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Carreño-Campos C, Govea-Alonso DO, Villarreal ML, Caltempa AO, Gonzalez-Ortega O, Rosales-Mendoza S. Production and characterization of a chimeric protein targeting synuclein epitopes for immunotherapy against synucleinopathies. Biotechnol Prog 2023; 39:e3390. [PMID: 37702113 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3390] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation and spread of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) is associated with several pathogenic pathways that lead to neurodegeneration and, ultimately, to synucleinopathies development. Hence, the establishment of a safe and effective disease-modifying therapy that limits or prevents the spread of toxic αSyn aggregation could lead to positive clinical outcomes. A rational vaccine design can be focused on the selection of specific epitopes able to induce the immune response desired, for example, antibodies able to mediate the clearance of αSyn aggregates without the induction of inflammatory responses. To develop a rapid system for the evaluation of a vaccine candidate against synucleinopathies, rLTB-Syn (an antigen based on three B cell epitopes from αSyn and the B subunit of the heat-labile Escherichia coli enterotoxin [LTB] as adjuvant/carrier) was produced using recombinant E. coli (Rosetta DE3) as the expression host. The bacterial version of rLTB-Syn was produced as soluble protein at yields up to 1.72 mg/g biomass. A method for the purification of rLTB-Syn (~18 kDa) was developed based on ion exchange chromatography, reaching purity >93% with a final concentration of 82.6 μg/mL. Furthermore, the purified soluble rLTB-Syn retained GM1 binding activity, suggesting proper folding and pentameric structure. The results from this study establish a fast and effective method to obtain rLTB-Syn, making it useful in the design of novel vaccine formulations targeting synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Carreño-Campos
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Dania O Govea-Alonso
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Maria Luisa Villarreal
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Anabel O Caltempa
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Omar Gonzalez-Ortega
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
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Siwecka N, Saramowicz K, Galita G, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Majsterek I. Inhibition of Protein Aggregation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as a Targeted Therapy for α-Synucleinopathy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2051. [PMID: 37631265 PMCID: PMC10459316 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082051] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
α-synuclein (α-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein abundant in the central nervous system. Physiologically, the protein regulates vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release in the presynaptic terminals. Pathologies related to misfolding and aggregation of α-syn are referred to as α-synucleinopathies, and they constitute a frequent cause of neurodegeneration. The most common α-synucleinopathy, Parkinson's disease (PD), is caused by abnormal accumulation of α-syn in the dopaminergic neurons of the midbrain. This results in protein overload, activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and, ultimately, neural cell apoptosis and neurodegeneration. To date, the available treatment options for PD are only symptomatic and rely on dopamine replacement therapy or palliative surgery. As the prevalence of PD has skyrocketed in recent years, there is a pending issue for development of new disease-modifying strategies. These include anti-aggregative agents that target α-syn directly (gene therapy, small molecules and immunization), indirectly (modulators of ER stress, oxidative stress and clearance pathways) or combine both actions (natural compounds). Herein, we provide an overview on the characteristic features of the structure and pathogenic mechanisms of α-syn that could be targeted with novel molecular-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (N.S.); (K.S.); (G.G.); (W.R.-K.)
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Wolff A, Schumacher NU, Pürner D, Machetanz G, Demleitner AF, Feneberg E, Hagemeier M, Lingor P. Parkinson's disease therapy: what lies ahead? J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:793-820. [PMID: 37147404 PMCID: PMC10199869 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02641-6] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been constantly increasing in the last decades. With rising life expectancy, a longer disease duration in PD patients is observed, further increasing the need and socioeconomic importance of adequate PD treatment. Today, PD is exclusively treated symptomatically, mainly by dopaminergic stimulation, while efforts to modify disease progression could not yet be translated to the clinics. New formulations of approved drugs and treatment options of motor fluctuations in advanced stages accompanied by telehealth monitoring have improved PD patients care. In addition, continuous improvement in the understanding of PD disease mechanisms resulted in the identification of new pharmacological targets. Applying novel trial designs, targeting of pre-symptomatic disease stages, and the acknowledgment of PD heterogeneity raise hopes to overcome past failures in the development of drugs for disease modification. In this review, we address these recent developments and venture a glimpse into the future of PD therapy in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wolff
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolas U Schumacher
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Pürner
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerrit Machetanz
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonia F Demleitner
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Emily Feneberg
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Maike Hagemeier
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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4
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Li Y, Wang T, Meng L, Jin L, Liu C, Liang Y, Ren L, Liu Y, Liu Y, Liu S, Li T, Liang Y, Chen X, Zhang Z. Novel naturally occurring autoantibodies attenuate α-synuclein pathology in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12860. [PMID: 36331758 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Accumulation and propagation of pathological α-synuclein (α-Syn) are the major contributing factors to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Therapy to halt the spreading of α-Syn pathology needs to be established. METHODS After phage display and affinity maturation, human-derived anti-α-Syn autoantibodies were selected and applied to biochemical, cellular and animal models of PD. RESULTS The novel naturally occurring anti-α-Syn autoantibodies (α-Syn-nAbs), P21 and P22, selectively bind α-Syn preformed fibrils (PFFs), recognise Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) in human PD brains, block α-Syn fibrillization and inhibit the seeding of α-Syn PFFs. Moreover, systematic administration of P21 and P22 attenuates α-Syn pathology, degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway and motor deficits in mice injected with α-Syn PFFs. CONCLUSIONS P21 and P22 attenuate α-synuclein pathology and are promising candidates for PD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Tao Wang
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Lanxia Meng
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Lei Jin
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Congcong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yangqiu Liang
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Lin Ren
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yang Liu
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yanshuang Liu
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Tete Li
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yanqi Liang
- GeneScience Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
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Araújo B, Caridade-Silva R, Soares-Guedes C, Martins-Macedo J, Gomes ED, Monteiro S, Teixeira FG. Neuroinflammation and Parkinson's Disease-From Neurodegeneration to Therapeutic Opportunities. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182908. [PMID: 36139483 PMCID: PMC9497016 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Clinically, it is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons (DAn), resulting in severe motor complications. Preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that neuroinflammation can play a role in PD pathophysiology, being associated with its onset and progression. Nevertheless, several key points concerning the neuroinflammatory process in PD remain to be answered. Bearing this in mind, in the present review, we cover the impact of neuroinflammation on PD by exploring the role of inflammatory cells (i.e., microglia and astrocytes) and the interconnections between the brain and the peripheral system. Furthermore, we discuss both the innate and adaptive immune responses regarding PD pathology and explore the gut–brain axis communication and its influence on the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Araújo
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Medical and Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory (LABMI), Porto Research, Technology, and Innovation Center (PORTIC), Porto Polytechnic Institute, 4200-375 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Caridade-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Medical and Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory (LABMI), Porto Research, Technology, and Innovation Center (PORTIC), Porto Polytechnic Institute, 4200-375 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Soares-Guedes
- Medical and Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory (LABMI), Porto Research, Technology, and Innovation Center (PORTIC), Porto Polytechnic Institute, 4200-375 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Martins-Macedo
- Medical and Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory (LABMI), Porto Research, Technology, and Innovation Center (PORTIC), Porto Polytechnic Institute, 4200-375 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo D. Gomes
- Medical and Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory (LABMI), Porto Research, Technology, and Innovation Center (PORTIC), Porto Polytechnic Institute, 4200-375 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Fábio G. Teixeira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Medical and Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory (LABMI), Porto Research, Technology, and Innovation Center (PORTIC), Porto Polytechnic Institute, 4200-375 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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6
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Gordon J, Lockard G, Monsour M, Alayli A, Choudhary H, Borlongan CV. Sequestration of Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease via Stem Cell Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710138. [PMID: 36077534 PMCID: PMC9456021 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Insidious and progressive, this disorder is secondary to the gradual loss of dopaminergic signaling and worsening neuroinflammation, affecting patients’ motor capabilities. Gold standard treatment includes exogenous dopamine therapy in the form of levodopa–carbidopa, or surgical intervention with a deep brain stimulator to the subcortical basal ganglia. Unfortunately, these therapies may ironically exacerbate the already pro-inflammatory environment. An alternative approach may involve cell-based therapies. Cell-based therapies, whether endogenous or exogenous, often have anti-inflammatory properties. Alternative strategies, such as exercise and diet modifications, also appear to play a significant role in facilitating endogenous and exogenous stem cells to induce an anti-inflammatory response, and thus are of unique interest to neuroinflammatory conditions including Parkinson’s disease. Treating patients with current gold standard therapeutics and adding adjuvant stem cell therapy, alongside the aforementioned lifestyle modifications, may ideally sequester inflammation and thus halt neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah Gordon
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Gavin Lockard
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Molly Monsour
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Adam Alayli
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Hassan Choudhary
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Cesario V. Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence:
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Lateralized deficits after unilateral AAV-vector based overexpression of alpha-synuclein in the midbrain of rats on drug-free behavioural tests. Behav Brain Res 2022; 429:113887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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8
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Braczynski AK, Sevenich M, Gering I, Kupreichyk T, Agerschou ED, Kronimus Y, Habib P, Stoldt M, Willbold D, Schulz JB, Bach JP, Falkenburger BH, Hoyer W. Alpha-Synuclein-Specific Naturally Occurring Antibodies Inhibit Aggregation In Vitro and In Vivo. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030469. [PMID: 35327661 PMCID: PMC8946620 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with motor and non-motor symptoms and characterized by aggregates of alpha-synuclein (αSyn). Naturally occurring antibodies (nAbs) are part of the innate immune system, produced without prior contact to their specific antigen, and polyreactive. The abundance of nAbs against αSyn is altered in patients with PD. In this work, we biophysically characterized nAbs against αSyn (nAbs-αSyn) and determined their biological effects. nAbs-αSyn were isolated from commercial intravenous immunoglobulins using column affinity purification. Biophysical properties were characterized using a battery of established in vitro assays. Biological effects were characterized in HEK293T cells transiently transfected with fluorescently tagged αSyn. Specific binding of nAbs-αSyn to monomeric αSyn was demonstrated by Dot blot, ELISA, and Surface Plasmon Resonance. nAbs-αSyn did not affect viability of HEK293T cells as reported by Cell Titer Blue and LDH Assays. nAbs-αSyn inhibited fibrillation of αSyn reported by the Thioflavin T aggregation assay. Altered fibril formation was confirmed with atomic force microscopy. In cells transfected with EGFP-tagged αSyn we observed reduced formation of aggresomes, perinuclear accumulations of αSyn aggregates. The results demonstrate that serum of healthy individuals contains nAbs that specifically bind αSyn and inhibit aggregation of αSyn in vitro. The addition of nAbs-αSyn to cultured cells affects intracellular αSyn aggregates. These findings help understanding the role of the innate immune systems for the pathogenesis of PD and suggest that systemic αSyn binding agents could potentially affect neuronal αSyn pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K. Braczynski
- Department of Neurology, RWTH University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (P.H.); (J.B.S.); (J.-P.B.)
