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Zhai Z, Kong F, Zhu Z, Dai J, Cai J, Xie D, Shen Y, Xu Y, Sun T. Effect and Potential Mechanism of Immunotherapy on Cognitive Deficits in Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 32:555-583. [PMID: 38158285 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immunotherapy has been reported to ameliorate Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the animal model; however, the immunologic approaches and mechanisms have not been specifically described. Thus, the systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to explore the effect and potential mechanism of immunotherapy on AD animal experiments based on behavioral indicators. METHODS According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and the inclusion/exclusion criteria of immunotherapy in animal studies, 15 studies were systematically reviewed after extraction from a collected database of 3,742 publications. Finally, the effect and mechanism of immunotherapy on AD models were described by performing multiple subgroup analyses. RESULTS After immunotherapy, the escape latency was reduced by 18.15 seconds and the number of crossings over the platform location was increased by 1.60 times in the Morris Water Maze. Furthermore, compared to the control group, active and passive immunization could markedly ameliorate learning and memory impairment in 3 × Tg AD animal models, and active immunization could ameliorate the learning and memory ability of the APPswe/PS1ΔE9 AD animal model. Meanwhile, it could be speculated that cognitive dysfunction was improved by immunotherapy, perhaps mainly via reducing Aβ40, Aβ42, and Tau levels, as well as increasing IL-4 levels. CONCLUSION Immunotherapy significantly ameliorated the cognitive dysfunction of AD animal models by assessing behavioral indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Zhai
- School of Intelligent Medicine (ZZ, FK, ZZ, JD, JC, TS), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Fanjing Kong
- School of Intelligent Medicine (ZZ, FK, ZZ, JD, JC, TS), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Zhishan Zhu
- School of Intelligent Medicine (ZZ, FK, ZZ, JD, JC, TS), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Jingyi Dai
- School of Intelligent Medicine (ZZ, FK, ZZ, JD, JC, TS), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Jie Cai
- School of Intelligent Medicine (ZZ, FK, ZZ, JD, JC, TS), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Danni Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy (DX, YS, TS), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuzhao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy (DX, YS, TS), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Xu
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province (YX), Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Tao Sun
- School of Intelligent Medicine (ZZ, FK, ZZ, JD, JC, TS), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China; State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy (DX, YS, TS), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
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Vicidomini C, Borbone N, Roviello V, Roviello GN, Oliviero G. Summary of the Current Status of DNA Vaccination for Alzheimer Disease. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1706. [PMID: 38006038 PMCID: PMC10674988 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is one of the most common and disabling neuropathies in the ever-growing aged population around the world, that especially affects Western countries. We are in urgent need of finding an effective therapy but also a valid prophylactic means of preventing AD. There is a growing attention currently paid to DNA vaccination, a technology particularly used during the COVID-19 era, which can be used also to potentially prevent or modify the course of neurological diseases, including AD. This paper aims to discuss the main features and hurdles encountered in the immunization and therapy against AD using DNA vaccine technology. Ultimately, this work aims to effectively promote the efforts in research for the development of safe and effective DNA and RNA vaccines for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Vicidomini
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Italian National Council for Research (IBB-CNR), Area di Ricerca Site and Headquarters, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Borbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Roviello
- Center for Life Sciences and Technologies (CESTEV), University of Naples Federico II, Via Tommaso De Amicis 95, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Italian National Council for Research (IBB-CNR), Area di Ricerca Site and Headquarters, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgia Oliviero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Gadhave K, Kumar D, Uversky VN, Giri R. A multitude of signaling pathways associated with Alzheimer's disease and their roles in AD pathogenesis and therapy. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:2689-2745. [PMID: 32783388 PMCID: PMC7876169 DOI: 10.1002/med.21719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The exact molecular mechanisms associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology continue to represent a mystery. In the past decades, comprehensive data were generated on the involvement of different signaling pathways in the AD pathogenesis. However, the utilization of signaling pathways as potential targets for the development of drugs against AD is rather limited due to the immense complexity of the brain and intricate molecular links between these pathways. Therefore, finding a correlation and cross-talk between these signaling pathways and establishing different therapeutic targets within and between those pathways are needed for better understanding of the biological events responsible for the AD-related neurodegeneration. For example, autophagy is a conservative cellular process that shows link with many other AD-related pathways and is crucial for maintenance of the correct cellular balance by degrading AD-associated pathogenic proteins. Considering the central role of autophagy in AD and its interplay with many other pathways, the finest therapeutic strategy to fight against AD is the use of autophagy as a target. As an essential step in this direction, this comprehensive review represents recent findings on the individual AD-related signaling pathways, describes key features of these pathways and their cross-talk with autophagy, represents current drug development, and introduces some of the multitarget beneficial approaches and strategies for the therapeutic intervention of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kundlik Gadhave
