, Supic G, Puletic M, Dulic O, Vojvodic D. Harnessing the Stem Cell Niche in Regenerative Medicine: Innovative Avenue to Combat Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:993. [PMID: 38256066 PMCID: PMC10816024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine harnesses the body's innate capacity for self-repair to restore malfunctioning tissues and organs. Stem cell therapies represent a key regenerative strategy, but to effectively harness their potential necessitates a nuanced understanding of the stem cell niche. This specialized microenvironment regulates critical stem cell behaviors including quiescence, activation, differentiation, and homing. Emerging research reveals that dysfunction within endogenous neural stem cell niches contributes to neurodegenerative pathologies and impedes regeneration. Strategies such as modifying signaling pathways, or epigenetic interventions to restore niche homeostasis and signaling, hold promise for revitalizing neurogenesis and neural repair in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Comparative studies of highly regenerative species provide evolutionary clues into niche-mediated renewal mechanisms. Leveraging endogenous bioelectric cues and crosstalk between gut, brain, and vascular niches further illuminates promising therapeutic opportunities. Emerging techniques like single-cell transcriptomics, organoids, microfluidics, artificial intelligence, in silico modeling, and transdifferentiation will continue to unravel niche complexity. By providing a comprehensive synthesis integrating diverse views on niche components, developmental transitions, and dynamics, this review unveils new layers of complexity integral to niche behavior and function, which unveil novel prospects to modulate niche function and provide revolutionary treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Velikic
- Department for Research and Development, Clinic Orto MD-Parks Dr. Dragi Hospital, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Hajim School of Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Dusan M. Maric
- Department for Research and Development, Clinic Orto MD-Parks Dr. Dragi Hospital, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Faculty of Stomatology Pancevo, University Business Academy, 26000 Pancevo, Serbia;
| | - Dusica L. Maric
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Gordana Supic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (G.S.); (D.V.)
- Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miljan Puletic
- Faculty of Stomatology Pancevo, University Business Academy, 26000 Pancevo, Serbia;
| | - Oliver Dulic
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Danilo Vojvodic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (G.S.); (D.V.)
- Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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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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Faridar A, Eid AM, Thome AD, Zhao W, Beers DR, Pascual MB, Nakawah MO, Roman GC, Davis CS, Grundman M, Masdeu JC, Appel SH. A phase 1 open-label pilot study of low-dose interleukine-2 immunotherapy in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:54. [PMID: 37968718 PMCID: PMC10652426 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00387-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05821153, Registered April 20 2023, Retrospectively registered, https://classic. CLINICALTRIALS gov/ct2/show/NCT05821153.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Faridar
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Suite P3-201, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abdulmunaim M Eid
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Suite P3-201, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aaron D Thome
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Suite P3-201, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Weihua Zhao
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Suite P3-201, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David R Beers
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Suite P3-201, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria B Pascual
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Suite P3-201, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mohammad O Nakawah
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Suite P3-201, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gustavo C Roman
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Suite P3-201, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Michael Grundman
- Global R&D Partners, LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Joseph C Masdeu
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Suite P3-201, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stanley H Appel
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Suite P3-201, Houston, TX, USA.