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.K.); (E.D.A.); (M.S.); (D.W.)
| | - Marc Sevenich
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (M.S.); (I.G.)
- Priavoid GmbH, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ian Gering
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (M.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Tatsiana Kupreichyk
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.K.); (E.D.A.); (M.S.); (D.W.)
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (M.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Emil D. Agerschou
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.K.); (E.D.A.); (M.S.); (D.W.)
| | - Yannick Kronimus
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Duisburg, Germany;
| | - Pardes Habib
- Department of Neurology, RWTH University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (P.H.); (J.B.S.); (J.-P.B.)
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Stoldt
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.K.); (E.D.A.); (M.S.); (D.W.)
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (M.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Dieter Willbold
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.K.); (E.D.A.); (M.S.); (D.W.)
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (M.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Jörg B. Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (P.H.); (J.B.S.); (J.-P.B.)
- JARA-Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Jülich Aachen Research Alliance, FZ Jülich and RWTH University, 52428 Jülich, Germany
| | - Jan-Philipp Bach
- Department of Neurology, RWTH University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (P.H.); (J.B.S.); (J.-P.B.)
| | - Björn H. Falkenburger
- Department of Neurology, RWTH University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.K.B.); (P.H.); (J.B.S.); (J.-P.B.)
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.H.F.); (W.H.)
| | - Wolfgang Hoyer
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.K.); (E.D.A.); (M.S.); (D.W.)
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany; (M.S.); (I.G.)
- Correspondence: (B.H.F.); (W.H.)
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9
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Passive Immunization in Alpha-Synuclein Preclinical Animal Models. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020168. [PMID: 35204668 PMCID: PMC8961624 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synucleinopathies include Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, pure autonomic failure and multiple system atrophy. These are all progressive neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by pathological misfolding and accumulation of the protein alpha-synuclein (αsyn) in neurons, axons or glial cells in the brain, but also in other organs. The abnormal accumulation and propagation of pathogenic αsyn across the autonomic connectome is associated with progressive loss of neurons in the brain and peripheral organs, resulting in motor and non-motor symptoms. To date, no cure is available for synucleinopathies, and therapy is limited to symptomatic treatment of motor and non-motor symptoms upon diagnosis. Recent advances using passive immunization that target different αsyn structures show great potential to block disease progression in rodent studies of synucleinopathies. However, passive immunotherapy in clinical trials has been proven safe but less effective than in preclinical conditions. Here we review current achievements of passive immunotherapy in animal models of synucleinopathies. Furthermore, we propose new research strategies to increase translational outcome in patient studies, (1) by using antibodies against immature conformations of pathogenic αsyn (monomers, post-translationally modified monomers, oligomers and protofibrils) and (2) by focusing treatment on body-first synucleinopathies where damage in the brain is still limited and effective immunization could potentially stop disease progression by blocking the spread of pathogenic αsyn from peripheral organs to the brain.
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Fleming SM, Davis A, Simons E. Targeting alpha-synuclein via the immune system in Parkinson's disease: Current vaccine therapies. Neuropharmacology 2022; 202:108870. [PMID: 34742741 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is defined pathologically by the abnormal accumulation of the presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein (aSyn) in the form of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites and loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Because of aSyn's involvement in both sporadic and familial forms of PD, it has become a key target for the development of novel therapeutics. Aberrant aSyn is associated with multiple mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction and degeneration including inflammation, impaired mitochondrial function, altered protein degradation systems, and oxidative stress. Inflammation, in particular, has emerged as a potential significant contributor early in the disease making it an attractive target for disease modification and neuroprotection. Thus, immunotherapies targeting aSyn are currently being investigated in pre-clinical and clinical trials. The focus of this review is to highlight the role of aSyn in neuroinflammation and discuss the current status of aSyn-directed immunotherapies in pre-clinical and clinical trials for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila M Fleming
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, USA.
| | - Ashley Davis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, USA
| | - Emily Simons
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, USA
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11
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Ganguly U, Singh S, Chakrabarti S, Saini AK, Saini RV. Immunotherapeutic interventions in Parkinson's disease: Focus on α-Synuclein. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2021; 129:381-433. [PMID: 35305723 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized classically by motor manifestations. However, nonmotor symptoms appear early in the course of the disease progression, making both diagnosis and treatment difficult. The pathology of PD is complicated by the accumulation and aggregation of misfolded proteins in intracellular cytoplasmic inclusions called Lewy bodies (LBs). The main toxic component of LBs is the protein α-Synuclein which plays a pivotal role in PD pathogenesis. α-Synuclein can propagate from cell-to-cell exhibiting prion-like properties and spread PD pathology throughout the central nervous system. Immunotherapeutic interventions in PD, both active and passive immunization, have targeted α-Synuclein in both experimental models and clinical trials. In addition, targeting the hyperactive inflammation in PD also holds promise in designing potential immunotherapeutics. The inflammatory and proteotoxic pathways are interlinked and contribute immensely to the disease pathology. In this chapter, we critically review the targets of immunotherapeutic interventions in PD, focusing on the pathogenetic mechanisms of PD, particularly neuroinflammation and α-Synuclein misfolding, aggregation, and propagation. We thoroughly summarized the various immunotherapeutic strategies designed to treat PD-in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. The development of these targeted immunotherapies could open a new avenue in the treatment of patients with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upasana Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry and Central Research Cell, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar University (Deemed to be), Mullana, India
| | - Sukhpal Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Central Research Cell, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar University (Deemed to be), Mullana, India
| | - Sasanka Chakrabarti
- Department of Biochemistry and Central Research Cell, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar University (Deemed to be), Mullana, India
| | - Adesh K Saini
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, India
| | - Reena V Saini
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, India.
