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Thakolwiboon S, Mills EA, Yang J, Doty J, Belkin MI, Cho T, Schultz C, Mao-Draayer Y. Immunosenescence and multiple sclerosis: inflammaging for prognosis and therapeutic consideration. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1234572. [PMID: 37900152 PMCID: PMC10603254 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1234572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Aging is associated with a progressive decline of innate and adaptive immune responses, called immunosenescence. This phenomenon links to different multiple sclerosis (MS) disease courses among different age groups. While clinical relapse and active demyelination are mainly related to the altered adaptive immunity, including invasion of T- and B-lymphocytes, impairment of innate immune cell (e.g., microglia, astrocyte) function is the main contributor to disability progression and neurodegeneration. Most patients with MS manifest the relapsing-remitting phenotype at a younger age, while progressive phenotypes are mainly seen in older patients. Current disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) primarily targeting adaptive immunity are less efficacious in older patients, suggesting that immunosenescence plays a role in treatment response. This review summarizes the recent immune mechanistic studies regarding immunosenescence in patients with MS and discusses the clinical implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth A. Mills
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jennifer Yang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jonathan Doty
- Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders, Farmington Hills, MI, United States
| | - Martin I. Belkin
- Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders, Farmington Hills, MI, United States
| | - Thomas Cho
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Charles Schultz
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Yang Mao-Draayer
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders, Farmington Hills, MI, United States
- Autoimmune Center of Excellence, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Capasso N, Virgilio E, Covelli A, Giovannini B, Foschi M, Montini F, Nasello M, Nilo A, Prestipino E, Schirò G, Sperandei S, Clerico M, Lanzillo R. Aging in multiple sclerosis: from childhood to old age, etiopathogenesis, and unmet needs: a narrative review. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1207617. [PMID: 37332984 PMCID: PMC10272733 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1207617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) primarily affects adult females. However, in the last decades, rising incidence and prevalence have been observed for demographic extremes, such as pediatric-onset MS (POMS; occurring before 18 years of age) and late-onset MS (corresponding to an onset above 50 years). These categories show peculiar clinical-pathogenetic characteristics, aging processes and disease courses, therapeutic options, and unmet needs. Nonetheless, several open questions are still pending. POMS patients display an important contribution of multiple genetic and environmental factors such as EBV, while in LOMS, hormonal changes and pollution may represent disease triggers. In both categories, immunosenescence emerges as a pathogenic driver of the disease, particularly for LOMS. In both populations, patient and caregiver engagement are essential from the diagnosis communication to early treatment of disease-modifying therapy (DMTs), which in the elderly population appears more complex and less proven in terms of efficacy and safety. Digital technologies (e.g., exergames and e-training) have recently emerged with promising results, particularly in treating and following motor and cognitive deficits. However, this offer seems more feasible for POMS, being LOMS less familiar with digital technology. In this narrative review, we discuss how the aging process influences the pathogenesis, disease course, and therapeutic options of both POMS and LOMS. Finally, we evaluate the impact of new digital communication tools, which greatly interest the current and future management of POMS and LOMS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Capasso
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Eleonora Virgilio
- Neurology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità Novara, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Antonio Covelli
- Department of Neurology, Santi Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Beatrice Giovannini
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Foschi
- Department of Neuroscience, MS Center, S. Maria delle Croci Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Federico Montini
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Nasello
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Annacarmen Nilo
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Department of Head, Neck and Neurosciences, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Elio Prestipino
- UOSC Neuro-Stroke Unit, AORN Antonio Cardarelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Section of Neurology, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Silvia Sperandei
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marinella Clerico
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Lanzillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
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Havla J, Hohlfeld R. Antibody Therapies for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and for Promoting Repair. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:774-784. [PMID: 35289375 PMCID: PMC9294105 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01214-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) is clinically distinct from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). In PMS, clinical disability progression occurs independently of relapse activity. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that the pathological mechanisms of PMS and RRMS are different. Current therapeutic options for the treatment of PMS remain inadequate, although ocrelizumab, a B-cell-depleting antibody, is now available as the first approved therapeutic option for primary progressive MS. Recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of PMS provide hope for new innovative therapeutic options: these include antibody therapies with anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and/or remyelination-fostering effects. In this review, we summarize the relevant trial data relating to antibody therapy and consider future antibody options for treating PMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Havla
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany.
