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Censi ST, Mariani-Costantini R, Granzotto A, Tomassini V, Sensi SL. Endogenous retroviruses in multiple sclerosis: A network-based etiopathogenic model. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102392. [PMID: 38925481 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102392] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The present perspective article proposes an etiopathological model for multiple sclerosis pathogenesis and progression associated with the activation of human endogenous retroviruses. We reviewed preclinical, clinical, epidemiological, and evolutionary evidence indicating how the complex, multi-level interplay of genetic traits and environmental factors contributes to multiple sclerosis. We propose that endogenous retroviruses transactivation acts as a critical node in disease development. We also discuss the rationale for combined anti-retroviral therapy in multiple sclerosis as a disease-modifying therapeutic strategy. Finally, we propose that the immuno-pathogenic process triggered by endogenous retrovirus activation can be extended to aging and aging-related neurodegeneration. In this regard, endogenous retroviruses can be envisioned to act as epigenetic noise, favoring the proliferation of disorganized cellular subpopulations and accelerating system-specific "aging". Since inflammation and aging are two sides of the same coin (plastic dis-adaptation to external stimuli with system-specific degree of freedom), the two conditions may be epiphenomenal products of increased epigenomic entropy. Inflammation accelerates organ-specific aging, disrupting communication throughout critical systems of the body and producing symptoms. Overlapping neurological symptoms and syndromes may emerge from the activity of shared molecular networks that respond to endogenous retroviruses' reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano T Censi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
| | - Renato Mariani-Costantini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Alberto Granzotto
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Valentina Tomassini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of Neurology, SS Annunziata Hospital, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of Neurology, SS Annunziata Hospital, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.
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Abarca-Merlin DM, Martínez-Durán JA, Medina-Pérez JD, Rodríguez-Santos G, Alvarez-Arellano L. From Immunity to Neurogenesis: Toll-like Receptors as Versatile Regulators in the Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5711. [PMID: 38891900 PMCID: PMC11171594 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115711] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are among the main components of the innate immune system. They can detect conserved structures in microorganisms and molecules associated with stress and cellular damage. TLRs are expressed in resident immune cells and both neurons and glial cells of the nervous system. Increasing evidence is emerging on the participation of TLRs not only in the immune response but also in processes of the nervous system, such as neurogenesis and cognition. Below, we present a review of the literature that evaluates the expression and role of TLRs in processes such as neurodevelopment, behavior, cognition, infection, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Melissa Abarca-Merlin
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Neurociencias, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Av. Dr. Márquez 162. Colonia Doctores, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (D.M.A.-M.)
| | - J. Abigail Martínez-Durán
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Neurociencias, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Av. Dr. Márquez 162. Colonia Doctores, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (D.M.A.-M.)
| | - J. David Medina-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Neurociencias, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Av. Dr. Márquez 162. Colonia Doctores, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (D.M.A.-M.)
| | - Guadalupe Rodríguez-Santos
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Neurociencias, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Av. Dr. Márquez 162. Colonia Doctores, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (D.M.A.-M.)
| | - Lourdes Alvarez-Arellano
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Neurociencias, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Av. Dr. Márquez 162. Colonia Doctores, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (D.M.A.-M.)
- CONAHCYT-Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
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Gruchot J, Lewen I, Dietrich M, Reiche L, Sindi M, Hecker C, Herrero F, Charvet B, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Hartung HP, Albrecht P, Perron H, Meyer U, Küry P. Transgenic expression of the HERV-W envelope protein leads to polarized glial cell populations and a neurodegenerative environment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308187120. [PMID: 37695891 PMCID: PMC10515160 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308187120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The human endogenous retrovirus type W (HERV-W) has been identified and repeatedly confirmed as human-specific pathogenic entity affecting many cell types in multiple sclerosis (MS). Our recent contributions revealed the encoded envelope (ENV) protein to disturb myelin repair by interfering with oligodendroglial precursor differentiation and by polarizing microglial cells toward an axon-damage phenotype. Indirect proof of ENV's antiregenerative and degenerative activities has been gathered recently in clinical trials using a neutralizing anti-ENV therapeutic antibody. Yet direct proof of its mode of action can only be presented here based on transgenic ENV expression in mice. Upon demyelination, we observed myelin repair deficits, neurotoxic microglia and astroglia, and increased axon degeneration. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis activity progressed faster in mutant mice equally accompanied by activated glial cells. This study therefore provides direct evidence on HERV-W ENV's contribution to the overall negative impact of this activated viral entity in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gruchot
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Isabel Lewen
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Dietrich
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Laura Reiche
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mustafa Sindi
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Hecker
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felisa Herrero
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich-Vetsuisse, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich-Vetsuisse, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, NSW 2050Sydney, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University Olomouc, 77146Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Philipp Albrecht
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich-Vetsuisse, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Bern, CH-3010Bern, Switzerland
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Jin X, Li X, Guan F, Zhang J. Human Endogenous Retroviruses and Toll-Like Receptors. Viral Immunol 2023; 36:73-82. [PMID: 36251943 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2022.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are estimated to comprise ∼8% of the entire human genome, but the vast majority of them remain transcriptionally silent in most normal tissues due to accumulated mutations. However, HERVs can be frequently activated and detected in various tissues under certain conditions. Nucleic acids or proteins produced by HERVs can bind to pattern recognition receptors of immune cells or other cells and initiate an innate immune response, which may be involved in some pathogenesis of diseases, especially cancer and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we collect studies of the interaction between HERV elements and Toll-like receptors and attempt to provide an overview of their role in the immunopathological mechanisms of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, P.R. China
