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Ju J, Su Y, Zhou Y, Wei H, Xu Q. The SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein disrupts barrier function in an in vitro human blood-brain barrier model. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:897564. [PMID: 36082238 PMCID: PMC9445123 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.897564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been frequently reported to exhibit neurological manifestations and disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Among the risk factors for BBB breakdown, the loss of endothelial cells and pericytes has caused widespread concern. Recent studies have revealed that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 envelope (S2E) protein caused cell death. We tested the hypothesis that the S2E protein alone could induce BBB dysfunction. The S2E protein bound to human BBB-related cells and inhibited cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Importantly, the S2E protein disrupted barrier function in an in vitro BBB model composed of HCMEC/D3 (brain endothelial cell line), HBVP (brain vascular pericyte), and U87MG (astrocyte cell line) cells and suppressed the expression of major genes involved in maintaining endothelial permeability and function. In addition, the S2E protein crossed the HCMEC/D3 monolayer. The S2E protein triggered inflammatory responses in HCMEC/D3 and U87MG cells. Taken together, these results show for the first time that the S2E protein has a negative impact on the BBB. Therapies targeting the S2E protein could protect against and treat central nervous system manifestations in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahang Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwen Su
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - You Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Xu
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Bombeiro AL, Hell RCR, Simões GF, Castro MVD, Oliveira ALRD. Importance of major histocompatibility complex of class I (MHC-I) expression for astroglial reactivity and stability of neural circuits in vitro. Neurosci Lett 2017; 647:97-103. [PMID: 28341478 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
MHC-I molecules are involved in the antigenic presentation of cytosol-derived peptides to CD8T lymphocytes. In the nervous system, MHC-I expression is low to absent, occurring only during certain phases of development and aging or after injuries. The involvement of MHC-I in synaptic plasticity has been reported and, following lesion, astrocytes become reactive, limiting tissue damage. Such cells also attempt to restore homeostasis by secreting cytokines and neurotrophic factors. Moreover, astrocytes modulate synapse function, by taking up and releasing neurotransmitters and by limiting the synaptic cleft. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate if astrocyte activation and reactivity are related to MHC I expression and if astrogliosis can be downregulated by silencing MHC-I mRNA synthesis. Given that, we evaluated astrocyte reactivity and synaptogenesis in co-cultures of astrocytes and spinal neurons under MHC-I RNA interference. For that, the MHC-I β2-microglobulin subunit (β2m) was knocked-down by siRNA in co-cultures (β2m expression <60%, p<0.001). As measured by qRT-PCR, silencing of β2m decreased expression of the astrocytic marker GFAP (<60%, p<0.001), as well as neurotrophic factors (BDNF and GDNF) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-17). No significant changes in synaptic stability indicate that neuron-neuron interaction was preserved after β2m silencing. Overall, the present data reinforce the importance of MHC-I expression for generation of astrogliosis, what may, in turn, become a target for future CNS/PNS therapies following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luis Bombeiro
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, CEP: 13083-865, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Chitarra Rodrigues Hell
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, CEP: 13083-865, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ferreira Simões
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, CEP: 13083-865, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Mateus Vidigal de Castro
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, CEP: 13083-865, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Leite Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, CEP: 13083-865, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Selection and Prioritization of Candidate Drug Targets for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Through a Meta-Analysis Approach. J Mol Neurosci 2017; 61:563-580. [PMID: 28236105 PMCID: PMC5359376 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-017-0898-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and incurable neurodegenerative disease. Although several compounds have shown promising results in preclinical studies, their translation into clinical trials has failed. This clinical failure is likely due to the inadequacy of the animal models that do not sufficiently reflect the human disease. Therefore, it is important to optimize drug target selection by identifying those that overlap in human and mouse pathology. We have recently characterized the transcriptional profiles of motor cortex samples from sporadic ALS (SALS) patients and differentiated these into two subgroups based on differentially expressed genes, which encode 70 potential therapeutic targets. To prioritize drug target selection, we investigated their degree of conservation in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) G93A transgenic mice, the most widely used ALS animal model. Interspecies comparison of our human expression data with those of eight different SOD1G93A datasets present in public repositories revealed the presence of commonly deregulated targets and related biological processes. Moreover, deregulated expression of the majority of our candidate targets occurred at the onset of the disease, offering the possibility to use them for an early and more effective diagnosis and therapy. In addition to highlighting the existence of common key drivers in human and mouse pathology, our study represents the basis for a rational preclinical drug development.