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Upcott M, Chaprov KD, Buchman VL. Toward a Disease-Modifying Therapy of Alpha-Synucleinopathies: New Molecules and New Approaches Came into the Limelight. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237351. [PMID: 34885933 PMCID: PMC8658846 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of the various products of alpha-synuclein aggregation has been associated with the etiology and pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative conditions, including both familial and sporadic forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). It is now well established that the aggregation and spread of alpha-synuclein aggregation pathology activate numerous pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to neurodegeneration and, ultimately, to disease progression. Therefore, the development of a safe and effective disease-modifying therapy that limits or prevents the accumulation of the toxic intermediate products of alpha-synuclein aggregation and the spread of alpha-synuclein aggregation pathology could provide significant positive clinical outcomes in PD/DLB cohorts. It has been suggested that this goal can be achieved by reducing the intracellular and/or extracellular levels of monomeric and already aggregated alpha-synuclein. The principal aim of this review is to critically evaluate the potential of therapeutic strategies that target the post-transcriptional steps of alpha-synuclein production and immunotherapy-based approaches to alpha-synuclein degradation in PD/DLB patients. Strategies aimed at the downregulation of alpha-synuclein production are at an early preclinical stage of drug development and, although they have shown promise in animal models of alpha-synuclein aggregation, many limitations need to be resolved before in-human clinical trials can be seriously considered. In contrast, many strategies aimed at the degradation of alpha-synuclein using immunotherapeutic approaches are at a more advanced stage of development, with some in-human Phase II clinical trials currently in progress. Translational barriers for both strategies include the limitations of alpha-synuclein aggregation models, poor understanding of the therapeutic window for the alpha-synuclein knockdown, and variability in alpha-synuclein pathology across patient cohorts. Overcoming such barriers should be the main focus of further studies. However, it is already clear that these strategies do have the potential to achieve a disease-modifying effect in PD and DLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Upcott
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK;
| | - Kirill D. Chaprov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy Proezd, Chernogolovk, 142432 Moscow, Russia;
- Belgorod State National Research University, 85 Pobedy Street, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Vladimir L. Buchman
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK;
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy Proezd, Chernogolovk, 142432 Moscow, Russia;
- Belgorod State National Research University, 85 Pobedy Street, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Chen YH, Yu SJ, Wu KJ, Wang YS, Tsai HM, Liao LW, Chen S, Hsieh W, Chen H, Hsu SC, Chen ML, Hoffer BJ, Wang Y. Downregulation of α-Synuclein Protein Levels by an Intracellular Single-Chain Antibody. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 10:573-590. [PMID: 32176654 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-191787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulation of α-synuclein (αSyn) in the dopaminergic neurons is a common pathology seen in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Overproduction of αSyn potentiates the formation of oligomeric αSyn aggregates and enhances dopaminergic neuron degeneration. Downregulating intracellular monomeric αSyn prevents the formation of αSyn oligomers and is a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate the progression of PD. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of gene delivery of αSyn-specific single-chain antibodies in vitro and in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS The plasmids for αSyn and selective antibodies (NAC32, D10, and VH14) were constructed and were transfected to HEK293 and SH-SY5Y cells. Co-expression of αSyn with NAC32, but not D10 or VH14, profoundly downregulated αSyn protein, but not αSyn mRNA levels in these cells. The interaction of αSyn and NAC32 antibody was next examined in vivo. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-αSyn combined with AAV-NAC32 or AAV-sc6H4 (a negative control virus) were stereotactically injected into the substantia nigra of adult rats. AAV-NAC32 significantly reduced AAV-encoded αSyn levels in the substantia nigra and striatum and increased tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the striatum. Also, in the animals injected with AAV-NAC32 alone, endogenous αSyn protein levels were significantly downregulated in the substantia nigra. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that AAV-mediated gene transfer of NAC32 is a feasible approach for reducing the expression of target αSyn protein in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Seong-Jin Yu
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Jen Wu
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Syuan Wang
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Min Tsai
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wen Liao
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shuchun Chen
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Engineering, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wei Hsieh
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Hsi Chen
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ching Hsu
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,PhD Program in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Liang Chen
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzy Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Barry J Hoffer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yun Wang
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
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Mortada I, Farah R, Nabha S, Ojcius DM, Fares Y, Almawi WY, Sadier NS. Immunotherapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Neurol 2021; 12:654739. [PMID: 34163421 PMCID: PMC8215715 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.654739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The current treatments for neurodegenerative diseases are mostly symptomatic without affecting the underlying cause of disease. Emerging evidence supports a potential role for immunotherapy in the management of disease progression. Numerous reports raise the exciting prospect that either the immune system or its derivative components could be harnessed to fight the misfolded and aggregated proteins that accumulate in several neurodegenerative diseases. Passive and active vaccinations using monoclonal antibodies and specific antigens that induce adaptive immune responses are currently under evaluation for their potential use in the development of immunotherapies. In this review, we aim to shed light on prominent immunotherapeutic strategies being developed to fight neuroinflammation-induced neurodegeneration, with a focus on innovative immunotherapies such as vaccination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Mortada
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Raymond Farah
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sanaa Nabha
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - David M Ojcius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Youssef Fares
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Y Almawi
- College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Najwane Said Sadier
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.,College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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15
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Castonguay AM, Gravel C, Lévesque M. Treating Parkinson's Disease with Antibodies: Previous Studies and Future Directions. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:71-92. [PMID: 33104039 PMCID: PMC7990466 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder mainly characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Degenerating neurons contain abnormal aggregates called Lewy bodies, that are predominantly composed of the misfolded and/or mutated alpha-synuclein protein. Post-translational modifications, cellular stress, inflammation and gene mutations are thought to trigger its pathological misfolding and aggregation. With alpha-synuclein pathology being strongly associated with dopaminergic neuronal toxicity, strategies aimed to reduce its burden are expected to be beneficial in slowing disease progression. Moreover, multiple sources of evidence suggest a cell-to-cell transmission of pathological alpha-synuclein in a prion-like manner. Therefore, antibodies targeting extra- or intracellular alpha-synuclein could be efficient in limiting the aggregation and transmission. Several active and passive immunization strategies have been explored to target alpha-synuclein. Here, we summarize immunotherapeutic approaches that were tested in pre-clinical or clinical studies in the last two decades in an attempt to treat Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Castonguay
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Gravel
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Lévesque
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Centre, 2601, chemin de la Canardière, Québec, QC, Canada
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Vedam-Mai V. Harnessing the immune system for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Brain Res 2021; 1758:147308. [PMID: 33524380 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Current treatment options for Parkinson's disease (PD) typically aim to replace dopamine, and hence only provide symptomatic relief. However, in the long run, this approach alone loses its efficacy as it is associated with debilitating side effects. Hence there is an unmet clinical need for addressing levodopa resistant symptoms, and an urgency to develop therapies that can halt or prevent the course of PD. The premise that α-syn can transmit from cell-to-cell in a prion like manner has opened up the possibility for the use of immunotherapy in PD. There is evidence for inflammation in PD as is evidenced by microglial activation, as well as the involvement of the peripheral immune system in PD, and peripheral inflammation can exacerbate dopaminergic degeneration as seen in animal models of the disease. However, mechanisms that link the immune system with PD are not clear, and the sequence of immune responses with respect to PD are still unknown. Nevertheless, our present knowledge offers avenues for the development of immune-based therapies for PD. In order to successfully employ such strategies, we must comprehend the state of the peripheral immune system during the course of PD. This review describes the developments in the field of both active and passive immunotherapies in the treatment of PD, and highlights the crucial need for future research for clarifying the role of inflammation and immunity in this debilitating disease.
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17
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Parkinson's disease in women: Mechanisms underlying sex differences. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 895:173862. [PMID: 33450279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease which is associated with different motor, cognitive and mood-related problems. Though it has been established that Parkinson's disease is less prevalent in women in comparison to men, the differences tend to diminish with the advancing age. Different genetic, hormonal, neuroendocrinal and molecular players contribute towards the differences in the Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, data available with respect to the therapeutic management of Parkinson's disease in females is limited; women often tend to suffer more from the side effects of the currently available drugs. The present review highlights the sex-specific differences which play a role in the manifestation of these symptoms and side effects of the currently available therapeutic strategies. We have also discussed the current and upcoming therapeutic strategies which are in the clinical trials such as adenosine 2A (A2A) receptor antagonists, estrogen replacement therapy, α-synuclein targeting vaccines and antibodies, Botulinum toxin A, Fas-associated factor-1 (FAF-1) inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, 5-HT1A receptor agonists, dopamine D1/D5 receptor agonists, Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogues and certain plant based principles for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in women.
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18
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Fouka M, Mavroeidi P, Tsaka G, Xilouri M. In Search of Effective Treatments Targeting α-Synuclein Toxicity in Synucleinopathies: Pros and Cons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:559791. [PMID: 33015057 PMCID: PMC7500083 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.559791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) represent pathologically similar, progressive neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the pathological aggregation of the neuronal protein α-synuclein. PD and DLB are characterized by the abnormal accumulation and aggregation of α-synuclein in proteinaceous inclusions within neurons named Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs), whereas in MSA α-synuclein inclusions are mainly detected within oligodendrocytes named glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs). The presence of pathologically aggregated α-synuclein along with components of the protein degradation machinery, such as ubiquitin and p62, in LBs and GCIs is considered to underlie the pathogenic cascade that eventually leads to the severe neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation that characterizes these diseases. Importantly, α-synuclein is proposed to undergo pathogenic misfolding and oligomerization into higher-order structures, revealing self-templating conformations, and to exert the ability of "prion-like" spreading between cells. Therefore, the manner in which the protein is produced, is modified within neural cells and is degraded, represents a major focus of current research efforts in the field. Given that α-synuclein protein load is critical to disease pathogenesis, the identification of means to limit intracellular protein burden and halt α-synuclein propagation represents an obvious therapeutic approach in synucleinopathies. However, up to date the development of effective therapeutic strategies to prevent degeneration in synucleinopathies is limited, due to the lack of knowledge regarding the precise mechanisms underlying the observed pathology. This review critically summarizes the recent developed strategies to counteract α-synuclein toxicity, including those aimed to increase protein degradation, to prevent protein aggregation and cell-to-cell propagation, or to engage antibodies against α-synuclein and discuss open questions and unknowns for future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria Xilouri
- Center of Clinical Research, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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19
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Subbarayan MS, Hudson C, Moss LD, Nash KR, Bickford PC. T cell infiltration and upregulation of MHCII in microglia leads to accelerated neuronal loss in an α-synuclein rat model of Parkinson's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:242. [PMID: 32799878 PMCID: PMC7429710 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01911-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent movement disorder characterized by up to 80% loss of dopamine (DA) neurons and accumulation of Lewy body deposits composed of α-synuclein (α-syn). Accumulation of α-syn is associated with microglial activation, leading to a pro-inflammatory environment linked with the pathogenesis of PD. Along with microglia, CD4 and CD8 T cells are observed in SNpc. The contribution of T-cells to PD development remains unclear with studies demonstrating that they may mediate neurodegeneration or act in a neuroprotective manner. METHODS Here, we assessed the contribution of T cells to PD neurodegeneration using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) coding human wild-type α-syn or GFP injected into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) in T cell deficient (athymic nude) and T cell competent (heterozygous) rats. The rats were behaviorally assessed with cylinder test to test paw bias. Following behavior testing, brains were collected and analyzed for markers of dopamine neuron, microglial activation, T cells, and α-syn expression. RESULTS Injection of AAV9-α-syn unilaterally into the SN of T cell competent rats resulted in a significant paw bias in comparison to the controls at 60 days post-injection. Conversely, T cell-deficient rats injected with AAV9-α-syn showed no deficit in paw bias. As expected, injected T cell competent rats demonstrated a significant increase in microglial activation (MHCII staining) as well as significant dopaminergic neuron loss. In contrast, the T cell-deficient counterparts did not show a significant increase in microglial activation or significant neuron loss compared to the control animals. We also observed CD4 and CD8 T cells in SNpc following microglial MHCII expression and dopaminergic neuron loss. The time course of T cell entry correlates with upregulation of MHCII and the peak loss of TH+ cells in the SNpc. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that T cell infiltration and microglial upregulation of MHCII are involved in α-synuclein-mediated DA neuron loss in this rat model of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meena S Subbarayan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL-33612, USA
- Center for Excellence in Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL-33612, USA
| | - Charles Hudson
- Research Service, James A Haley Veterans Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL-33612, USA
| | - Lauren D Moss
- Center for Excellence in Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL-33612, USA
| | - Kevin R Nash
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL-33612, USA
| | - Paula C Bickford
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL-33612, USA.