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10
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Jafarzadeh A, Sheikhi A, Jafarzadeh Z, Nemati M. Differential roles of regulatory T cells in Alzheimer's disease. Cell Immunol 2023; 393-394:104778. [PMID: 37907046 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2023.104778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells interact with a variety of resident cells and infiltrated immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) to modulate neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide deposition and secondary persistent inflammation due to activation of microglia, astrocytes, and infiltrated immune cells contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related neurodegeneration. The majority of evidence supports the neuroprotective effects of Treg cells in AD. In the early stages of AD, appropriate Treg cell activity is required for the induction of microglia and astrocyte phagocytic activity in order to clear A deposits and prevent neuroinflammation. Such neuroprotective impacts were in part attributed to the ability of Treg cells to suppress deleterious and/or boost beneficial functions of microglia/astrocytes. In the later stages of AD, an effective Treg cell activity needs to prevent neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Treg cells can exert preventive effects on Th1-, and Th17 cell-related pathologic responses, whilst potentiating Th2-mediated protective activity. The impaired Treg cell-related immunomodulatory mechanisms have been described in AD patients and in related animal models which can contribute to the onset and progression of AD. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive figure regarding the role of Treg cells in AD while highlighting potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Applied Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Abdolkarim Sheikhi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Zahra Jafarzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Nemati
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Hematology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Para-Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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11
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Gao Q, Li X, Li Y, Long J, Pan M, Wang J, Yang F, Zhang Y. Bibliometric analysis of global research trends on regulatory T cells in neurological diseases. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1284501. [PMID: 37900596 PMCID: PMC10603183 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1284501] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This bibliometric study aimed to summarize and visualize the current research status, emerging trends, and research hotspots of regulatory T (Treg) cells in neurological diseases. Relevant documents were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Tableau Public, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace software were used to perform bibliometric analysis and network visualization. A total of 2,739 documents were included, and research on Treg cells in neurological diseases is still in a prolific period. The documents included in the research were sourced from 85 countries/regions, with the majority of them originating from the United States, and 2,811 organizations, with a significant proportion of them coming from Harvard Medical School. Howard E Gendelman was the most prolific author in this research area. Considering the number of documents and citations, impact factors, and JCR partitions, Frontiers in Immunology was the most popular journal in this research area. Keywords "multiple sclerosis," "inflammation," "regulatory T cells," "neuroinflammation," "autoimmunity," "cytokines," and "immunomodulation" were identified as high-frequency keywords. Additionally, "gut microbiota" has recently emerged as a new topic of interest. The study of Treg cells in neurological diseases continues to be a hot topic. Immunomodulation, gut microbiota, and cytokines represent the current research hotspots and frontiers in this field. Treg cell-based immunomodulatory approaches have shown immense potential in the treatment of neurological diseases. Modifying gut microbiota or regulating cytokines to boost the numbers and functions of Treg cells represents a promising therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Gao
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xinmin Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Junzi Long
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mengyang Pan
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fangjie Yang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yasu Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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12
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Cummings JL, Osse AML, Kinney JW. Alzheimer's Disease: Novel Targets and Investigational Drugs for Disease Modification. Drugs 2023; 83:1387-1408. [PMID: 37728864 PMCID: PMC10582128 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Novel agents addressing non-amyloid, non-tau targets in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) comprise 70% of the AD drug development pipeline of agents currently in clinical trials. Most of the target processes identified in the Common Alzheimer's Disease Research Ontology (CADRO) are represented by novel agents in trials. Inflammation and synaptic plasticity/neuroprotection are the CADRO categories with the largest number of novel candidate therapies. Within these categories, there are few overlapping targets among the test agents. Additional categories being evaluated include apolipoprotein E [Formula: see text] 4 (APOE4) effects, lipids and lipoprotein receptors, neurogenesis, oxidative stress, bioenergetics and metabolism, vascular factors, cell death, growth factors and hormones, circadian rhythm, and epigenetic regulators. We highlight current drugs being tested within these categories and their mechanisms. Trials will be informative regarding which targets can be modulated to produce a slowing of clinical decline. Possible therapeutic combinations of agents may be suggested by trial outcomes. Biomarkers are evolving in concert with new targets and novel agents, and biomarker outcomes offer a means of supporting disease modification by the putative treatment. Identification of novel targets and development of corresponding therapeutics offer an important means of advancing new treatments for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Cummings
- Department of Brain Health, Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
- , 1380 Opal Valley Street, Henderson, Nevada, 89052, USA.
| | - Amanda M Leisgang Osse
- Department of Brain Health, Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Jefferson W Kinney
- Department of Brain Health, Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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13
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Widjaya MA, Liu CH, Lee SD, Cheng WC. Transcriptomics Meta-Analysis Reveals Phagosome and Innate Immune System Dysfunction as Potential Mechanisms in the Cortex of Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Strains. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:773-786. [PMID: 37733230 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02152-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Immune-related pathways can affect the immune system directly, such as the chemokine signaling pathway, or indirectly, such as the phagosome pathway. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is reportedly associated with several immune-related pathways. However, exploring its underlying mechanism is challenging in animal studies because AD mouse strains differentially express immune-related pathway characteristics. To overcome this problem, we performed a meta-analysis to identify significant and consistent immune-related AD pathways that are expressed in different AD mouse strains. Next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and microarray datasets for the cortex of AD mice from different strains such as APP/PSEN1, APP/PS2, 3xTg, TREM, and 5xFAD were collected from the NCBI GEO database. Each dataset's quality control and normalization were already processed from each original study source using various methods depending on the high-throughput analysis platform (FastQC, median of ratios, RMA, between array normalization). Datasets were analyzed using DESeq2 for RNA-seq and GEO2R for microarray to identify differentially expressed (DE) genes. Significantly DE genes were meta-analyzed using Stouffer's method, with significant genes further analyzed for functional enrichment. Ten datasets representing 20 conditions were obtained from the NCBI GEO database, comprising 116 control and 120 AD samples. The DE analysis identified 284 significant DE genes. The meta-analysis identified three significantly enriched immune-related AD pathways: phagosome, the complement and coagulation cascade, and chemokine signaling. Phagosomes-related genes correlated with complement and immune system. Meanwhile, phagosomes and chemokine signaling genes overlapped with B cells receptors pathway genes indicating potential correlation between phagosome, chemokines, and adaptive immune system as well. The transcriptomic meta-analysis showed that AD is associated with immune-related pathways in the brain's cortex through the phagosome, complement and coagulation cascade, and chemokine signaling pathways. Interestingly, phagosome and chemokine signaling pathways had potential correlation with B cells receptors pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Anekson Widjaya
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsin Liu
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, China Medical University and Academia Sinica China Medical University, Taichung, 40403, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Da Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, PhD program in Healthcare Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Chung Cheng
- Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, China Medical University and Academia Sinica China Medical University, Taichung, 40403, Taiwan.