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Bombeiro AL, Santini JC, Thomé R, Ferreira ERL, Nunes SLO, Moreira BM, Bonet IJM, Sartori CR, Verinaud L, Oliveira ALR. Enhanced Immune Response in Immunodeficient Mice Improves Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Following Axotomy. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:151. [PMID: 27378849 PMCID: PMC4905955 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Injuries to peripheral nerves cause loss of motor and sensory function, greatly affecting life quality. Successful repair of the lesioned nerve requires efficient cell debris removal, followed by axon regeneration and reinnervation of target organs. Such process is orchestrated by several cellular and molecular events in which glial and immune cells actively participate. It is known that tissue clearance is largely improved by macrophages, which activation is potentiated by cells and molecules of the acquired immune system, such as T helper lymphocytes and antibodies, respectively. In the present work, we evaluated the contribution of lymphocytes in the regenerative process of crushed sciatic nerves of immunocompetent (wild-type, WT) and T and B-deficient (RAG-KO) mice. In Knockout animals, we found increased amount of macrophages under basal conditions and during the initial phase of the regenerative process, that was evaluated at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after lesion (wal). That parallels with faster axonal regeneration evidenced by the quantification of neurofilament and a growth associated protein immunolabeling. The motor function, evaluated by the sciatic function index, was fully recovered in both mouse strains within 4 wal, either in a progressive fashion, as observed for RAG-KO mice, or presenting a subtle regression, as seen in WT mice between 2 and 3 wal. Interestingly, boosting the immune response by early adoptive transference of activated WT lymphocytes at 3 days after lesion improved motor recovery in WT and RAG-KO mice, which was not ameliorated when cells were transferred at 2 wal. When monitoring lymphocytes by in vivo imaging, in both mouse strains, cells migrated to the lesion site shortly after transference, remaining in the injured limb up to its complete motor recovery. Moreover, a first peak of hyperalgesia, determined by von-Frey test, was coincident with increased lymphocyte infiltration in the damaged paw. Overall, the present results suggest that a wave of immune cell infiltration takes place during subacute phase of axonal regeneration, resulting in transient set back of motor recovery following peripheral axonal injury. Moreover, modulation of the immune response can be an efficient approach to speed up nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- André L Bombeiro
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Júlio C Santini
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Thomé
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Elisângela R L Ferreira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Sérgio L O Nunes
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Bárbara M Moreira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ivan J M Bonet
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Cesar R Sartori
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Liana Verinaud
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Alexandre L R Oliveira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil
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Transcriptional analysis reveals distinct subtypes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: implications for personalized therapy. Future Med Chem 2016; 7:1335-59. [PMID: 26144267 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.15.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable disease, caused by the loss of the upper and lower motor neurons. The lack of therapeutic progress is mainly due to the insufficient understanding of complexity and heterogeneity underlying the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS. Recently, we analyzed whole-genome expression profiles of motor cortex of sporadic ALS patients, classifying them into two subgroups characterized by differentially expressed genes and pathways. Some of the deregulated genes encode proteins, which are primary targets of drugs currently in preclinical or clinical studies for several clinical conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss in-depth the potential role of these candidate targets in ALS pathogenesis, highlighting their possible relevance for personalized ALS treatments.