- Center for Excellence in Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL-33612, USA.
- Research Service, James A Haley Veterans Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL-33612, USA.
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Abstract
Background Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Pathologic diagnosis of PD relies on loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra and accumulation of the abnormal protein α-synuclein in the form of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Alteration in aggregation properties of this protein is believed to play a central role in the pathogenesis of PD. Observations Huge interest has developed in antibody-based therapies for PD. Several studies have tested immunotherapies in PD animal models with the aim of targeting α-synuclein. Immunotherapies can be instituted in 2 ways: active immunization in which the immune system is stimulated to produce antibodies against α-synuclein or passive immunization in which antibodies against α-synuclein are directly administered. Conclusions Immunotherapy against α-synuclein has provided a new therapeutic avenue in neuroprotection. Results from the first human clinical trial are promising, but despite these results, more work is needed to clarify the role of α-synuclein in the pathogenesis of PD in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariha Jamal
- is an Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine and an Assistant Clinical Director at the Parkinson's Disease Research Education and Clinical Center, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas
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21
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Kwon S, Iba M, Kim C, Masliah E. Immunotherapies for Aging-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases-Emerging Perspectives and New Targets. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:935-954. [PMID: 32347461 PMCID: PMC7222955 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00853-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and vascular dementia (VCID) have no disease-modifying treatments to date and now constitute a dementia crisis that affects 5 million in the USA and over 50 million worldwide. The most common pathological hallmark of these age-related neurodegenerative diseases is the accumulation of specific proteins, including amyloid beta (Aβ), tau, α-synuclein (α-syn), TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP43), and repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) peptides, in the intra- and extracellular spaces of selected brain regions. Whereas it remains controversial whether these accumulations are pathogenic or merely a byproduct of disease, the majority of therapeutic research has focused on clearing protein aggregates. Immunotherapies have garnered particular attention for their ability to target specific protein strains and conformations as well as promote clearance. Immunotherapies can also be neuroprotective: by neutralizing extracellular protein aggregates, they reduce spread, synaptic damage, and neuroinflammation. This review will briefly examine the current state of research in immunotherapies against the 3 most commonly targeted proteins for age-related neurodegenerative disease: Aβ, tau, and α-syn. The discussion will then turn to combinatorial strategies that enhance the effects of immunotherapy against aggregating protein, followed by new potential targets of immunotherapy such as aging-related processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somin Kwon
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Michiyo Iba
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Changyoun Kim
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Molecular Neuropathology Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Mijanović O, Branković A, Borovjagin AV, Butnaru DV, Bezrukov EA, Sukhanov RB, Shpichka A, Timashev P, Ulasov I. Battling Neurodegenerative Diseases with Adeno-Associated Virus-Based Approaches. Viruses 2020; 12:E460. [PMID: 32325732 PMCID: PMC7232215 DOI: 10.3390/v12040460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are most commonly found in adults and remain essentially incurable. Gene therapy using AAV vectors is a rapidly-growing field of experimental medicine that holds promise for the treatment of NDDs. To date, the delivery of a therapeutic gene into target cells via AAV represents a major obstacle in the field. Ideally, transgenes should be delivered into the target cells specifically and efficiently, while promiscuous or off-target gene delivery should be minimized to avoid toxicity. In the pursuit of an ideal vehicle for NDD gene therapy, a broad variety of vector systems have been explored. Here we specifically outline the advantages of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vector systems for NDD therapy application. In contrast to many reviews on NDDs that can be found in the literature, this review is rather focused on AAV vector selection and their preclinical testing in experimental and preclinical NDD models. Preclinical and in vitro data reveal the strong potential of AAV for NDD-related diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olja Mijanović
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia;
| | - Ana Branković
- Department of Forensics, University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Belgrade 11000, Serbia;
| | - Anton V. Borovjagin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Denis V. Butnaru
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.V.B.); (A.S.); (P.T.)
| | - Evgeny A. Bezrukov
- Institute for Uronephrology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (E.A.B.); (R.B.S.)
| | - Roman B. Sukhanov
- Institute for Uronephrology and Reproductive Health, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (E.A.B.); (R.B.S.)
| | - Anastasia Shpichka
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.V.B.); (A.S.); (P.T.)
| | - Peter Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (D.V.B.); (A.S.); (P.T.)
- Institute of Photonic Technologies, Research Center “Crystallography and Photonics”, Russian Academy of Sciences, Troitsk, Moscow 142190, Russia
- Department of Polymers and Composites, N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Ilya Ulasov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia;
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23
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Teil M, Arotcarena ML, Faggiani E, Laferriere F, Bezard E, Dehay B. Targeting α-synuclein for PD Therapeutics: A Pursuit on All Fronts. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10030391. [PMID: 32138193 PMCID: PMC7175302 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is characterized both by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the presence of cytoplasmic inclusions called Lewy Bodies. These Lewy Bodies contain the aggregated α-synuclein (α-syn) protein, which has been shown to be able to propagate from cell to cell and throughout different regions in the brain. Due to its central role in the pathology and the lack of a curative treatment for PD, an increasing number of studies have aimed at targeting this protein for therapeutics. Here, we reviewed and discussed the many different approaches that have been studied to inhibit α-syn accumulation via direct and indirect targeting. These analyses have led to the generation of multiple clinical trials that are either completed or currently active. These clinical trials and the current preclinical studies must still face obstacles ahead, but give hope of finding a therapy for PD with time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Teil
- Univ. de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; (M.T.); (M.-L.A.); (E.F.); (F.L.); (E.B.)
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Laure Arotcarena
- Univ. de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; (M.T.); (M.-L.A.); (E.F.); (F.L.); (E.B.)
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Emilie Faggiani
- Univ. de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; (M.T.); (M.-L.A.); (E.F.); (F.L.); (E.B.)
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Florent Laferriere
- Univ. de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; (M.T.); (M.-L.A.); (E.F.); (F.L.); (E.B.)
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Univ. de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; (M.T.); (M.-L.A.); (E.F.); (F.L.); (E.B.)
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Benjamin Dehay
- Univ. de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; (M.T.); (M.-L.A.); (E.F.); (F.L.); (E.B.)