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
- Laboratory of New Methods in Biology, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Rajanish Giri
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
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4
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Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) vaccination is one of the last therapeutic options after two decades of stagnation in terms of drug development. About 140 (85%) immunization procedures against Aβ deposition and 25 (15%) against Tau have been reported, but no Food and Drug Administration approval of any AD vaccine has been achieved. This might be attributed to deficient pathogenic targets, inappropriate models, defective immunotherapeutic procedures, and inadequate clinical trial design.Areas covered: The issues covered include the following: AD pathogenic mechanisms, rationale for active and passive immunization, vaccine targets, anti-Aβ/Tau vaccines, vaccine technologies, animal models, and clinical trials.Expert opinion: A vaccine against AD is technically feasible; however, important methodological aspects should be changed for a tentative clinical success, including (i) the development of multitarget AD immunotherapies; (ii) the optimization of antibody titers and epitopes; (iii) the pharmacogenetic/pharmacoepigenetic validation of the immunization procedure; (iv) the prophylactic treatment of genetically stratified patients at a pre-symptomatic stage; and (v) the definition of primary endpoints in prevention, based on objective/multifactorial biomarkers. Even with exquisite protocols, a successful vaccine would be potentially useful in at most 20-30% of defined cases, according to the genetic, epigenetic, and pharmacogenetic background of AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Cacabelos
- EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, International Center of Neuroscience and Genomic Medicine, Corunna, Spain
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Martins YA, Tsuchida CJ, Antoniassi P, Demarchi IG. Efficacy and Safety of the Immunization with DNA for Alzheimer's Disease in Animal Models: A Systematic Review from Literature. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2017; 1:195-217. [PMID: 30480238 PMCID: PMC6159633 DOI: 10.3233/adr-170025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that does not have a proven cure; however, one of the most promising strategies for its treatment has been DNA vaccines. OBJECTIVE The present review is aimed to report the new developments of the efficacy and safety of DNA vaccines for AD in animal models. METHOD The method PRISMA was used for this review. The article search was made in the electronic databases PubMed, LILACS, and Scopus using the descriptors ''Alzheimer disease" and ''Vaccine, DNA". Articles published between January 2001 and September 2017 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were included. RESULTS Upon the consensus, the researchers identified 28 original articles. The studies showed satisfying results as for the decrease of amyloid plaques in mouse, rabbits, and monkeys brains using mostly the DNA Aβ42 vaccine, AV-1955, and AdPEDI-(Aβ1-6)11, mainly with a gene gun. In addition to a reduction in tau by the first DNA vaccine (AV-1980D) targeting this protein. The use of adjuvants and boosters also had positive results as they increased the destruction of the amyloid plaques and induced an anti-inflammatory response profile without side effects. CONCLUSION The results of DNA vaccines targeting the amyloid-β and the tau protein with or without adjuvants and boosters were promising in reducing amyloid plaques and tau protein without side effects in animals. Although there are many vaccines being tested in animals, few reach clinical trials. Thus, as a future perspective, we suggest that clinical studies should be conducted with vaccines that have been promising in animal models (e.g., DNA Aβ42 vaccine, AV-1955, and AdPEDI-(Aβ1-6)11).
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Co-immunization with DNA and protein mixture: a safe and efficacious immunotherapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease in PDAPP mice. Sci Rep 2015; 5:7771. [PMID: 25586780 PMCID: PMC4293606 DOI: 10.1038/srep07771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Active immunotherapy targeting β-amyloid (Aβ) is the most promising strategy to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). Based on pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, a safe and effective AD vaccine requires a delicate balance between providing therapeutically adequate anti-Aβ antibodies and eliminating or suppressing unwanted adverse T cell-mediated inflammatory reactions. We describe here the immunological characterization and protective efficacy of co-immunization with a 6Aβ15-T DNA and protein mixture without adjuvant as an AD immunotherapeutic strategy. Impressively, this co-immunization induced robust Th2-polarized Aβ-specific antibodies while simultaneously suppressed unwanted inflammatory T cell reactions and avoiding Aβ42-specific T cell-mediated autoimmune responses in immunized mice. Co-immunization with the DNA + protein vaccine could overcome Aβ42-associated hypo-responsiveness and elicit long-term Aβ-specific antibody responses, which helped to maintain antibody-mediated clearance of amyloid and accordingly alleviated AD symptoms in co-immunized PDAPP mice. Our DNA and protein combined vaccine, which could induce an anti-inflammatory Th2 immune response with high level Aβ-specific antibodies and low level IFN-γ production, also demonstrated the capacity to inhibit amyloid accumulation and prevent cognitive dysfunction. Hence, co-immunization with antigen-matched DNA and protein may represent a novel and efficacious strategy for AD immunotherapy to eliminate T cell inflammatory reactions while retaining high level antibody responses.