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, China Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan.
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14
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Clement M. The association of microbial infection and adaptive immune cell activation in Alzheimer's disease. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 2:kyad015. [PMID: 38567070 PMCID: PMC10917186 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyad015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia. Early symptoms include the loss of memory and mild cognitive ability; however, as the disease progresses, these symptoms can present with increased severity manifesting as mood and behaviour changes, disorientation, and a loss of motor/body control. AD is one of the leading causes of death in the UK, and with an ever-increasing ageing society, patient numbers are predicted to rise posing a significant global health emergency. AD is a complex neurophysiological disorder where pathology is characterized by the deposition and aggregation of misfolded amyloid-beta (Aβ)-protein that in-turn promotes excessive tau-protein production which together drives neuronal cell dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. It is widely accepted that AD is driven by a combination of both genetic and immunological processes with recent data suggesting that adaptive immune cell activity within the parenchyma occurs throughout disease. The mechanisms behind these observations remain unclear but suggest that manipulating the adaptive immune response during AD may be an effective therapeutic strategy. Using immunotherapy for AD treatment is not a new concept as the only two approved treatments for AD use antibody-based approaches to target Aβ. However, these have been shown to only temporarily ease symptoms or slow progression highlighting the urgent need for newer treatments. This review discusses the role of the adaptive immune system during AD, how microbial infections may be contributing to inflammatory immune activity and suggests how adaptive immune processes can pose as therapeutic targets for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Clement
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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15
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de la Fuente AG, Pelucchi S, Mertens J, Di Luca M, Mauceri D, Marcello E. Novel therapeutic approaches to target neurodegeneration. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:1651-1673. [PMID: 36965025 PMCID: PMC10952850 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is the main risk factor common to most primary neurodegenerative disorders. Indeed, age-related brain alterations have been long considered to predispose to neurodegeneration. Although protein misfolding and the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates have been considered as causative events in neurodegeneration, several other biological pathways affected by brain ageing also contribute to pathogenesis. Here, we discuss the evidence showing the involvement of the mechanisms controlling neuronal structure, gene expression, autophagy, cell metabolism and neuroinflammation in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, we review the therapeutic strategies currently under development or as future approaches designed to normalize these pathways, which may then increase brain resilience to cope with toxic protein species. In addition to therapies targeting the insoluble protein aggregates specifically associated with each neurodegenerative disorder, these novel pharmacological approaches may be part of combined therapies designed to rescue brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alerie G. de la Fuente
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL)AlicanteSpain
- Instituto de Neurociencias CSIC‐UMHAlicanteSpain
- Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental MedicineQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Silvia Pelucchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Institute of Molecular BiologyLeopold‐Franzens‐Universität InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Institute of Molecular BiologyLeopold‐Franzens‐Universität InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Monica Di Luca
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Daniela Mauceri
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell BiologyDepartment of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, University of MarburgMarburgGermany
- Department of NeurobiologyInterdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Elena Marcello
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
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Lemaitre P, Tareen SHK, Pasciuto E, Mascali L, Martirosyan A, Callaerts‐Vegh Z, Poovathingal S, Dooley J, Holt MG, Yshii L, Liston A. Molecular and cognitive signatures of ageing partially restored through synthetic delivery of IL2 to the brain. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e16805. [PMID: 36975362 PMCID: PMC10165365 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline is a common pathological outcome during aging, with an ill-defined molecular and cellular basis. In recent years, the concept of inflammaging, defined as a low-grade inflammation increasing with age, has emerged. Infiltrating T cells accumulate in the brain with age and may contribute to the amplification of inflammatory cascades and disruptions to the neurogenic niche observed with age. Recently, a small resident population of regulatory T cells has been identified in the brain, and the capacity of IL2-mediated expansion of this population to counter neuroinflammatory disease has been demonstrated. Here, we test a brain-specific IL2 delivery system for the prevention of neurological decline in aging mice. We identify the molecular hallmarks of aging in the brain glial compartments and identify partial restoration of this signature through IL2 treatment. At a behavioral level, brain IL2 delivery prevented the age-induced defect in spatial learning, without improving the general decline in motor skill or arousal. These results identify immune modulation as a potential path to preserving cognitive function for healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Lemaitre