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Spejo AB, Oliveira ALR. Synaptic rearrangement following axonal injury: Old and new players. Neuropharmacology 2014; 96:113-23. [PMID: 25445484 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Following axotomy, the contact between motoneurons and muscle fibers is disrupted, triggering a retrograde reaction at the neuron cell body within the spinal cord. Together with chromatolysis, a hallmark of such response to injury is the elimination of presynaptic terminals apposing to the soma and proximal dendrites of the injured neuron. Excitatory inputs are preferentially eliminated, leaving the cells under an inhibitory influence during the repair process. This is particularly important to avoid glutamate excitotoxicity. Such shift from transmission to a regeneration state is also reflected by deep metabolic changes, seen by the regulation of several genes related to cell survival and axonal growth. It is unclear, however, how exactly synaptic stripping occurs, but there is substantial evidence that glial cells play an active role in this process. In one hand, immune molecules, such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, members of the complement family and Toll-like receptors are actively involved in the elimination/reapposition of presynaptic boutons. On the other hand, plastic changes that involve sprouting might be negatively regulated by extracellular matrix proteins such as Nogo-A, MAG and scar-related chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. Also, neurotrophins, stem cells, physical exercise and several drugs seem to improve synaptic stability, leading to functional recovery after lesion. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Function'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Barroso Spejo
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre L R Oliveira
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Kraft P, Göbel K, Meuth SG, Kleinschnitz C. Glatiramer acetate does not protect from acute ischemic stroke in mice. EXPERIMENTAL & TRANSLATIONAL STROKE MEDICINE 2014; 6:4. [PMID: 24576335 PMCID: PMC3943273 DOI: 10.1186/2040-7378-6-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background The role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of acute ischemic stroke is increasingly recognized. However, targeted treatment strategies to modulate immunological pathways in stroke are still lacking. Glatiramer acetate is a multifaceted immunomodulator approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Experimental studies suggest that glatiramer acetate might also work in other neuroinflammatory or neurodegenerative diseases apart from multiple sclerosis. Findings We evaluated the efficacy of glatiramer acetate in a mouse model of brain ischemia/reperfusion injury. 60 min of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in male C57Bl/6 mice. Pretreatment with glatiramer acetate (3.5 mg/kg bodyweight) 30 min before the induction of stroke did not reduce lesion volumes or improve functional outcome on day 1. Conclusions Glatiramer acetate failed to protect from acute ischemic stroke in our hands. Further studies are needed to assess the true therapeutic potential of glatiramer acetate and related immunomodulators in brain ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kraft
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry and Comprehensive Heart Failure Centre, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Göbel
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A1, Westturm, Ebene 05 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A1, Westturm, Ebene 05 48149 Münster, Germany.,Institute of Physiology - Neuropathophysiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Silva GAA, Pradella F, Moraes A, Farias A, dos Santos LMB, de Oliveira ALR. Impact of pregabalin treatment on synaptic plasticity and glial reactivity during the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Brain Behav 2014; 4:925-35. [PMID: 25365796 PMCID: PMC4178248 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease that affects young adults. It is characterized by generating a chronic demyelinating autoimmune inflammation in the central nervous system. An experimental model for studying MS is the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), induced by immunization with antigenic proteins from myelin. AIMS The present study investigated the evolution of EAE in pregabalin treated animals up to the remission phase. METHODS AND RESULTS The results demonstrated a delay in the onset of the disease with statistical differences at the 10th and the 16th day after immunization. Additionally, the walking track test (CatWalk) was used to evaluate different parameters related to motor function. Although no difference between groups was obtained for the foot print pressure, the regularity index was improved post treatment, indicating a better motor coordination. The immunohistochemical analysis of putative synapse preservation and glial reactivity revealed that pregabalin treatment improved the overall morphology of the spinal cord. A preservation of circuits was depicted and the glial reaction was downregulated during the course of the disease. qRT-PCR data did not show immunomodulatory effects of pregabalin, indicating that the positive effects were restricted to the CNS environment. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the present data indicate that pregabalin is efficient for reducing the seriousness of EAE, delaying its course as well as reducing synaptic loss and astroglial reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleidy A A Silva
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Pradella
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Campinas, SP, Brazil ; Neuroimmunomodulation Group, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriel Moraes
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Campinas, SP, Brazil ; Neuroimmunomodulation Group, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Farias
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Campinas, SP, Brazil ; Neuroimmunomodulation Group, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonilda M B dos Santos
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre L R de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Leslie JD, Mayor R. Complement in animal development: unexpected roles of a highly conserved pathway. Semin Immunol 2013; 25:39-46. [PMID: 23665279 PMCID: PMC3989114 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The complement pathway is most famous for its role in immunity, orchestrating an exquisitely refined system for immune surveillance. At its core lies a cascade of proteolytic events that ultimately serve to recognise microbes, infected cells or debris and target them for elimination. Mounting evidence has shown that a number of the proteolytic intermediaries in this cascade have, in themselves, other functions in the body, signalling through receptors to drive events that appear to be unrelated to immune surveillance. It seems, then, that the complement system not only functions as an immunological effector, but also has cell-cell signalling properties that are utilised by a number of non-immunological processes. In this review we examine a number of these processes in the context of animal development, all of which share a requirement for precise control of cell behaviour in time and space. As we will see, the scope of the complement system's function is indeed much greater than we might have imagined only a few years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Leslie
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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