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Sha S, Xing XN, Cao YP. Active immunotherapy facilitates Aβ plaque removal following through microglial activation without obvious T cells infiltrating the CNS. J Neuroimmunol 2014; 274:62-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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8
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Evans CF, Davtyan H, Petrushina I, Hovakimyan A, Davtyan A, Hannaman D, Cribbs DH, Agadjanyan MG, Ghochikyan A. Epitope-based DNA vaccine for Alzheimer's disease: translational study in macaques. Alzheimers Dement 2014; 10:284-95. [PMID: 23916838 PMCID: PMC3825833 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2013.04.505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trials with passive and active Alzheimer's disease (AD) vaccines suggest that early interventions are needed for improvement of cognitive and/or functional performance in patients, providing impetus for the development of safe and immunologically potent active vaccines targeting amyloid β (Aβ). The AN-1792 trial has indicated that Aβ-specific T cells may be unsafe for humans; therefore, other vaccines based on small Aβ epitopes are undergoing preclinical and clinical testing. METHODS Humoral and cellular immune responses elicited in response to a novel DNA epitope-based vaccine (AV-1955) delivered to rhesus macaques using the TriGrid electroporation device were evaluated. Functional activities of anti-Aβ antibodies generated in response to vaccination were assessed in vitro. RESULTS AV-1955 generates long-term, potent anti-Aβ antibodies and cellular immune responses specific to foreign T-helper epitopes but not to self-Aβ. CONCLUSIONS This translational study demonstrates that a DNA-based epitope vaccine for AD could be appropriate for human clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hayk Davtyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA, USA; Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Irina Petrushina
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Armine Hovakimyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA, USA
| | - Arpine Davtyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA, USA
| | | | - David H Cribbs
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Michael G Agadjanyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA, USA; Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Anahit Ghochikyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, CA, USA
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Rosales-Mendoza S, Rubio-Infante N, Zarazúa S, Govea-Alonso DO, Martel-Gallegos G, Moreno-Fierros L. Plant-based vaccines for Alzheimer's disease: an overview. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 13:429-41. [PMID: 24405291 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2014.874948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Plants are considered advantageous platforms for biomanufacturing recombinant vaccines. This constitutes a field of intensive research and some plant-derived vaccines are expected to be marketed in the near future. In particular, plant-based production of immunogens targeting molecules with implications on the pathology of Alzheimer's has been explored over the last decade. These efforts involve targeting amyloid beta and β-secretase with several immunogen configurations that have been evaluated in test animals. The results of these developments are analyzed in this review. Perspectives on the topic are identified, such as exploring additional antigen configurations and adjuvants in order to improve immunization schemes, characterizing in detail the elicited immune responses, and immunological considerations in the achievement of therapeutic humoral responses via mucosal immunization. Safety concerns related to these therapies will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí , Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, SLP, 78210 , México
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Cacabelos R, Cacabelos P, Torrellas C, Tellado I, Carril JC. Pharmacogenomics of Alzheimer's disease: novel therapeutic strategies for drug development. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1175:323-556. [PMID: 25150875 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0956-8_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major problem of health and disability, with a relevant economic impact on our society. Despite important advances in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, its primary causes still remain elusive, accurate biomarkers are not well characterized, and the available pharmacological treatments are not cost-effective. As a complex disorder, AD is a polygenic and multifactorial clinical entity in which hundreds of defective genes distributed across the human genome may contribute to its pathogenesis. Diverse environmental factors, cerebrovascular dysfunction, and epigenetic phenomena, together with structural and functional genomic dysfunctions, lead to amyloid deposition, neurofibrillary tangle formation, and premature neuronal death, the major neuropathological hallmarks of AD. Future perspectives for the global management of AD predict that genomics and proteomics may help in the search for reliable biomarkers. In practical terms, the therapeutic response to conventional drugs (cholinesterase inhibitors, multifactorial strategies) is genotype-specific. Genomic factors potentially involved in AD pharmacogenomics include at least five categories of gene clusters: (1) genes associated with disease pathogenesis; (2) genes associated with the mechanism of action of drugs; (3) genes associated with drug metabolism (phase I and II reactions); (4) genes associated with drug transporters; and (5) pleiotropic genes involved in multifaceted cascades and metabolic reactions. The implementation of pharmacogenomic strategies will contribute to optimize drug development and therapeutics in AD and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Cacabelos
- Chair of Genomic Medicine, Camilo José Cela University, 28692, Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain,
