A monoclonal antibody selection for immunohistochemical examination of lymphoid tissues from non-human primates

Non-human primates (NHPs) offer valuable animal models for basic research into human diseases and for the preclinical validation of new therapeutics. Detailed in situ examination of the involved cell types using immunohistochemistry is often hampered by the lack of cross-reactive antibodies (Abs). In the current study, we have tested a large panel of monoclonal antibodies raised against human leukocyte differentiation and activation markers for cross-reactivity on cryosections of lymphoid tissue from six NHP species. In total, we have tested 130 Abs against 69 antigens expressed in tissues from one great ape species (chimpanzee/Pan troglodytes), two Old World species (rhesus macaque/Macaca mulatta and cynomolgus macaque/Macaca fascicularis), and three New World species (common marmoset/Callithrix jacchus, cotton-top tamarin/Saguinus oedipus, and owl monkey/Aotus triviogatus). We have found a large panel of cross-reactive Abs: 93 of 102 (91%) in chimpanzee, 97 of 125 (78%) in rhesus macaque, 70 of 109 (64%) in cynomolgus macaque, 69 of 116 (60%) in common marmoset, 40 of 81 (49%) in cotton-top tamarin, and 35 of 80 (44%) in owl monkey. The availability of a reliable panel of cross-reactive markers is important to gaining further insight into immunological processes in disease-affected tissues from NHP species.

Oligodendrocyte-specific protein is encephalitogenic in rhesus macaques and induces specific demyelination of the optic nerve

Oligodendrocyte-specific protein (OSP) is a candidate autoantigen in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). We evaluated the potential of OSP to induce EAE in rhesus monkeys, an out bred animal model for MS that is immunologically close to humans. Since OSP is a four-membrane spanning protein with highly hydrophobic regions, we synthesized recombinant proteins encompassing only the hydrophilic regions of human OSP (soluble (s)hOSP). Immunization with shOSP proteins induced clinical signs and histological features of optic neuritis in four out of ten rhesus monkeys. The development of clinical disease was associated with the presence of a strong cellular proliferative response to the immunizing shOSP protein. Analysis of the cellular responses in combination with neuropathological observations also indicates an important role for neutrophils in the disease process. Interestingly, all immunized monkeys developed antibody responses to OSP peptide 103-123, a B cell epitope previously identified in MS patients. These responses did not correlate with the development of clinical disease, but may have relevance as a biomarker for immunoreactivity towards OSP in myelin disorders. Our data demonstrate that in rhesus monkeys immune responses directed at OSP are encephalitogenic, leading to inflammatory responses throughout the central nervous system and to selective demyelination of the optic nerve.

Fast progression of recombinant human myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in marmosets is associated with the activation of MOG34-56-specific cytotoxic T cells

The recombinant human (rh) myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model in the common marmoset is characterized by 100% disease incidence, a chronic disease course, and a variable time interval between immunization and neurological impairment. We investigated whether monkeys with fast and slow disease progression display different anti-MOG T or B cell responses and analyzed the underlying pathogenic mechanism(s). The results show that fast progressor monkeys display a significantly wider specificity diversification of anti-MOG T cells at necropsy than slow progressors, especially against MOG(34-56) and MOG(74-96). MOG(34-56) emerged as a critical encephalitogenic peptide, inducing severe neurological disease and multiple lesions with inflammation, demyelination, and axonal injury in the CNS. Although EAE was not observed in MOG(74-96)-immunized monkeys, weak T cell responses against MOG(34-56) and low grade CNS pathology were detected. When these cases received a booster immunization with MOG(34-56) in IFA, full-blown EAE developed. MOG(34-56)-reactive T cells expressed CD3, CD4, or CD8 and CD56, but not CD16. Moreover, MOG(34-56)-specific T cell lines displayed specific cytotoxic activity against peptide-pulsed B cell lines. The phenotype and cytotoxic activity suggest that these cells are NK-CTL. These results support the concept that cytotoxic cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.

Quantitative MRI-pathology correlations of brain white matter lesions developing in a non-human primate model of multiple sclerosis

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced with recombinant human myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in the common marmoset is a useful preclinical model of multiple sclerosis in which white matter lesions can be well visualized with MRI. In this study we characterized lesion progression with quantitative in vivo MRI (4.7 T; T(1) relaxation time +/- Gd-DTPA; T(2) relaxation time; magnetization transfer ratio, MTR, imaging) and correlated end stage MRI presentation with quantitative ex vivo MRI (formaldehyde fixed brains; T(1) and T(2) relaxation times; MTR) and histology. The histopathological characterization included axonal density measurements and the numeric quantification of infiltrated macrophages expressing markers for early active [luxol fast blue (LFB) or migration inhibition factor-related protein-14 positive] or late active/inactive [periodic acid Schiff (PAS) positive] demyelinating lesion. MRI experiments were done every two weeks until the monkeys were sacrificed with severe EAE-related motor deficits. Compared with the normal appearing white matter, lesions showed an initial increase in T(1) relaxation times, leakage of Gd-DTPA and decrease in MTR values. The progressive enlargement of lesions was associated with stabilized T(1) values, while T(2) initially increased and stabilized thereafter and MTR remained decreased. Gd-DTPA leakage was highly variable throughout the experiment. MRI characteristics of the cortex and (normal appearing) white matter did not change during the experiment. We observed that in vivo MTR values correlated positively with the number of early active (LFB+) and negatively with late active (PAS+) macrophages. Ex vivo MTR and relaxation times correlated positively with the number of PAS-positive macrophages. None of the investigated MRI parameters correlated with axonal density.