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence:
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24
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Fatoba O, Ohtake Y, Itokazu T, Yamashita T. Immunotherapies in Huntington's disease and α-Synucleinopathies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:337. [PMID: 32161599 PMCID: PMC7052383 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of immune activation using immunotherapy has attracted considerable attention for many years as a potential therapeutic intervention for several inflammation-associated neurodegenerative diseases. However, the efficacy of single-target immunotherapy intervention has shown limited or no efficacy in alleviating disease burden and restoring functional capacity. Marked immune system activation and neuroinflammation are important features and prodromal signs in polyQ repeat disorders and α-synucleinopathies. This review describes the current status and future directions of immunotherapies in proteinopathy-induced neurodegeneration with emphasis on preclinical and clinical efficacies of several anti-inflammatory compounds and antibody-based therapies for the treatment of Huntington's disease and α-synucleinopathies. The review concludes with how disease modification and functional restoration could be achieved by using targeted multimodality therapy to target multiple factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Fatoba
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,WPI -Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yosuke Ohtake
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takahide Itokazu
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,WPI -Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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25
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Ciccocioppo F, Bologna G, Ercolino E, Pierdomenico L, Simeone P, Lanuti P, Pieragostino D, Del Boccio P, Marchisio M, Miscia S. Neurodegenerative diseases as proteinopathies-driven immune disorders. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:850-856. [PMID: 31719246 PMCID: PMC6990794 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.268971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders, the role of misfolded protein deposition leading to neurodegeneration has been primarily discussed. In the last decade, however, it has been proposed a parallel involvement of innate immune activation, chronic inflammation and adaptive immunity in the neurodegeneration mechanisms triggered by proteinopathies. New insights in the neurodegenerative field strongly suggest a role for the immune system in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the hypothesis underlining the modulation of the innate and the adaptive immune system in the events linked to brain deposition of misfolded proteins could open new perspectives in the setting of specific immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we have reviewed the pathogenic hypothesis in neurodegenerative pathologies, underling the links between the deposition of misfolded protein mechanisms and the immune activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fausta Ciccocioppo
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science; Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Bologna
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science; Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Eva Ercolino
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science; Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Pierdomenico
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science; Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Pasquale Simeone
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science; Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science; Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Damiana Pieragostino
- Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT); Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Piero Del Boccio
- Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT); Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Marchisio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science; Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Miscia
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science; Centre on Aging Sciences and Translational Medicine (Ce.S.I-MeT), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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26
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Henderson MX, Covell DJ, Chung CHY, Pitkin RM, Sandler RM, Decker SC, Riddle DM, Zhang B, Gathagan RJ, James MJ, Trojanowski JQ, Brunden KR, Lee VMY, Luk KC. Characterization of novel conformation-selective α-synuclein antibodies as potential immunotherapeutic agents for Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 136:104712. [PMID: 31837422 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are progressive neurodegenerative diseases for which there is no disease-modifying treatment. PD and DLB are characterized by aggregation of the synaptic protein α-synuclein, and there is compelling evidence to suggest that progression of these diseases is associated with the trans-cellular spread of pathogenic α-synuclein through the brains of afflicted individuals. Therapies targeting extracellular, pathogenic α-synuclein may therefore hold promise for slowing or halting disease progression. In this regard, it has been suggested that highly-selective antibodies can be administered as therapeutic agents targeting pathogenic proteins. In the current study, we screened a series of antibodies using multiple selection criterion to identify those that selectively bind pathogenic α-synuclein and show potent inhibition of pathology seeding in a neuronal model of α-synucleinopathy. A lead antibody was tested in a mouse model of PD, and it was able to reduce the spread of α-synuclein pathology in the brain and attenuate dopamine reductions in the striatum. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of α-synuclein immunotherapy for the treatment of PD and DLB, and provides a framework for screening of α-synuclein antibodies to identify those with preferred properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael X Henderson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dustin J Covell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Charlotte Hiu-Yan Chung
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rose M Pitkin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Raizel M Sandler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Samantha C Decker
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dawn M Riddle
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ronald J Gathagan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael J James
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kurt R Brunden
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Virginia M Y Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kelvin C Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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27
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α-Synuclein pathology in Parkinson's disease and related α-synucleinopathies. Neurosci Lett 2019; 709:134316. [PMID: 31170426 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over 20 years ago, the synaptic protein α-synuclein was identified as the primary component of the Lewy bodies (LBs) that are a sine qua non of Parkinson's disease (PD). Since that time, extensive research has demonstrated that α-synuclein pathology is not only a hallmark of PD, but can also cause neuronal dysfunction and death. Detailed staging of α-synuclein pathology in the brains of patients has revealed a progressive pattern of pathology that correlates with the symptoms of disease. Early in the disease course, PD patients exhibit motor dysfunction, and α-synuclein pathology at this stage is primarily found in regions controlling motor function. At later stages of disease as patients' cognitive function deteriorates, α-synuclein pathology can be found in cortical structures responsible for higher cognitive processing. The stereotypical progression of α-synuclein pathology through the brain over time suggests that there may be a physical transmission of pathological α-synuclein from one area of the brain to another. The transmission hypothesis posits that an initial seed of pathological α-synuclein in one neuron may be released and taken up by another vulnerable neuron and thereby initiate pathological misfolding of α-synuclein in the recipient neuron. In recent years, convergent evidence from various studies has indicated that pathological protein transmission can occur in the human brain. Cell and animal models based on the transmission hypothesis have shown not only that pathological α-synuclein can be transmitted from cell-to-cell, but that this pathology can lead to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. The α-synuclein transmission hypothesis has profound implications for treatment of what is currently an intractable neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we explore the evidence for cell-to-cell transmission of pathological α-synuclein, the current understanding of how pathological α-synuclein can move to a new cell and template misfolding, and the therapeutic implications of α-synuclein transmission.
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28
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Shen N, Song G, Yang H, Lin X, Brown B, Hong Y, Cai J, Cao C. Identifying the Pathological Domain of Alpha- Synuclein as a Therapeutic for Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2338. [PMID: 31083520 PMCID: PMC6539124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein is considered the major pathological protein associated with Parkinson's disease, but there is still no effective immunotherapy which targets alpha-synuclein. In order to create a safer and more effective therapy against PD, we are targeting an epitope of alpha-synuclein rather than full-length alpha-synuclein. We have selected several antigenic domains (B-cell epitope) through antigenicity prediction, and also made several recombinant protein fragments from alpha-synuclein upon antigenicity prediction in an E. coli system. We then tested the function of each of the peptides and recombinant fragments in aggregation, their toxicity and antigenicity. We have discovered that the full-length recombinant (aa1-140) can aggregate into oligomers or even fibrils, and fragment aa15-65 can promote the aggregation of aa1-140. It is worth noting that it not only promotes whole protein aggregation, but also self-aggregates as seen by western blotting and silver staining assays. We have tested all candidates on primary neurons for their toxicity and discovered that aa15-65 is the most toxic domain compared to all other fragments. The antibody targeting this domain also showed both anti-aggregation activity and some therapeutic effect. Therefore, we believe that we have identified the most potent therapeutic domain of alpha synuclein as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Shen
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Ge Song
- Department of Surgery of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China.
| | - Haiqiang Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Xiaoyang Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Breanna Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Yuzhu Hong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Chuanhai Cao
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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29
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Wang Z, Gao G, Duan C, Yang H. Progress of immunotherapy of anti-α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 115:108843. [PMID: 31055236 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive loss of neurons and abnormal protein accumulation, including amyloid (A)β and tau in Alzheimer's disease and Lewy bodies and α-synuclein (α-syn) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent evidence suggests that adaptive immunity plays an important role in PD, and that anti-α-syn antibodies can be used as therapy in neurodegenerative diseases; monoclonal antibodies were shown to inhibit α-syn propagation and aggregation in PD models and patients. In this review, we summarize the different pathological states of α-syn, including gene mutations, truncation, phosphorylation, and the high molecular weight form, and describe the specific antibodies that recognize the α-syn monomer or oligomer, some of which have been tested in clinic trials. We also discuss future research directions and potential targets in PD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Wang
- Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center of Parkinson Disease Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory for Neural Regeneration and Repair, Beijing Key Laboratory on Parkinson's Disease, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ge Gao
- Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center of Parkinson Disease Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory for Neural Regeneration and Repair, Beijing Key Laboratory on Parkinson's Disease, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Chunli Duan
- Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center of Parkinson Disease Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory for Neural Regeneration and Repair, Beijing Key Laboratory on Parkinson's Disease, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center of Parkinson Disease Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory for Neural Regeneration and Repair, Beijing Key Laboratory on Parkinson's Disease, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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30
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Overk C, Masliah E. Dale Schenk One Year Anniversary: Fighting to Preserve the Memories. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 62:1-13. [PMID: 29439357 DOI: 10.3233/jad-171071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
It has been a year since we lost Dale Schenk on September 30, 2016. Dale's visionary work resulted in the remarkable discovery in 1999 that an experimental amyloid-β (Aβ) vaccine reduced the neurodegeneration in a transgenic model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Following Dale's seminal work, several active and passive immunotherapies have since been developed and tested in the clinic for AD, Parkinson's disease (PD), and other neurodegenerative disorders. Here we provide a brief overview of the current state of development of immunotherapy for AD, PD, and other neurodegenerative disorders in the context of this anniversary. The next steps in the development of immunotherapies will require combinatorial approaches mixing antibodies against various targets (e.g., Aβ, α-syn, Tau, and TDP43) with small molecules that block toxicity, aggregation, inflammation, and promote cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassia Overk
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Division of Neurosciences and Molecular Neuropathology Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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31
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Tansey MG, Romero-Ramos M. Immune system responses in Parkinson's disease: Early and dynamic. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 49:364-383. [PMID: 30474172 PMCID: PMC6391192 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) are the degeneration and death of dopamine-producing neurons in the ventral midbrain, the widespread intraneuronal aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α) in Lewy bodies and neurites, neuroinflammation, and gliosis. Signs of microglia activation in the PD brain postmortem as well as during disease development revealed by neuroimaging, implicate immune responses in the pathophysiology of the disease. Intensive research during the last two decades has advanced our understanding of the role of these responses in the disease process, yet many questions remain unanswered. A transformative finding in the field has been the confirmation that in vivo microglia are able to respond directly to pathological a-syn aggregates but also to neuronal dysfunction due to intraneuronal a-syn toxicity well in advance of neuronal death. In addition, clinical research and disease models have revealed the involvement of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Indeed, the data suggest that PD leads not only to a microglia response, but also to a cellular and humoral peripheral immune response. Together, these findings compel us to consider a more holistic view of the immunological processes associated with the disease. Central and peripheral immune responses aimed at maintaining neuronal health will ultimately have consequences on neuronal survival. We will review here the most significant findings that have contributed to the current understanding of the immune response in PD, which is proposed to occur early, involve peripheral and brain immune cells, evolve as neuronal dysfunction progresses, and is likely to influence disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malú G Tansey
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Marina Romero-Ramos
- Department of Biomedicine, Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, & AU IDEAS center NEURODIN, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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32
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Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Target Alpha-Synuclein and Related Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020105. [PMID: 30708997 PMCID: PMC6406239 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is significantly influenced by disease-causing changes in the protein alpha-Synuclein (aSyn). It can trigger and promote intracellular stress and thereby impair the function of dopaminergic neurons. However, these damage mechanisms do not only extend to neuronal cells, but also affect most glial cell populations, such as astroglia and microglia, but also T lymphocytes, which can no longer maintain the homeostatic CNS milieu because they produce neuroinflammatory responses to aSyn pathology. Through precise neuropathological examination, molecular characterization of biomaterials, and the use of PET technology, it has been clearly demonstrated that neuroinflammation is involved in human PD. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of the pathomechanisms that aSyn elicits in models of disease and focus on the affected glial cell and lymphocyte populations and their interaction with pathogenic aSyn species. The interplay between aSyn and glial cells is analyzed both in the basic research setting and in the context of human neuropathology. Ultimately, a strong rationale builds up to therapeutically reduce the burden of pathological aSyn in the CNS. The current antibody-based approaches to lower the amount of aSyn and thereby alleviate neuroinflammatory responses is finally discussed as novel therapeutic strategies for PD.