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McGeer PL, McGeer EG. The amyloid cascade-inflammatory hypothesis of Alzheimer disease: implications for therapy. Acta Neuropathol 2013; 126:479-97. [PMID: 24052108 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-013-1177-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The amyloid cascade hypothesis is widely accepted as the centerpiece of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathogenesis. It proposes that abnormal production of beta amyloid protein (Abeta) is the cause of AD and that the neurotoxicity is due to Abeta itself or its oligomeric forms. We suggest that this, in itself, cannot be the cause of AD because demonstrating such toxicity requires micromolar concentrations of these Abeta forms, while their levels in brain are a million times lower in the picomolar range. AD probably results from the inflammatory response induced by extracellular Abeta deposits, which later become enhanced by aggregates of tau. The inflammatory response, which is driven by activated microglia, increases over time as the disease progresses. Disease-modifying therapeutic attempts to date have failed and may continue to do so as long as the central role of inflammation is not taken into account. Multiple epidemiological and animal model studies show that NSAIDs, the most widely used antiinflammatory agents, have a substantial sparing effect on AD. These studies provide a proof of concept regarding the anti-inflammatory approach to disease modification. Biomarker studies have indicated that early intervention may be necessary. They have established that disease onset occurs more than a decade before it becomes clinically evident. By combining biomarker and pathological data, it is possible to define six phases of disease development, each separated by about 5 years. Phase one can be identified by decreases in Abeta in the CSF, phase 2 by increases of tau in the CSF plus clear evidence of Abeta brain deposits by PET scanning, phase 3 by slight decreases in brain metabolic rate by PET-FDG scanning, phase 4 by slight decreases in brain volume by MRI scanning plus minimal cognitive impairment, phase 5 by increased scanning abnormalities plus clinical diagnosis of AD, and phase 6 by advanced AD requiring institutional care. Utilization of antiinflammatory agents early in the disease process remains an overlooked therapeutic opportunity. Such agents, while not preventative, have the advantage of being able to inhibit the consequences of both Abeta and tau aggregation. Since there is more than a decade between disease onset and cognitive decline, a window of opportunity exists to introduce truly effective disease-modifying regimens. Taking advantage of this opportunity is the challenge for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L McGeer
- Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z3, Canada,
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Liu LY, Ma YY, Yang T, Li X, Li W. The neuroprotective effect of immune serum of adeno-associated virus vaccine containing Aβ1-15 gene on amyloid toxicity. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2013; 16:603-8. [PMID: 24339589 PMCID: PMC3841610 DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.120489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the effect of adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 2 vector vaccine containing amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) 1-15 gene fragment (AAV-Aβ15) immunized mice sera on counteracting Aβ1-42 peptide toxicity towards a primary culture cortical neurons. MATERIALS AND METHODS BALB/c mice were vaccinated via the intramuscular immunization route with AAV-Aβ15. The anti-Aβ antibody titer of immunized mice sera was quantified by sandwich Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. The toxicity of Aβ1-42 peptide on neurons was assessed by morphology with an inverse microscopy and cell viability was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RESULTS AAV-Aβ15 could induce an Aβ-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) humoral immune response in /c mice the anti-Aβ antibodies were detectable at 1 month after immunization, significantly increased at 2 and 4 months after immunization, and the immunized sera could attenuate cytotoxicity of Aβ1-42 peptide on primary culture cortical neurons. CONCLUSIONS The immune serum of AAV-Aβ15 could play a neuroprotective effect against Aβ1-42 peptide toxicity, which would be beneficial for Alzheimer's disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Yangpu Central Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Yang
- Cancer Stem Cell Institute, Research Center for Translational Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Neurology, Yangpu Central Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Neurology, Yangpu Central Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Yu YZ, Wang S, Bai JY, Zhao M, Chen A, Wang WB, Chang Q, Liu S, Qiu WY, Pang XB, Xu Q, Sun ZW. Effective DNA epitope chimeric vaccines for Alzheimer's disease using a toxin-derived carrier protein as a molecular adjuvant. Clin Immunol 2013; 149:11-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2013.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Camboni M, Wang CM, Miranda C, Yoon JH, Xu R, Zygmunt D, Kaspar BK, Martin PT. Active and passive immunization strategies based on the SDPM1 peptide demonstrate pre-clinical efficacy in the APPswePSEN1dE9 mouse model for Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 62:31-43. [PMID: 24021662 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical and pre-clinical studies suggest that both active and passive immunization strategies targeting Aβ amyloid may have clinical benefit in Alzheimer's disease. Here, we demonstrate that vaccination of APPswePSEN1dE9 mice with SDPM1, an engineered non-native Aβ amyloid-specific binding peptide, lowers brain Aβ amyloid plaque burden and brain Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 peptide levels, improves cognitive learning and memory in Morris water maze tests and increases the expression of synaptic brain proteins. This was the case in young mice immunized prior to development of significant brain amyloid burden, and in older mice, where brain amyloid was already present. Active immunization was optimized using ALUM as an adjuvant to stimulate production of anti-SDPM1 and anti-Aβ amyloid antibodies. Intracerebral injection of P4D6, an SDPM1 peptide-mimotope antibody, also lowered brain amyloid plaque burden in APPswePSEN1dE9 mice. Additionally, P4D6 inhibited Aβ amyloid-mediated toxicity in cultured neuronal cells. The protein sequence of the variable domain within the P4D6 heavy chain was found to mimic a multimer of the SDPM1 peptide motif. These data demonstrate the efficacy of active and passive vaccine strategies to target Aβ amyloid oligomers using an engineered peptide-mimotope strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marybeth Camboni
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Chiou-Miin Wang
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Carlos Miranda
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Jung Hae Yoon
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Rui Xu
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Deborah Zygmunt
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Brian K Kaspar
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Paul T Martin
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, USA; Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, USA.