The human CMV-UL86 peptide 981–1003 shares a crossreactive T-cell epitope with the encephalitogenic MOG peptide 34–56, but lacks the capacity to induce EAE in rhesus monkeys

Rhesus monkeys immunized with MOG(34-56), a dominant T-cell epitope from myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, develop an acute neurological disease resembling acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in humans. The typical large demyelinated lesions and mononuclear infiltrates in the monkey brains are caused by MOG(34-56) T-cells. We show that MOG(34-56)-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells are induced in monkeys immunized with a peptide from the human CMV major capsid protein (UL86; 981-1003), that shares sequence similarity with MOG(34-56). Monkeys sensitized against the viral peptide and subsequently challenged with MOG(34-56) display histological signs of encephalitis, but do not show overt neurological signs.

Reactivation by exon shuffling of a conserved HLA-DR3-like pseudogene segment in a New World primate species

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a New World monkey species with a limited MHC class II repertoire, is highly susceptible to certain bacterial infections. Genomic analysis of exon 2 sequences documented the existence of only one DRB region configuration harboring three loci. Two of these loci display moderate levels of allelic polymorphism, whereas the -DRB*W12 gene appears to be monomorphic. This study shows that only the Caja-DRB*W16 and -DRB*W12 loci produce functional transcripts. The Caja-DRB1*03 locus is occupied by a pseudogene, given that most of the transcripts, if detected at all, show imperfections and are present at low levels. Moreover, two hybrid transcripts were identified that feature the evolutionarily conserved peptide-binding motif characteristic for the Caja-DRB1*03 gene. Thus, the severely reduced MHC class II repertoire in common marmosets has been expanded by reactivation of a pseudogene segment as a result of exon shuffling.

Suppression of Ongoing Disease in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Multiple Sclerosis by a Human-Anti-Human IL-12p40 Antibody

IL-12p40 is a shared subunit of two cytokines with overlapping activities in the induction of autoreactive Th1 cells and therefore a potential target of therapy in Th1-mediated diseases. We have examined whether ongoing disease in a nonhuman primate model of multiple sclerosis (MS) can be suppressed with a new human IgG1kappa Ab against human IL-12p40. Lesions developing in the brain white matter were visualized and characterized with standard magnetic resonance imaging techniques. To reflect the treatment of MS patients, treatment with the Ab was initiated after active brain white matter lesions were detected in T2-weighted images. In placebo-treated control monkeys we observed the expected progressive increase in the total T2 lesion volume and markedly increased T2 relaxation times, a magnetic resonance imaging marker of inflammation. In contrast, in monkeys treated with anti-IL-12p40 Ab, changes in the total T2 lesion volume and T2 relaxation times were significantly suppressed. Moreover, the time interval to serious neurological deficit was delayed from 31 +/- 10 to 64 +/- 20 days (odds ratio, 0.312). These results, in a disease model with high similarity to MS, are important for ongoing and planned trials of therapies that target IL-12 and/or IL-23.

Non-human primate models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: Variations on a theme

Despite years of intensive research into multiple sclerosis (MS) scientists have not yet succeeded in developing an absolute therapy for the treatment of this disabling disease of the human central nervous system. The wide immunological gap between inbred rodent strains and the heterogeneous human population is probably the single most important factor that hampers the translation of scientific principles developed in rodents into effective therapies for MS. Because of the closer immunological proximity to humans, non-human primates provide useful experimental models that may help to bridge this gap. Here we review the models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in rhesus macaques and common marmosets. We will discuss the salient points of the models and suggest how these may represent the spectrum of inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system in humans.

Treatment with chimeric anti-human CD40 antibody suppresses MRI-detectable inflammation and enlargement of pre-existing brain lesions in common marmosets affected by MOG-induced EAE

Common marmosets, a Neotropical monkey species, are protected against clinical and neuropathological consequences of experimentally induced autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by prophylactic treatment with ch5D12, a humanized antagonist antibody against human CD40. In the current study we have tested whether ch5D12 acts therapeutically against the enlargement and inflammatory activity of existing (brain) white matter lesions using serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The results show in all PBS treated monkeys (n=4) a rapid enlargement of T2 lesions together with an increment of the T2 signal intensity due to inflammatory edema. Treatment with ch5D12 delayed the enlargement of T2 lesions in 2 out of 3 tested monkeys while in 3 out of 3 monkeys the T2 signal increment of lesions was suppressed. In conjunction with previously published data on the clinical benefit of anti-CD40 treatment in the marmoset EAE model, the current findings support antibody-mediated blockade of CD40 interaction with its ligand CD154 as a potential treatment of MS.