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33
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Ahmady Phoulady H, Goldgof D, Hall LO, Nash KR, Mouton PR. Automatic stereology of mean nuclear size of neurons using an active contour framework. J Chem Neuroanat 2019; 96:110-115. [PMID: 30630013 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The use of unbiased stereology to quantify structural parameters such as mean cell and nuclear size (area and volume) can be useful for a wide variety of biological studies. Here we propose a novel segmentation framework using an Active Contour Model to automate the collection of stereology from stained cells and other objects in tissue sections. This approach is demonstrated for stained brain sections from young adult Fischer 344 rats. Animals were perfused in-vivo with 4% paraformaldehyde and sectioned by frozen microtomy at an instrument setting of 40 μm. For each rat brain, a systematic-random set of sections through the entire substantia nigra pars compacta (SN) were immunostained to reveal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunopositive neurons. The novel framework applied an active contour (modified balloon snake) model with non-constant balloon force to automatically segment and quantify neuronal cell bodies by stereological point counting (SPC). Several contours were initialized in the image and based on the contour fit after 200 iterations classified as immunopositive (signal) or background contours in a sequential manner. Cell contours were determined in four steps based on several criteria, e.g., area of contour, dispersion measure, and degree of overlap. The image was automatically segmented according to the final contours. Using a point grid automatically generated at systematic-random orientations over the images, points hitting the segmented neural cell bodies were automatically counted. The final values from the automatic framework were compared with findings for ground truth (manual SPC). The results of this study show a strong agreement between data collected by the automatic framework and the ground truth (R2 ≥ 0.95) with a 5× gain in time efficiency for the automatic SPC. These findings give strong support for future applications of pattern recognition for assessing stereological parameters of biological objects identified by high signal:noise stains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hady Ahmady Phoulady
- Department of Computer Science, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME, United States.
| | - Dmitry Goldgof
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Lawrence O Hall
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Kevin R Nash
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Peter R Mouton
- Byrd Alzheimer's Disease Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States; SRC Biosciences, Tampa, FL, United States
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34
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Kumar NN, Pizzo ME, Nehra G, Wilken-Resman B, Boroumand S, Thorne RG. Passive Immunotherapies for Central Nervous System Disorders: Current Delivery Challenges and New Approaches. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:3937-3966. [PMID: 30265523 PMCID: PMC7234797 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Passive immunotherapy, i.e., the administration of exogenous antibodies that recognize a specific target antigen, has gained significant momentum as a potential treatment strategy for several central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and brain cancer, among others. Advances in antibody engineering to create therapeutic antibody fragments or antibody conjugates have introduced new strategies that may also be applied to treat CNS disorders. However, drug delivery to the CNS for antibodies and other macromolecules has thus far proven challenging, due in large part to the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers that greatly restrict transport of peripherally administered molecules from the systemic circulation into the CNS. Here, we summarize the various passive immunotherapy approaches under study for the treatment of CNS disorders, with a primary focus on disease-specific and target site-specific challenges to drug delivery and new, cutting edge methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyanta N. Kumar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
| | - Michelle E. Pizzo
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
- Clinical Neuroengineering Training Program, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Geetika Nehra
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
| | - Brynna Wilken-Resman
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
| | - Sam Boroumand
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
| | - Robert G. Thorne
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
- Clinical Neuroengineering Training Program, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Neuroscience Training Program & Center for
Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United
States
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Training Program,
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
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Abstract
Symptomatic treatment options for Parkinson disease have steadily improved, and individualized therapeutic approaches are becoming established for every stage of the disease. However, disease-modifying therapy with a causal approach is still unavailable. The central causative role of alpha-synuclein pathology, including its progressive spread to most areas of the CNS, has been widely recognized, and a strong involvement of immune responses has recently been discovered. New immunologic technologies have been shown to effectively prevent the progression of alpha-synuclein pathology in animal models. These approaches have recently been translated into the first human clinical trials, representing a novel starting point for the causal therapy of Parkinson disease. In this review, the pathomechanistic role of alpha-synuclein and its influence on the surrounding cellular environment are analyzed with a strong focus on immune responses and neuroinflammation. The potential of novel immunotherapeutic approaches that reduce the burden of alpha-synuclein pathology in the CNS is critically evaluated, and currently ongoing human clinical trials are presented. The clinical development of these new immunotherapies is progressing rapidly and gives reason to hope that a causal therapy of Parkinson disease could be possible in the foreseeable future.
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Crowley EK, Nolan YM, Sullivan AM. Exercise as a therapeutic intervention for motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: Evidence from rodent models. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 172:2-22. [PMID: 30481560 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterised by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway, which leads to the cardinal motor symptoms of the disease - tremor, rigidity and postural instability. A number of non-motor symptoms are also associated with PD, including cognitive impairment, mood disturbances and dysfunction of gastrointestinal and autonomic systems. Current therapies provide symptomatic relief but do not halt the disease process, so there is an urgent need for preventative strategies. Lifestyle interventions such as aerobic exercise have shown potential to lower the risk of developing PD and to alleviate both motor and non-motor symptoms. However, there is a lack of large-scale randomised clinical trials that have employed exercise in PD patients. This review will focus on the evidence from studies on rodent models of PD, for employing exercise as an intervention for both motor and non-motor symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Crowley
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Y M Nolan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - A M Sullivan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Ireland.