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Madeo J, Frieri M. Alzheimer's disease and immunotherapy. Aging Dis 2013; 4:210-220. [PMID: 23936745 PMCID: PMC3733584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 03/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing health care epidemic. It is the most common cause of dementia and its incidence is rising. Age, which influences the oxidative and inflammatory states of the brain, is the most important risk factor. Currently there is no disease modifying treatments available for this irreversible, progressive debilitating disease. Immunotherapy represents an emerging, potentially disease modifying strategy aimed at reducing the pathological lesions of AD and facilitating cognitive improvement. Many clinical trials are currently underway. This literature review highlights current knowledge regarding the physiology of aging and how it relates to the pathogenesis of AD. In addition, immunotherapy is discussed in the context of its mechanism, current studies and future goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Madeo
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Jennifer Madeo DO, PhD, Department of Medicine, Nassau University Medical Center, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike East Meadow NY 11554, USA.
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Cappellano G, Carecchio M, Fleetwood T, Magistrelli L, Cantello R, Dianzani U, Comi C. Immunity and inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE 2013; 2:89-107. [PMID: 23844334 PMCID: PMC3703122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Immune reactions inside the central nervous system are finely regulated, thanks to the presence of several checkpoints that have the fundamental purpose to preserve this fragile tissue form harmful events. The current knowledge on the role of neuroinflammation and neuro-immune interactions in the fields of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease is reviewed. Moreover, a focus on the potential role of both active and passive immunotherapy is provided. Finally, we propose a common perspective, which implies that, under pathological conditions, inflammation may exert both detrimental and protective functions, depending on local factors and the timing of immune activation and shutting-off systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cappellano
- Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Eastern Piedmont, “Amedeo Avogadro”Novara, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, “Amedeo Avogadro”Novara, Italy
| | - Miryam Carecchio
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Neurology, University of Eastern Piedmont, “Amedeo Avogadro”Novara, Italy
| | - Thomas Fleetwood
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Neurology, University of Eastern Piedmont, “Amedeo Avogadro”Novara, Italy
| | - Luca Magistrelli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Neurology, University of Eastern Piedmont, “Amedeo Avogadro”Novara, Italy
| | - Roberto Cantello
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Neurology, University of Eastern Piedmont, “Amedeo Avogadro”Novara, Italy
| | - Umberto Dianzani
- Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Eastern Piedmont, “Amedeo Avogadro”Novara, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, “Amedeo Avogadro”Novara, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Comi
- Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Eastern Piedmont, “Amedeo Avogadro”Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Neurology, University of Eastern Piedmont, “Amedeo Avogadro”Novara, Italy
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17
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Leclerc B, Abulrob A. Perspectives in molecular imaging using staging biomarkers and immunotherapies in Alzheimer's disease. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:589308. [PMID: 23476143 PMCID: PMC3576798 DOI: 10.1155/2013/589308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an emerging chronic illness characterized by a progressive pleiotropic pathophysiological mode of actions triggered during the senescence process and affecting the elderly worldwide. The complex molecular mechanisms of AD not only are supported by cholinergic, beta-amyloid, and tau theories but also have a genetic basis that accounts for the difference in symptomatology processes activation among human population which will evolve into divergent neuropathological features underlying cognitive and behaviour alterations. Distinct immune system tolerance could also influence divergent responses among AD patients treated by immunotherapy. The complexity in nature increases when taken together the genetic/immune tolerance with the patient's brain reserve and with neuropathological evolution from early till advance AD clinical stages. The most promising diagnostic strategies in today's world would consist in performing high diagnostic accuracy of combined modality imaging technologies using beta-amyloid 42 peptide-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) positron emission tomography (PET), Pittsburgh compound B-PET, fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, total and phosphorylated tau-CSF, and volumetric magnetic resonance imaging hippocampus biomarkers for criteria evaluation and validation. Early diagnosis is the challenge task that needs to look first at plausible mechanisms of actions behind therapies, and combining them would allow for the development of efficient AD treatment in a near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Leclerc
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8M5
| | - Abedelnasser Abulrob
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8M5
- Institute for Biological Sciences, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Building M-54, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0R6
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18
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Shuai H, Zhang J, Zhang J, Xie J, Zhang M, Ma J, Zhang L, Wang X. Role of stereotaxically injected IgG from db/db mice in the phosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau in hippocampus. Brain Res 2012; 1486:14-26. [PMID: 23036273 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