- Data Integration for Future Medicine (DIFUTURE) Consortium, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Reinhard Hohlfeld
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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Vollmer BL, Wolf AB, Sillau S, Corboy JR, Alvarez E. Evolution of Disease Modifying Therapy Benefits and Risks: An Argument for De-escalation as a Treatment Paradigm for Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2022; 12:799138. [PMID: 35145470 PMCID: PMC8821102 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.799138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundStrategies for sequencing disease modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients include escalation, high efficacy early, induction, and de-escalation.ObjectiveTo provide a perspective on de-escalation, which aims to match the ratio of DMT benefit/risk in aging patients.MethodsWe reanalyzed data from a retrospective, real-world cohort of MS patients to model disease activity for oral (dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod) and higher efficacy infusible (natalizumab and rituximab) DMTs by age. For patients with relapsing MS, we conducted a controlled, stratified analysis examining odds of disease activity for oral vs. infusible DMTs in patients <45 or ≥45 years. We reviewed the literature to identify DMT risks and predictors of safe discontinuation.ResultsYounger patients had lower probability of disease activity on infusible vs. oral DMTs. There was no statistical difference after age 54.2 years. When dichotomized, patients <45 years on oral DMTs had greater odds of disease activity compared to patients on infusible DMTs, while among those ≥45 years, there was no difference. Literature review noted that adverse events increase with aging, notably infections in patients with higher disability and longer DMT duration. Additionally, we identified factors predictive of disease reactivation including age, clinical stability, and MRI activity.ConclusionIn a real-world cohort of relapsing MS patients, high efficacy DMTs had less benefit with aging but were associated with increased risks. This cohort helps overcome some limitations of trials where older patients were excluded. To better balance benefits/risks, we propose a DMT de-escalation approach for aging MS patients.
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Administration of CD4 +CD25 highCD127 -FoxP3 + Regulatory T Cells for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Phase 1 Study. BioDrugs 2021; 35:47-60. [PMID: 33400237 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-020-00462-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease in which autoimmune T conventional (Tconv) cells break the blood-brain barrier and destroy neurons of the central nervous system. It is hypothesized that CD4+CD25highCD127-FoxP3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells may inhibit this destruction through suppressive activity exerted on Tconv cells. METHODS We present the results of a phase 1b/2a, open-label, two-arm clinical trial in 14 patients treated with autologous Treg cells for relapsing-remitting MS. The patients received either expanded ex vivo Treg cells intravenously (intravenous [IV] group, n = 11; dose 40 × 106 Treg cells/kg of body weight) or freshly isolated Treg cells intrathecally (intrathecal [IT] group, n = 3; dose 1.0 × 106 Treg cells). Importantly, patients were not treated with any other disease-modifying drugs for at least 6 months before the recruitment and during the follow-up. RESULTS No severe adverse events were observed. Self-assessed quality of life (EuroQol-5 Dimensions [EQ-5D] form) did not change and did not differ significantly between the groups. A total of 12 relapses were noted in five intravenously treated patients, who had from one to three attacks per year. Three out of ten participants who completed the trial in the IV group deteriorated more than 1 point on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) during the follow-up. At the same time, no patients in the IT group experienced a relapse or such a deterioration in the EDSS. No significant differences were found in the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) scale in both the IV and IT groups. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed a significantly lower change in the T2 lesion volume in the IT group compared to the IV group. The increase in the number of new T2 lesions during the follow-up was significant for the IV group only. There were no significant changes in the level of Treg cells or Tconv cells in the peripheral blood throughout the follow-up or between the groups. Interestingly, Treg cells in all patients consisted of two different phenotypes: peripheral Treg cells Helios(-) (≈ 20%) and thymic Treg cells Helios(+) (≈ 80%). The analysis of the cytokine pattern revealed higher levels of transforming growth factor-α and proinflammatory factors MCP3, CXCL8, and IL-1RA in the IT group compared with the IV group. CONCLUSIONS No serious adverse events were reported in the 14 patients with MS treated with Treg cells in this study. The results suggest that IT administration is more promising than IV administration. Because of the low number of patients recruited, the statistical results may be underpowered and further studies are necessary to reach conclusions on efficacy and safety. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT: 2014-004320-22; registered 18 November 2014.
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Rolla S, Maglione A, De Mercanti SF, Clerico M. The Meaning of Immune Reconstitution after Alemtuzumab Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis. Cells 2020; 9:E1396. [PMID: 32503344 PMCID: PMC7348777 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CD52, a protein present on the surface of mature lymphocytes, but not on the stem cells from which these lymphocytes are derived. It is currently used as an immune reconstitution therapy in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Alemtuzumab treatment is an intermittent infusion that induces long-term remission of Multiple Sclerosis also in the treatment-free period. After the robust T and B cell depletion induced by alemtuzumab, the immune system undergoes radical changes during its reconstitution. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge on the reconstitution of the lymphocyte repertoire after alemtuzumab treatment and how it could affect the development of side effects, which led to its temporary suspension by the European Medical Agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Rolla
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy; (A.M.); (S.F.D.M.); (M.C.)