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Zhang G, Xia Y, Wan F, Ma K, Guo X, Kou L, Yin S, Han C, Liu L, Huang J, Xiong N, Wang T. New Perspectives on Roles of Alpha-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:370. [PMID: 30524265 PMCID: PMC6261981 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the synucleinopathies spectrum of disorders typified by the presence of intraneuronal protein inclusions. It is primarily composed of misfolded and aggregated forms of alpha-synuclein (α-syn), the toxicity of which has been attributed to the transition from an α-helical conformation to a β-sheetrich structure that polymerizes to form toxic oligomers. This could spread and initiate the formation of “LB-like aggregates,” by transcellular mechanisms with seeding and subsequent permissive templating. This hypothesis postulates that α-syn is a prion-like pathological agent and responsible for the progression of Parkinson’s pathology. Moreover, the involvement of the inflammatory response in PD pathogenesis has been reported on the excessive microglial activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. At last, we describe several treatment approaches that target the pathogenic α-syn protein, especially the oligomers, which are currently being tested in advanced animal experiments or are already in clinical trials. However, there are current challenges with therapies that target α-syn, for example, difficulties in identifying varying α-syn conformations within different individuals as well as both the cost and need of long-duration large trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Xia
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Wan
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Ma
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingfang Guo
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Kou
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sijia Yin
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Neurology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinsha Huang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nian Xiong
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Kim C, Spencer B, Rockenstein E, Yamakado H, Mante M, Adame A, Fields JA, Masliah D, Iba M, Lee HJ, Rissman RA, Lee SJ, Masliah E. Immunotherapy targeting toll-like receptor 2 alleviates neurodegeneration in models of synucleinopathy by modulating α-synuclein transmission and neuroinflammation. Mol Neurodegener 2018; 13:43. [PMID: 30092810 PMCID: PMC6085656 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-018-0276-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synucleinopathies of the aging population are an heterogeneous group of neurological disorders that includes Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and are characterized by the progressive accumulation of α-synuclein in neuronal and glial cells. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), a pattern recognition immune receptor, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies because TLR2 is elevated in the brains of patients with PD and TLR2 is a mediator of the neurotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects of extracellular α-synuclein aggregates. Therefore, blocking TLR2 might alleviate α-synuclein pathological and functional effects. For this purpose, herein, we targeted TLR2 using a functional inhibitory antibody (anti-TLR2). METHODS Two different human α-synuclein overexpressing transgenic mice were used in this study. α-synuclein low expresser mouse (α-syn-tg, under the PDGFβ promoter, D line) was stereotaxically injected with TLR2 overexpressing lentivirus to demonstrate that increment of TLR2 expression triggers neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. α-synuclein high expresser mouse (α-Syn-tg; under mThy1 promoter, Line 61) was administrated with anti-TLR2 to examine that functional inhibition of TLR2 ameliorates neuropathology and behavioral defect in the synucleinopathy animal model. In vitro α-synuclein transmission live cell monitoring system was used to evaluate the role of TLR2 in α-synuclein cell-to-cell transmission. RESULTS We demonstrated that administration of anti-TLR2 alleviated α-synuclein accumulation in neuronal and astroglial cells, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and behavioral deficits in an α-synuclein tg mouse model of PD/DLB. Moreover, in vitro studies with neuronal and astroglial cells showed that the neuroprotective effects of anti-TLR2 antibody were mediated by blocking the neuron-to-neuron and neuron-to-astrocyte α-synuclein transmission which otherwise promotes NFκB dependent pro-inflammatory responses. CONCLUSION This study proposes TLR2 immunotherapy as a novel therapeutic strategy for synucleinopathies of the aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyoun Kim
- Molecular Neuropathology Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
- Department Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, and Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080 Korea
| | - Brian Spencer
- Department Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Edward Rockenstein
- Department Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Hodaka Yamakado
- Department Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Michael Mante
- Department Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Anthony Adame
- Department Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Jerel Adam Fields
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Deborah Masliah
- Department Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Michiyo Iba
- Molecular Neuropathology Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - He-Jin Lee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029 Korea
| | - Robert A. Rissman
- Department Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
| | - Seung-Jae Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, and Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080 Korea
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Molecular Neuropathology Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
- Department Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093 USA
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39
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Ferreira SA, Romero-Ramos M. Microglia Response During Parkinson's Disease: Alpha-Synuclein Intervention. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:247. [PMID: 30127724 PMCID: PMC6087878 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the central role played by the protein alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and other Lewy body brain disorders has had a great relevance in the understanding of the degenerative process occurring in these diseases. In addition, during the last two decades, the evidence suggesting an immune response in Parkinson's disease patients have multiplied. The role of the immune system in the disease is supported by data from genetic studies and patients, as well as from laboratory animal models and cell cultures. In the immune response, the microglia, the immune cell of the brain, will have a determinant role. Interestingly, alpha-synuclein is suggested to have a central function not only in the neuronal events occurring in Parkinson's disease, but also in the immune response during the disease. Numerous studies have shown that alpha-synuclein can act directly on immune cells, such as microglia in brain, initiating a sterile response that will have consequences for the neuronal health and that could also translate in a peripheral immune response. In parallel, microglia should also act clearing alpha-synuclein thus avoiding an overabundance of the protein, which is crucial to the disease progression. Therefore, the microglia response in each moment will have significant consequences for the neuronal fate. Here we will review the literature addressing the microglia response in Parkinson's disease with an especial focus on the protein alpha-synuclein. We will also reflect upon the limitations of the studies carried so far and in the therapeutic possibilities opened based on these recent findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Ferreira
- AU IDEAS center NEURODIN, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marina Romero-Ramos
- AU IDEAS center NEURODIN, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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40
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Trigo-Damas I, del Rey NLG, Blesa J. Novel models for Parkinson’s disease and their impact on future drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:229-239. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1428556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Trigo-Damas
- HM CINAC, Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, Móstoles, Spain
- CIBERNED, Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Javier Blesa
- HM CINAC, Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, Móstoles, Spain
- CIBERNED, Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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41
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Rockenstein E, Ostroff G, Dikengil F, Rus F, Mante M, Florio J, Adame A, Trinh I, Kim C, Overk C, Masliah E, Rissman RA. Combined Active Humoral and Cellular Immunization Approaches for the Treatment of Synucleinopathies. J Neurosci 2018; 38:1000-1014. [PMID: 29246926 PMCID: PMC5783958 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1170-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson's disease, and Multiple System Atrophy are age-related neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) and jointly termed synucleinopathies. Currently, no disease-modifying treatments are available for these disorders. Previous preclinical studies demonstrate that active and passive immunizations targeting α-syn partially ameliorate behavioral deficits and α-syn accumulation; however, it is unknown whether combining humoral and cellular immunization might act synergistically to reduce inflammation and improve microglial-mediated α-syn clearance. Since combined delivery of antigen plus rapamycin (RAP) in nanoparticles is known to induce antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs), we adapted this approach to α-syn using the antigen-presenting cell-targeting glucan microparticle (GP) vaccine delivery system. PDGF-α-syn transgenic (tg) male and female mice were immunized with GP-alone, GP-α-syn (active humoral immunization), GP+RAP, or GP+RAP/α-syn (combined active humoral and Treg) and analyzed using neuropathological and biochemical markers. Active immunization resulted in higher serological total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a anti-α-syn levels. Compared with mice immunized with GP-alone or GP-α-syn, mice vaccinated with GP+RAP or GP+RAP/α-syn displayed increased numbers of CD25-, FoxP3-, and CD4-positive cells in the CNS. GP-α-syn or GP+RAP/α-syn immunizations resulted in a 30-45% reduction in α-syn accumulation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Mice immunized with GP+RAP/α-syn further rescued neurons and reduced neuroinflammation. Levels of TGF-β1 were increased with GP+RAP/α-syn immunization, while levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were reduced. We conclude that the observed effects of GP+RAP/α-syn immunization support the hypothesis that cellular immunization may enhance the effects of active immunotherapy for the treatment of synucleinopathies.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We show that a novel vaccination modality combining an antigen-presenting cell-targeting glucan particle (GP) vaccine delivery system with encapsulated antigen (α-synuclein) + rapamycin (RAP) induced both strong anti-α-synuclein antibody titers and regulatory T cells (Tregs). This vaccine, collectively termed GP+RAP/α-syn, is capable of triggering neuroprotective Treg responses in synucleinopathy models, and the combined vaccine is more effective than the humoral or cellular immunization alone. Together, these results support the further development of this multifunctional vaccine approach for the treatment of synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple systems atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Rockenstein
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0624
| | - Gary Ostroff
- University of Mass Massachusetts Medical School, Program in Molecular Medicine Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Fusun Dikengil
- University of Mass Massachusetts Medical School, Program in Molecular Medicine Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Florentina Rus
- University of Mass Massachusetts Medical School, Program in Molecular Medicine Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Michael Mante
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0624
| | - Jazmin Florio
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0624
| | - Anthony Adame
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0624
| | - Ivy Trinh
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0624
| | - Changyoun Kim
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0624
- Molecular Neuropathology Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, and
| | - Cassia Overk
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0624
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0624
- Molecular Neuropathology Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, and
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0624,
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, California 92161
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Mochizuki H, Choong CJ, Masliah E. A refined concept: α-synuclein dysregulation disease. Neurochem Int 2018; 119:84-96. [PMID: 29305061 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
α-synuclein (αSyn) still remains a mysterious protein even two decades after SNCA encoding it was identified as the first causative gene of familial Parkinson's disease (PD). Accumulation of αSyn causes α-synucleinopathies including PD, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Recent advances in therapeutic approaches offer new antibody-, vaccine-, antisense-oligonucleotide- and small molecule-based options to reduce αSyn protein levels and aggregates in patient's brain. Gathering research information of other neurological disease particularly Alzheimer's disease, recent disappointment of an experimental amyloid plaques busting antibody in clinical trials underscores the difficulty of treating people who show even mild dementia as damage in their brain may already be too extensive. Prodromal intervention to inhibit the accumulation of pathogenic protein may advantageously provide a better outcome. However, treatment prior to onset is not ethically justified as standard practice at present. In this review, we initiate a refined concept to define early pathogenic state of αSyn accumulation before occurrence of brain damage as a disease criterion for αSyn dysregulation disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Chi-Jing Choong