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and TransplantationKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | | | - Emanuela Pasciuto
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and TransplantationKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Loriana Mascali
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and TransplantationKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Araks Martirosyan
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Department of NeurosciencesKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | | | | | - James Dooley
- Immunology ProgrammeThe Babraham InstituteBabrahamUK
- Department of PathologyThe University of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Matthew G Holt
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Department of NeurosciencesKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Instituto de Investigaçāo e Inovaçāo em Saúde (i3S)University of PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Lidia Yshii
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and TransplantationKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Department of NeurosciencesKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Adrian Liston
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and TransplantationKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Immunology ProgrammeThe Babraham InstituteBabrahamUK
- Department of PathologyThe University of CambridgeCambridgeUK
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17
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Lai Y, Lin P, Lin F, Chen M, Lin C, Lin X, Wu L, Zheng M, Chen J. Identification of immune microenvironment subtypes and signature genes for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and risk prediction based on explainable machine learning. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1046410. [PMID: 36569892 PMCID: PMC9773397 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1046410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Using interpretable machine learning, we sought to define the immune microenvironment subtypes and distinctive genes in AD. Methods ssGSEA, LASSO regression, and WGCNA algorithms were used to evaluate immune state in AD patients. To predict the fate of AD and identify distinctive genes, six machine learning algorithms were developed. The output of machine learning models was interpreted using the SHAP and LIME algorithms. For external validation, four separate GEO databases were used. We estimated the subgroups of the immunological microenvironment using unsupervised clustering. Further research was done on the variations in immunological microenvironment, enhanced functions and pathways, and therapeutic medicines between these subtypes. Finally, the expression of characteristic genes was verified using the AlzData and pan-cancer databases and RT-PCR analysis. Results It was determined that AD is connected to changes in the immunological microenvironment. WGCNA revealed 31 potential immune genes, of which the greenyellow and blue modules were shown to be most associated with infiltrated immune cells. In the testing set, the XGBoost algorithm had the best performance with an AUC of 0.86 and a P-R value of 0.83. Following the screening of the testing set by machine learning algorithms and the verification of independent datasets, five genes (CXCR4, PPP3R1, HSP90AB1, CXCL10, and S100A12) that were closely associated with AD pathological biomarkers and allowed for the accurate prediction of AD progression were found to be immune microenvironment-related genes. The feature gene-based nomogram may provide clinical advantages to patients. Two immune microenvironment subgroups for AD patients were identified, subtype2 was linked to a metabolic phenotype, subtype1 belonged to the immune-active kind. MK-866 and arachidonyltrifluoromethane were identified as the top treatment agents for subtypes 1 and 2, respectively. These five distinguishing genes were found to be intimately linked to the development of the disease, according to the Alzdata database, pan-cancer research, and RT-PCR analysis. Conclusion The hub genes associated with the immune microenvironment that are most strongly associated with the progression of pathology in AD are CXCR4, PPP3R1, HSP90AB1, CXCL10, and S100A12. The hypothesized molecular subgroups might offer novel perceptions for individualized AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxing Lai
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Provincial Center for Geriatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Peiqiang Lin
- Department of Neurology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Fan Lin
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Provincial Center for Geriatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Manli Chen
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chunjin Lin
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Provincial Center for Geriatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xing Lin
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Provincial Center for Geriatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lijuan Wu
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Provincial Center for Geriatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Mouwei Zheng
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,Fujian Provincial Center for Geriatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,*Correspondence: Jianhao Chen, ; Mouwei Zheng,
| | - Jianhao Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China,*Correspondence: Jianhao Chen, ; Mouwei Zheng,
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