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Gehr S, Kaiser T, Kreutz R, Ludwig WD, Paul F. Suggestions for improving the design of clinical trials in multiple sclerosis-results of a systematic analysis of completed phase III trials. EPMA J 2019; 10:425-436. [PMID: 31832116 PMCID: PMC6883016 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-019-00192-z] [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: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This manuscript reviews the primary and secondary endpoints of pivotal phase III trials with immunomodulatory drugs in multiple sclerosis (MS). Considering the limitations of previous trial designs, we propose new standards for the planning of clinical trials, taking into account latest insights into MS pathophysiology and patient-relevant aspects. Using a systematic overview of published phase III (pivotal) trials performed as part of application for drug market approval, we evaluate the following characteristics: trial duration, number of trial participants, comparators, and endpoints (primary, secondary, magnetic resonance imaging outcome, and patient-reported outcomes). From a patient perspective, the primary and secondary endpoints of clinical trials are only partially relevant. High-quality trial data pertaining to efficacy and safety that stretch beyond the time frame of pivotal trials are almost non-existent. Understanding of long-term benefits and risks of disease-modifying MS therapy is largely lacking. Concrete proposals for the trial designs of relapsing (remitting) multiple sclerosis/clinically isolated syndrome, primary progressive multiple sclerosis, and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (e.g., study duration, mechanism of action, and choice of endpoints) are presented based on the results of the systematic overview. Given the increasing number of available immunotherapies, the therapeutic strategy in MS has shifted from a mere "relapse-prevention" approach to a personalized provision of medical care as to the choice of the appropriate drugs and their sequential application over the course of the disease. This personalized provision takes patient preferences as well as disease-related factors into consideration such as objective clinical and radiographic findings but also very burdensome symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and cognitive impairment. Future trial designs in MS will have to assign higher relevance to these patient-reported outcomes and will also have to implement surrogate measures that can serve as predictive markers for individual treatment response to new and investigational immunotherapies. This is an indispensable prerequisite to maximize the benefit of individual patients when participating in clinical trials. Moreover, such appropriate trial designs and suitable enrolment criteria that correspond to the mode of action of the study drug will facilitate targeted prevention of adverse events, thus mitigating risks for individual study participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinje Gehr
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Kaiser
- Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care) (IQWiG), Im Mediapark 8, 50670 Köln, Germany
| | - Reinhold Kreutz
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolf-Dieter Ludwig
- Arzneimittelkommission der deutschen Ärzteschaft (Drug Commission of the German Medical Association), Herbert-Lewin-Platz 1, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Klotz L, Havla J, Schwab N, Hohlfeld R, Barnett M, Reddel S, Wiendl H. Risks and risk management in modern multiple sclerosis immunotherapeutic treatment. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2019; 12:1756286419836571. [PMID: 30967901 PMCID: PMC6444778 DOI: 10.1177/1756286419836571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in the treatment of multiple
sclerosis (MS) owing to the approval of a number of new drugs with very distinct
mechanisms of action. All approved disease-modifying drugs primarily work
directly on the immune system. However, the identification of an ‘optimal
choice’ for individual patients with regard to treatment efficacy, treatment
adherence and side-effect profile has become increasingly complex including
conceptual as well as practical considerations. Similarly, there are
peculiarities and specific requirements with regard to treatment monitoring,
especially in relation to immunosuppression, the development of secondary
immune-related complications, as well as the existence of drug-specific on- and
off-target effects. Both classical immunosuppression and selective immune
interventions generate a spectrum of potential therapy-related complications.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of available immunotherapeutics
for MS and their risks, detailing individual mechanisms of action and
side-effect profiles. Furthermore, practical recommendations for patients
treated with modern MS immunotherapeutics are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Klotz
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Münster, Building A1, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Havla
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital; Data Integration for Future Medicine consortium (DIFUTURE), Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicholas Schwab
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Reinhard Hohlfeld
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Stephen Reddel
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Münster, Building A1, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Havla J. In Reply. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 114:299. [PMID: 28530175 PMCID: PMC5443981 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0299b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
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Scheiderbauer J. Sustainable Risk Management. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 114:299. [PMID: 28530174 PMCID: PMC5443980 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0299a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
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