People with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) mellitus are high risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) via several plausible pathways. However, the underlying mechanisms have been still unclear, and the relation of immune injury to the pathogenesis of T2DM-related AD is not yet completely understood. Our present study aimed to elucidate the possible role of immunoglobulin IgG in the immune process of AD associated with T2DM in db/db mice. Hippocampi of 20 db/db mice and 20 C57BL/6 mice were subjected to immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays. The phosphorylation of tau, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β and AKT activity was examined by Western blot analysis. IgG purified from the sera of IgG deposit-positive db/db mice was stereotaxically injected into the hippocampi of another 12 db/db mice and 12 C57BL/6 mice. The phosphorylation of tau, Abeta, GSK-3β and AKT activity was analyzed. Compared with the C57BL/6 control, 13 of the 20 db/db mice exhibited high levels of IgG deposits in the hippocampus. Treatment with IgG triggered tau hyperphosphorylations and Abeta deposition, which are likely major factors in AD. Meanwhile, IgG inhibited AKT phosphorylation and promoted GSK-3β activity. The IgG deposits observed in some db/db mice were possibly related to the impairment of T2DM-related AD development. Some autoimmune processes may be involved in AD in type 2 diabetes mellitus development at the level of the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Shuai
- Department of Endocrinology, XiangYang Central Hospital, XiangYang, China
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19
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Cribbs DH, Berchtold NC, Perreau V, Coleman PD, Rogers J, Tenner AJ, Cotman CW. Extensive innate immune gene activation accompanies brain aging, increasing vulnerability to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration: a microarray study. J Neuroinflammation 2012; 9:179. [PMID: 22824372 PMCID: PMC3419089 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-9-179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study undertakes a systematic and comprehensive analysis of brain gene expression profiles of immune/inflammation-related genes in aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods In a well-powered microarray study of young (20 to 59 years), aged (60 to 99 years), and AD (74 to 95 years) cases, gene responses were assessed in the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, superior frontal gyrus, and post-central gyrus. Results Several novel concepts emerge. First, immune/inflammation-related genes showed major changes in gene expression over the course of cognitively normal aging, with the extent of gene response far greater in aging than in AD. Of the 759 immune-related probesets interrogated on the microarray, approximately 40% were significantly altered in the SFG, PCG and HC with increasing age, with the majority upregulated (64 to 86%). In contrast, far fewer immune/inflammation genes were significantly changed in the transition to AD (approximately 6% of immune-related probesets), with gene responses primarily restricted to the SFG and HC. Second, relatively few significant changes in immune/inflammation genes were detected in the EC either in aging or AD, although many genes in the EC showed similar trends in responses as in the other brain regions. Third, immune/inflammation genes undergo gender-specific patterns of response in aging and AD, with the most pronounced differences emerging in aging. Finally, there was widespread upregulation of genes reflecting activation of microglia and perivascular macrophages in the aging brain, coupled with a downregulation of select factors (TOLLIP, fractalkine) that when present curtail microglial/macrophage activation. Notably, essentially all pathways of the innate immune system were upregulated in aging, including numerous complement components, genes involved in toll-like receptor signaling and inflammasome signaling, as well as genes coding for immunoglobulin (Fc) receptors and human leukocyte antigens I and II. Conclusions Unexpectedly, the extent of innate immune gene upregulation in AD was modest relative to the robust response apparent in the aged brain, consistent with the emerging idea of a critical involvement of inflammation in the earliest stages, perhaps even in the preclinical stage, of AD. Ultimately, our data suggest that an important strategy to maintain cognitive health and resilience involves reducing chronic innate immune activation that should be initiated in late midlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Cribbs
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 1226 Gillespie NRF, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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20
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Panza F, Frisardi V, Solfrizzi V, Imbimbo BP, Logroscino G, Santamato A, Greco A, Seripa D, Pilotto A. Immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease: from anti-β-amyloid to tau-based immunization strategies. Immunotherapy 2012; 4:213-38. [PMID: 22339463 DOI: 10.2217/imt.11.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The exact mechanisms leading to Alzheimer's disease (AD) are largely unknown, limiting the identification of effective disease-modifying therapies. The two principal neuropathological hallmarks of AD are extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ), peptide deposition (senile plaques) and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated tau protein. During the last decade, most of the efforts of the pharmaceutical industry were directed against the production and accumulation of Aβ. The most innovative of the pharmacological approaches was the stimulation of Aβ clearance from the brain of AD patients via the administration of Aβ antigens (active vaccination) or anti-Aβ antibodies (passive vaccination). Several active and passive anti-Aβ vaccines are under clinical investigation. Unfortunately, the first active vaccine (AN1792, consisting of preaggregate Aβ and an immune adjuvant, QS-21) was abandoned because it caused meningoencephalitis in approximately 6% of treated patients. Anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies (bapineuzumab and solanezumab) are now being developed. The clinical results of the initial studies with bapineuzumab were equivocal in terms of cognitive benefit. The occurrence of vasogenic edema after bapineuzumab, and more rarely brain microhemorrhages (especially in Apo E ε4 carriers), has raised concerns on the safety of these antibodies directed against the N-terminus of the Aβ peptide. Solanezumab, a humanized anti-Aβ monoclonal antibody directed against the midregion of the Aβ peptide, was shown to neutralize soluble Aβ species. Phase II studies showed a good safety profile of solanezumab, while studies on cerebrospinal and plasma biomarkers documented good signals of pharmacodynamic activity. Although some studies suggested that active immunization may be effective against tau in animal models of AD, very few studies regarding passive immunization against tau protein are currently available. The results of the large, ongoing Phase III trials with bapineuzumab and solanezumab will tell us if monoclonal anti-Aβ antibodies may slow down the rate of deterioration of AD. Based on the new diagnostic criteria of AD and on recent major failures of anti-Aβ drugs in mild-to-moderate AD patients, one could argue that clinical trials on potential disease-modifying drugs, including immunological approaches, should be performed in the early stages of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panza
- Geriatric Unit & Gerontology-Geriatric Research Laboratory, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Foggia, Italy.