Decay-Accelerating Factor (CD55) Is Expressed by Neurons in Response to Chronic but Not Acute Autoimmune Central Nervous System Inflammation Associated with Complement Activation

There is compelling evidence that a unique innate immune response in the CNS plays a critical role in host defense and clearance of toxic cell debris. Although complement has been implicated in neuronal impairment, axonal loss, and demyelination, some preliminary evidence suggests that the initial insult consequently activates surrounding cells to signal neuroprotective activities. Using two different models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, we herein demonstrate selective C1q complement activation on neuron cell bodies and axons. Interestingly, in brains with chronic but not acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, C3b opsonization of neuronal cell bodies and axons was consistently associated with robust neuronal expression of one of the most effective complement regulators, decay-accelerating factor (CD55). In contrast, levels of other complement inhibitors, complement receptor 1 (CD35), membrane cofactor protein (CD46), and CD59 were largely unaffected on neurons and reactive glial cells in both conditions. In vitro, we found that proinflammatory stimuli (cytokines and sublytic doses of complement) failed to up-regulate CD55 expression on cultured IMR32 neuronal cells. Interestingly, overexpression of GPI-anchored CD55 on IMR32 was capable of modulating raft-associated protein kinase activities without affecting MAPK activities and neuronal apoptosis. Critically, ectopic expression of decay-accelerating factor conferred strong protection of neurons against complement attack (opsonization and lysis). We conclude that increased CD55 expression by neurons may represent a key protective signaling mechanism mobilized by brain cells to withstand complement activation and to survive within an inflammatory site.

Severe T-cell depletion from the PALS leads to altered spleen composition in common marmosets with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)

Recent data suggest that the spleen is a crucial component of the immune system in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in marmoset monkeys. Using immunohistochemistry, we investigated changes in the distribution of leukocytes in the spleen associated with clinical symptoms of EAE. Animals without EAE displayed well-developed T- and B-cell areas, germinal centers and red pulp. In contrast, a marked depletion of periarteriolar T cells with preservation of other elements was found in animals with clinical EAE. These findings suggest that immune responses within the spleen are impaired during a paralysing inflammatory process in the central nervous system.

Non-invasive measurement of brain damage in a primate model of multiple sclerosis

Early recognition of whether a product has potential as a new therapy for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) relies upon the quality of the animal models used in the preclinical trials. The promising effects of new treatments in rodent models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) have rarely been reproduced in patients suffering from MS. EAE in outbred marmoset monkeys, Callithrix jacchus, is a valid new model, and might provide an experimental link between EAE in rodent models and human MS. Using magnetic resonance imaging techniques similar to those used in patients suffering from MS pathological abnormalities in the brain, white matter of the animal can be visualized and quantified. Moreover, NMR spectroscopy, in combination with pattern recognition, offers an advanced uroscopic technique for the identification of biomarkers of inflammatory demyelination.

1H-NMR spectroscopy combined with pattern recognition analysis reveals characteristic chemical patterns in urines of MS patients and non-human primates with MS-like disease

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy in combination with pattern recognition techniques were used to investigate the composition of organic compounds in urines from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), patients with other neurological diseases (OND) and healthy controls (H). Using a valid animal model of MS, namely the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the relation of disease progression and alteration of the urine composition was investigated. Urine samples were collected during different stages of EAE, either induced with whole human myelin or with the myelin protein MOG in complete adjuvant. The urine samples were analysed with 1H-NMR spectroscopy allowing simultaneous detection of an array of compounds. Spectral differences between urines from EAE-affected and healthy monkeys were assessed with multivariate analysis. Evidence is provided that development of EAE is associated with changes in the chemical composition of the urine, in particular of compounds with NMR peaks in the region of the spectrum between 0.5 and 3.50 ppm. In addition, we found preliminary evidence for differences between urines from MS, OND and H groups.

Prevention of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in common marmosets using an anti-IL-12p40 monoclonal antibody

The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model in the common marmoset approximates recognized features of the human disease multiple sclerosis (MS) with regard to its clinical presentation as well as neuropathological and radiological aspects of the lesions in brain and spinal cord. IL-12 is a proinflammatory cytokine that is produced by APC and promotes differentiation of Th1 effector cells. IL-12 is produced in the developing lesions of patients with MS as well as in EAE-affected animals. Previously it was shown that interference in IL-12 pathways effectively prevents EAE in rodents. In this study we report that in vivo neutralization of IL-12p40 using a novel Ab has beneficial effects in the myelin-induced EAE model in common marmosets. The Ab was injected i.v. at 7-day intervals starting well after immunization (day 14) and was continued until the end of the study (day 86). Stable levels of the Ab were measured 3 days after each injection throughout the study period. During this period anti-Ab responses could not be detected. We demonstrate that anti-IL-12p40 treatment has a protective effect on the neurological dysfunction as well as on neuropathological changes normally observed in the brain and spinal cord of EAE-affected individuals.