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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43
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Maiti P, Manna J, Dunbar GL. Current understanding of the molecular mechanisms in Parkinson's disease: Targets for potential treatments. Transl Neurodegener 2017; 6:28. [PMID: 29090092 PMCID: PMC5655877 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-017-0099-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gradual degeneration and loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, pars compacta and subsequent reduction of dopamine levels in striatum are associated with motor deficits that characterize Parkinson’s disease (PD). In addition, half of the PD patients also exhibit frontostriatal-mediated executive dysfunction, including deficits in attention, short-term working memory, speed of mental processing, and impulsivity. The most commonly used treatments for PD are only partially or transiently effective and are available or applicable to a minority of patients. Because, these therapies neither restore the lost or degenerated dopaminergic neurons, nor prevent or delay the disease progression, the need for more effective therapeutics is critical. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the molecular signaling pathways involved in PD, particularly within the context of how genetic and environmental factors contribute to the initiation and progression of this disease. The involvement of molecular chaperones, autophagy-lysosomal pathways, and proteasome systems in PD are also highlighted. In addition, emerging therapies, including pharmacological manipulations, surgical procedures, stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, as well as complementary, supportive and rehabilitation therapies to prevent or delay the progression of this complex disease are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panchanan Maiti
- Field Neurosciences Institute Laboratory for Restorative Neurology, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859 USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859 USA.,Department of Psychology, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859 USA.,Field Neurosciences Institute, St. Mary's of Michigan, Saginaw, MI 48604 USA.,Department of Biology, Saginaw Valley State University, Saginaw, MI 48604 USA
| | - Jayeeta Manna
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38105 USA
| | - Gary L Dunbar
- Field Neurosciences Institute Laboratory for Restorative Neurology, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859 USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859 USA.,Department of Psychology, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859 USA.,Field Neurosciences Institute, St. Mary's of Michigan, Saginaw, MI 48604 USA
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44
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Braczynski AK, Schulz JB, Bach JP. Vaccination strategies in tauopathies and synucleinopathies. J Neurochem 2017; 143:467-488. [PMID: 28869766 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination therapies constitute potential treatment options in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease or Parkinson disease. While a lot of research has been performed on vaccination against extracellular amyloid β, the focus recently shifted toward vaccination against the intracellular proteins tau and α-synuclein, with promising results in terms of protein accumulation reduction. In this review, we briefly summarize lessons to be learned from clinical vaccination trials in Alzheimer disease that target amyloid β. We then focus on tau and α-synuclein. For both proteins, we provide important data on protein immunogenicity, and put them into context with data available from both animals and human vaccination trials targeted at tau and α-synuclein. Together, we give a comprehensive overview about current clinical data, and discuss associated problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Braczynski
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.,Jülich Aachen Research Alliance (JARA) - JARA-Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, FZ Jülich and RWTH University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jan-Philipp Bach
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
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45
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Dhillon JKS, Riffe C, Moore BD, Ran Y, Chakrabarty P, Golde TE, Giasson BI. A novel panel of α-synuclein antibodies reveal distinctive staining profiles in synucleinopathies. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184731. [PMID: 28910367 PMCID: PMC5599040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the intracellular deposition of the protein α-synuclein leading to multiple outcomes, including dementia and Parkinsonism. Recent findings support the notion that across the spectrum of synucleinopathies there exist diverse but specific biochemical modifications and/or structural conformations of α-synuclein, which would give rise to protein strain specific prion-like intercellular transmission, a proposed model that could explain synucleinopathies disease progression. Herein, we characterized a panel of antibodies with epitopes within both the C- and N- termini of α-synuclein. A comprehensive analysis of human pathological tissue and mouse models of synucleinopathy with these antibodies support the notion that α-synuclein exists in distinct modified forms and/or structural variants. Furthermore, these well-characterized and specific tools allow the investigation of biochemical changes associated with α-synuclein inclusion formation. We have identified several antibodies of interest with diverse staining and epitope properties that will prove useful in future investigations of strain specific disease progression and the development of targeted immunotherapeutic approaches to synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess-Karan S. Dhillon
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Cara Riffe
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Brenda D. Moore
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Yong Ran
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Paramita Chakrabarty
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Todd E. Golde
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Benoit I. Giasson
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Doucet M, El-Turabi A, Zabel F, Hunn BH, Bengoa-Vergniory N, Cioroch M, Ramm M, Smith AM, Gomes AC, Cabral de Miranda G, Wade-Martins R, Bachmann MF. Preclinical development of a vaccine against oligomeric alpha-synuclein based on virus-like particles. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181844. [PMID: 28797124 PMCID: PMC5552317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive and currently incurable neurological disorder characterised by the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein (a-syn). Oligomeric a-syn is proposed to play a central role in spreading protein aggregation in the brain with associated cellular toxicity contributing to a progressive neurological decline. For this reason, a-syn oligomers have attracted interest as therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative conditions such as PD and other alpha-synucleinopathies. In addition to strategies using small molecules, neutralisation of the toxic oligomers by antibodies represents an attractive and highly specific strategy for reducing disease progression. Emerging active immunisation approaches using vaccines are already being trialled to induce such antibodies. Here we propose a novel vaccine based on the RNA bacteriophage (Qbeta) virus-like particle conjugated with short peptides of human a-syn. High titres of antibodies were successfully and safely generated in wild-type and human a-syn over-expressing (SNCA-OVX) transgenic mice following vaccination. Antibodies from vaccine candidates targeting the C-terminal regions of a-syn were able to recognise Lewy bodies, the hallmark aggregates in human PD brains. Furthermore, antibodies specifically targeted oligomeric and aggregated a-syn as they exhibited 100 times greater affinity for oligomeric species over monomer a-syn proteins in solution. In the SNCA-OVX transgenic mice used, vaccination was, however, unable to confer significant changes to oligomeric a-syn bioburden. Similarly, there was no discernible effect of vaccine treatment on behavioural phenotype as compared to control groups. Thus, antibodies specific for oligomeric a-syn induced by vaccination were unable to treat symptoms of PD in this particular mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Doucet
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Aadil El-Turabi
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Benjamin H.M. Hunn
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nora Bengoa-Vergniory
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Milena Cioroch
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mauricio Ramm
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amy M. Smith
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ariane Cruz Gomes
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gustavo Cabral de Miranda
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (RWM); (MFB)
| | - Martin F. Bachmann
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Immunology, Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy (RIA), Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (RWM); (MFB)
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Animal models of α-synucleinopathy for Parkinson disease drug development. Nat Rev Neurosci 2017; 18:515-529. [DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2017.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Si X, Pu J, Zhang B. Structure, Distribution, and Genetic Profile of α-Synuclein and Their Potential Clinical Application in Parkinson's Disease. J Mov Disord 2017; 10:69-79. [PMID: 28479587 PMCID: PMC5435834 DOI: 10.14802/jmd.16061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, is characterized by the loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons. PD leads to a series of clinical symptoms, including motor and non-motor disturbances. α-synuclein, the major component of Lewy bodies, is a hallmark lesion in PD. In this review, we concentrate on presenting the latest research on the structure, distribution, and function of α-synuclein, and its interactions with PD. We also summarize the clinic applications of α-synuclein, which suggest its use as a biomarker, and the latest progress in α-synuclein therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Si
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiali Pu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baorong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Albert K, Voutilainen MH, Domanskyi A, Airavaara M. AAV Vector-Mediated Gene Delivery to Substantia Nigra Dopamine Neurons: Implications for Gene Therapy and Disease Models. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8020063. [PMID: 28208742 PMCID: PMC5333052 DOI: 10.3390/genes8020063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene delivery using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is a widely used method to transduce neurons in the brain, especially due to its safety, efficacy, and long-lasting expression. In addition, by varying AAV serotype, promotor, and titer, it is possible to affect the cell specificity of expression or the expression levels of the protein of interest. Dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra projecting to the striatum, comprising the nigrostriatal pathway, are involved in movement control and degenerate in Parkinson’s disease. AAV-based gene targeting to the projection area of these neurons in the striatum has been studied extensively to induce the production of neurotrophic factors for disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson’s disease. Much less emphasis has been put on AAV-based gene therapy targeting dopamine neurons in substantia nigra. We will review the literature related to targeting striatum and/or substantia nigra dopamine neurons using AAVs in order to express neuroprotective and neurorestorative molecules, as well as produce animal disease models of Parkinson’s disease. We discuss difficulties in targeting substantia nigra dopamine neurons and their vulnerability to stress in general. Therefore, choosing a proper control for experimental work is not trivial. Since the axons along the nigrostriatal tract are the first to degenerate in Parkinson’s disease, the location to deliver the therapy must be carefully considered. We also review studies using AAV-α-synuclein (α-syn) to target substantia nigra dopamine neurons to produce an α-syn overexpression disease model in rats. Though these studies are able to produce mild dopamine system degeneration in the striatum and substantia nigra and some behavioural effects, there are studies pointing to the toxicity of AAV-carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP), which is often used as a control. Therefore, we discuss the potential difficulties in overexpressing proteins in general in the substantia nigra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Albert
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Merja H Voutilainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
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50
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Valera E, Monzio Compagnoni G, Masliah E. Review: Novel treatment strategies targeting alpha-synuclein in multiple system atrophy as a model of synucleinopathy. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2016; 42:95-106. [PMID: 26924723 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders with alpha-synuclein (α-syn) accumulation (synucleinopathies) include Parkinson's disease (PD), PD dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Due to the involvement of toxic α-syn aggregates in the molecular origin of these disorders, developing effective therapies targeting α-syn is a priority as a disease-modifying alternative to current symptomatic treatments. Importantly, the clinical and pathological attributes of MSA make this disorder an excellent candidate as a synucleinopathy model for accelerated drug development. Recent therapeutic strategies targeting α-syn in in vivo and in vitro models of MSA, as well as in clinical trials, have been focused on the pathological mechanisms of α-syn synthesis, aggregation, clearance, and/or cell-to-cell propagation of its neurotoxic conformers. Here we summarize the most relevant approaches in this direction, with emphasis on their potential as general synucleinopathy modifiers, and enumerate research areas for potential improvement in MSA drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Valera
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - G Monzio Compagnoni
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - E Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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