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21
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Alternative strategy for Alzheimer's disease: stress response triggers. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2012; 2012:684283. [PMID: 22655213 PMCID: PMC3357936 DOI: 10.1155/2012/684283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress resistance capacity is a hallmark of longevity protection and survival throughout the plant and animal kingdoms. Latent pathway activation of protective cascades, triggered by environmental challenges to tolerate heat, oxygen deprivation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), diet restriction, and exercise provides tolerance to these stresses. Age-related changes and disease vulnerability mark an increase in damage, like damage induced by environmental challenges. An alternative approach to immunotherapy intervention in Alzheimer's Disease is the use of mimetics of stress to upregulate endogenous protective cascades to repair age damage, shift the balance of apoptosis to regeneration to promote delay of onset, and even progression of Alzheimer's disease memory dysfunction. Mimetics of environmental stress, hormetic agents, and triggers, endogenous or engineered, can “trick” activation of expression patterns of repair and rejuvenation. Examples of known candidate triggers of heat response, endogenous antioxidants, DNA repair, exercise, hibernation, and telomeres are available for AD intervention trials. Telomeres and telomerase emerge as major regulators in crossroads of senescence, cancer, and rejuvenation responsive to mimetics of telomeres. Lessons emerge from transgenic rodent models, the long-lived mole rat, clinical studies, and conserved innate pathways of stress resistance. Cross-reaction of benefits of different triggers promises intervention into seemingly otherwise unrelated diseases.
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22
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Sha S, Xing XN, Guo WS, Li Y, Zong LX, Guo R, Cao YP. In Vivo Electroporation of a New Gene Vaccine Encoding Ten Repeats of Aβ3-10 Prevents Brain Aβ Deposition and Delays Cognitive Impairment in Young Tg-APPswe/PSEN1dE9 Mice. Neurochem Res 2012; 37:1534-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-012-0748-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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23
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Xing X, Sha S, Li Y, Zong L, Jiang T, Cao Y. Immunization with a new DNA vaccine for Alzheimer's disease elicited Th2 immune response in BALB/c mice by in vivo electroporation. J Neurol Sci 2011; 313:17-21. [PMID: 22029939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2011.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immunization with synthetic amyloid β-protein (Aβ) peptide has resulted in preventing and clearing Aβ deposits as well as improving cognitive function in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). But similar immunization studies in humans were halted due to the risk of inducing T cell-mediated meningoencephalitis. A safe and effective vaccine for AD requires not only therapeutic levels of anti-Aβ antibodies but also the prevention of an adverse T cell-mediated, proinflammatory autoimmune response. In this study, we developed a DNA vaccine, p(Aβ(3-10))(10)-IL-4, encoding ten tandem repeats of Aβ(3-10) fused with mouse cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) as a molecular adjuvant. Wild-type mice were injected intramuscularly with p(Aβ(3-10))(10)-IL-4 followed by in vivo electroporation. The p(Aβ(3-10))(10)-IL-4 vaccine elicited high titer anti-Aβ antibodies which bound to Aβ plaque in brain tissue from a ten-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mouse. The antibody isotype was mainly IgG(1) and the IgG(1)/IgG(2a) ratio in the p(Aβ(3-10))(10)-IL-4 group was approximately eight times greater than that of the Aβ(42) group. Ex vivo cultured splenocytes isolated from mice immunized with p(Aβ(3-10))(10)-IL-4 exhibited a low IFN-γ response and a high IL-4 response compared with the control group. These results indicate that immunization with the p(Aβ(3-10))(10)-IL-4 vaccine induced effective anti-Aβ antibodies and elicited a Th2-polarized immune response that had a lower potential to cause an inflammatory T cell response. Thus, the DNA vaccine, p(Aβ(3-10))(10)-IL-4, may be a safe and efficient vaccine for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Xing
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
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24
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Ling S, Zhou J, Rudd JA, Hu Z, Fang M. The recent updates of therapeutic approaches against aβ for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2011; 294:1307-18. [PMID: 21717585 DOI: 10.1002/ar.21425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 04/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
One of the main neuropathological lesions observed in brain autopsy of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients is the extracellular senile plaques mainly composed of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide. Recently, treatment strategies have focused on modifying the formation, clearance, and accumulation of this potentially neurotoxic peptide. β- and γ-secretase are responsible for the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the generation of Aβ peptide. Treatments targeting these two critical secretases may therefore reduce Aβ peptide levels and positive impact on AD. Vaccination is also an advanced approach against Aβ. This review focuses on recent advances of our understanding of this key peptide, with emphasis on Aβ peptide synthesis, accumulation and neurotoxicity, and current therapies including vaccination and two critical secretase inhibitors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of conserved endogenous small noncoding RNAs, known to regulate the expression of complementary messenger RNAs, involved in AD development. We therefore address the relationship of miRNAs in the brain and Aβ generation, as a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of AD while also providing new insights on the etiology of this neurological disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shucai Ling