| | - Xueyuan Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, P.R. China
| | - Fang Guan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, P.R. China
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Bao H, Yan J, Huang J, Deng W, Zhang C, Liu C, Huang A, Zhang Q, Xiong Y, Wang Q, Wu H, Hou L. Activation of endogenous retrovirus triggers microglial immuno-inflammation and contributes to negative emotional behaviors in mice with chronic stress. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:37. [PMID: 36793064 PMCID: PMC9933381 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02724-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The "missing" link of complex and multifaceted interplay among endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) transcription, chronic immuno-inflammation, and the development of psychiatric disorders is still far from being completely clarified. The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of protective role of inhibiting ERVs on reversing microglial immuno-inflammation in basolateral amygdala (BLA) in chronic stress-induced negative emotional behaviors in mice. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 6 w. Negative emotional behaviors were comprehensively investigated to identify the susceptible mice. Microglial morphology, ERVs transcription, intrinsic nucleic acids sensing response, and immuno-inflammation in BLA were assessed. RESULTS Mice with chronic stress were presented as obviously depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, and accompanied with significant microglial morphological activation, murine ERVs genes MuERV-L, MusD, and IAP transcription, cGAS-IFI16-STING pathway activation, NF-κB signaling pathway priming, as well as NLRP3 inflammasome activation in BLA. Antiretroviral therapy, pharmacological inhibition of reverse transcriptases, as well as knocking-down the ERVs transcriptional regulation gene p53 significantly inhibited microglial ERVs transcription and immuno-inflammation in BLA, as well as improved the chronic stress-induced negative emotional behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our results provided an innovative therapeutic approach that targeting ERVs-associated microglial immuno-inflammation may be beneficial to the patients with psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Bao
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, No. 2000, East of Xiang’an Rd, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Jinqi Yan
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 China
| | - Jiancheng Huang
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, No. 2000, East of Xiang’an Rd, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Wenjuan Deng
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, No. 2000, East of Xiang’an Rd, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Ce Zhang
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, No. 2000, East of Xiang’an Rd, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Cong Liu
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, No. 2000, East of Xiang’an Rd, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Ailing Huang
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, No. 2000, East of Xiang’an Rd, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Qiao Zhang
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, No. 2000, East of Xiang’an Rd, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Ying Xiong
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, No. 2000, East of Xiang’an Rd, Xiamen, 361102 China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277, West of Yanta Rd, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Huanghui Wu
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, School of Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, No.1279, Sanmen Rd, Shanghai, 200434, China.
| | - Lichao Hou
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, No. 2000, East of Xiang'an Rd, Xiamen, 361102, China.
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Endogenous Retroviruses as Modulators of Innate Immunity. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020162. [PMID: 36839434 PMCID: PMC9963469 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), or LTR retrotransposons, are a class of transposable elements that are highly represented in mammalian genomes. Human ERVs (HERVs) make up roughly 8.3% of the genome and over the course of evolution, HERV elements underwent positive selection and accrued mutations that rendered them non-infectious; thereby, the genome could co-opt them into constructive roles with important biological functions. In the past two decades, with the help of advances in sequencing technology, ERVs are increasingly considered to be important components of the innate immune response. While typically silenced, expression of HERVs can be induced in response to traumatic, toxic, or infection-related stress, leading to a buildup of viral transcripts and under certain circumstances, proteins, including functionally active reverse transcriptase and viral envelopes. The biological activity of HERVs in the context of the innate immune response can be based on the functional effect of four major viral components: (1) HERV LTRs, (2) HERV-derived RNAs, (3) HERV-derived RNA:DNA duplexes and cDNA, and (4) HERV-derived proteins and ribonucleoprotein complexes. In this review, we will discuss the implications of HERVs in all four contexts in relation to innate immunity and their association with various pathological disease states.
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Interplay between activation of endogenous retroviruses and inflammation as common pathogenic mechanism in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:242-252. [PMID: 36270439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancestorial retroviral elements that were integrated into our genome through germline infections and insertions during evolution. They have repeatedly been implicated in the aetiology and pathophysiology of numerous human disorders, particularly in those that affect the central nervous system. In addition to the known association of ERVs with multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a growing number of studies links the induction and expression of these retroviral elements with the onset and severity of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Although these disorders differ in terms of overall disease pathology and causalities, a certain degree of (subclinical) chronic inflammation can be identified in all of them. Based on these commonalities, we discuss the bidirectional relationship between ERV expression and inflammation and highlight that numerous entry points to this reciprocal sequence of events exist, including initial infections with ERV-activating pathogens, exposure to non-infectious inflammatory stimuli, and conditions in which epigenetic silencing of ERV elements is disrupted.
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Squillace S, Salvemini D. Toll-like receptor-mediated neuroinflammation: relevance for cognitive dysfunctions. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:726-739. [PMID: 35753845 PMCID: PMC9378500 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) with a well-documented role in the innate and adaptive immune responses. Interestingly, TLR activation has also been linked to several brain functions including neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. Increasing evidence supports TLR involvement in peripheral and central inflammation underlying normal aging and the pathogenesis of clinical conditions characterized by cognitive decline. These include not only major neurodegenerative diseases but also traumatic brain injuries, surgeries, and alcohol consumption- and chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment. We first summarize the physiological roles of TLRs in the nervous system, and then illustrate the emerging involvement of TLRs in cognitive functions, pointing to these receptors as novel enticing pharmacological targets to develop more efficient drugs for the treatment of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Squillace
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, and the Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Daniela Salvemini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, and the Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
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