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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25
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Panza F, Frisardi V, Imbimbo BP, D’Onofrio G, Pietrarossa G, Seripa D, Pilotto A, Solfrizzi V. Bapineuzumab: anti-β-amyloid monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Immunotherapy 2010; 2:767-82. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.10.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, new therapeutic approaches targeting β-amyloid (Aβ) have been discovered and developed with the hope of modifying the natural history of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The most revolutionary of these approaches consists in the removal of brain Aβ via anti-Aβ antibodies. After an active vaccine (AN1792) was discontinued in 2002 due to occurrence of meningoencephalitis in approximately 6% of patients, several other second-generation active Aβ vaccines and passive Aβ immunotherapies have been developed and are under clinical investigation with the aim of accelerating Aβ clearance from the brain of AD patients. The most advanced of these immunological approaches is bapineuzumab, which is composed of humanized anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies that has been tested in two Phase II trials. Bapineuzumab has been shown to reduce Aβ burden in the brain of AD patients. However, its preliminary cognitive efficacy appears uncertain, particularly in ApoE ε4 carriers, and vasogenic edema may limit its clinical use. The results of four ongoing large Phase III trials on bapineuzumab will provide answers regarding whether passive anti-Aβ immunization is able to alter the course of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenza Frisardi
- Department of Geriatrics, Center for Aging Brain, Memory Unit, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Bruno P Imbimbo
- Research & Development Department, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy
| | - Grazia D’Onofrio
- Geriatric Unit & Gerontology-Geriatric Research Laboratory, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | | | - Davide Seripa
- Geriatric Unit & Gerontology-Geriatric Research Laboratory, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Alberto Pilotto
- Geriatric Unit & Gerontology-Geriatric Research Laboratory, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- Department of Geriatrics, Center for Aging Brain, Memory Unit, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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26
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Vasilevko V, Passos G, Quiring D, Head E, Fisher M, Cribbs DH. Aging and cerebrovascular dysfunction: contribution of hypertension, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and immunotherapy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1207:58-70. [PMID: 20955427 PMCID: PMC2958685 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05786.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Age-related cerebrovascular dysfunction contributes to ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs), microbleeds, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), and cognitive decline. Importantly, there is increasing recognition that this dysfunction plays a critical secondary role in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Atherosclerosis, hypertension, and CAA are the most common causes of blood-brain barrier (BBB) lesions. The accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) in the cerebrovascular system is a significant risk factor for ICH and has been linked to endothelial transport failure and blockage of perivascular drainage. Moreover, recent anti-Aβ immunotherapy clinical trials demonstrated efficient clearance of parenchymal amyloid deposits but have been plagued by CAA-associated adverse events. Although management of hypertension and atherosclerosis can reduce the incidence of ICH, there are currently no approved therapies for attenuating CAA. Thus, there is a critical need for new strategies that improve BBB function and limit the development of β-amyloidosis in the cerebral vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly Vasilevko
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Giselle Passos
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Daniel Quiring
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Mark Fisher
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - David H. Cribbs
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
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27
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Town T. Inflammation, immunity, and Alzheimer's disease. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2010; 9:129-31. [PMID: 20205648 PMCID: PMC2855399 DOI: 10.2174/187152710791012008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Few topics in the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD) research have brought about the level of excitement and interest as the role of inflammation and immunity in the pathobiology and treatment of the disease. In this special issue of the journal, experts in the field give their views on how inflammatory processes and the immune system intersect- at both etiological and treatment levels- with disease biology. Collectively, nearly three decades of work are covered in this special issue, beginning with the first epidemiologic studies that showed an inverse risk relationship between AD and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and ending with "immunotherapy" approaches and recent studies examining the roles of innate immune cells including microglia and peripheral mononuclear phagocytes in AD. Despite considerable work in this area, many important questions remain concerning the nature and timing of immune/inflammatory responses in the context of AD, and at what point and how to therapeutically intervene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrence Town
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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