1
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Zheng H, Shi C, Luo H, Fan L, Yang Z, Hu X, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Hu Z, Fan Y, Yang J, Mao C, Xu Y. α-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease: Does a Prion-Like Mechanism of Propagation from Periphery to the Brain Play a Role? Neuroscientist 2020; 27:367-387. [PMID: 32729773 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420943180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, defined as motor and non-motor symptoms associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons and a decreased release of dopamine (DA). Currently, PD patients are believed to have a neuropathological basis denoted by the presence of Lewy bodies (LBs) or Lewy neurites (LNs), which mostly comprise α-synuclein (α-syn) inclusions. Remarkably, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that the inclusions undergo template-directed aggregation and propagation via template-directed among the brain and peripheral organs, mainly in a prion-like manner. Interestingly, some studies reported that an integral loop was reminiscent of the mechanism of Parkinson's disease, denoting that α-syn as prionoid was transmitted from the periphery to the brain via specific pathways. Also the systematic life cycle of α-syn in the cellular level is illustrated. In this review, we critically assess landmark evidence in the field of Parkinson's disease with a focus on the genesis and prion-like propagation of the α-syn pathology. The anatomical and cell-to-cell evidences are discussed to depict the theory behind the propagation and transferred pathways. Furthermore, we highlight effective therapeutic perspectives and clinical trials targeting prion-like mechanisms. Major controversies surrounding this topic are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Changhe Shi
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Haiyang Luo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liyuan Fan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhihua Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xinchao Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhongxian Zhang
- The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhengwei Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chengyuan Mao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuming Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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2
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Thellung S, Corsaro A, Bosio AG, Zambito M, Barbieri F, Mazzanti M, Florio T. Emerging Role of Cellular Prion Protein in the Maintenance and Expansion of Glioma Stem Cells. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111458. [PMID: 31752162 PMCID: PMC6912268 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a membrane-anchored glycoprotein representing the physiological counterpart of PrP scrapie (PrPSc), which plays a pathogenetic role in prion diseases. Relatively little information is however available about physiological role of PrPC. Although PrPC ablation in mice does not induce lethal phenotypes, impairment of neuronal and bone marrow plasticity was reported in embryos and adult animals. In neurons, PrPC stimulates neurite growth, prevents oxidative stress-dependent cell death, and favors antiapoptotic signaling. However, PrPC activity is not restricted to post-mitotic neurons, but promotes cell proliferation and migration during embryogenesis and tissue regeneration in adult. PrPC acts as scaffold to stabilize the binding between different membrane receptors, growth factors, and basement proteins, contributing to tumorigenesis. Indeed, ablation of PrPC expression reduces cancer cell proliferation and migration and restores cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. Conversely, PrPC overexpression in cancer stem cells (CSCs) from different tumors, including gliomas—the most malignant brain tumors—is predictive for poor prognosis, and correlates with relapses. The mechanisms of the PrPC role in tumorigenesis and its molecular partners in this activity are the topic of the present review, with a particular focus on PrPC contribution to glioma CSCs multipotency, invasiveness, and tumorigenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Alessia G. Bosio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Martina Zambito
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence: (T.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-01-0353-8806 (T.F.); +39-02-5031-4958 (M.M.)
| | - Tullio Florio
- Sezione di Farmacologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna & Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.T.); (A.C.); (A.G.B.); (M.Z.); (F.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (T.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-01-0353-8806 (T.F.); +39-02-5031-4958 (M.M.)
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3
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Friesen M, Meyer-Luehmann M. Aβ Seeding as a Tool to Study Cerebral Amyloidosis and Associated Pathology. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:233. [PMID: 31632238 PMCID: PMC6783493 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Misfolded proteins can form aggregates and induce a self-perpetuating process leading to the amplification and spreading of pathological protein assemblies. These misfolded protein assemblies act as seeds of aggregation. In an in vivo exogenous seeding model, both the features of seeds and the position at which seeding originates are precisely defined. Ample evidence from studies on intracerebal injection of amyloid-beta (Aβ)-rich brain extracts suggests that Aβ aggregation can be initiated by prion-like seeding. In this mini-review article, we will summarize the past and current literature on Aβ seeding in mouse models of AD and discuss its implementation as a tool to study cerebral amyloidosis and associated pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Friesen
- Department of Neurology/Neurodegeneration, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Meyer-Luehmann
- Department of Neurology/Neurodegeneration, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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4
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Kara E, Marks JD, Aguzzi A. Toxic Protein Spread in Neurodegeneration: Reality versus Fantasy. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:1007-1020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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5
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In vivo models of alpha-synuclein transmission and propagation. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 373:183-193. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2730-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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6
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Mabbott NA. Immunology of Prion Protein and Prions. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 150:203-240. [PMID: 28838662 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Many natural prion diseases are acquired peripherally, such as following the oral consumption of contaminated food or pasture. After peripheral exposure many prion isolates initially accumulate to high levels within the host's secondary lymphoid tissues. The replication of prions within these tissues is essential for their efficient spread to the brain where they ultimately cause neurodegeneration. This chapter describes our current understanding of the critical tissues, cells, and molecules which the prions exploit to mediate their efficient propagation from the site of exposure (such as the intestine) to the brain. Interactions between the immune system and prions are not only restricted to the secondary lymphoid tissues. Therefore, an account of how the activation status of the microglial in the brain can also influence progression of prion disease pathogenesis is provided. Prion disease susceptibility may also be influenced by additional factors such as chronic inflammation, coinfection with other pathogens, and aging. Finally, the potential for immunotherapy to provide a means of safe and effective prophylactic or therapeutic intervention in these currently untreatable diseases is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil A Mabbott
- The Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom.
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7
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Aguilar-Calvo P, Xiao X, Bett C, Eraña H, Soldau K, Castilla J, Nilsson KPR, Surewicz WK, Sigurdson CJ. Post-translational modifications in PrP expand the conformational diversity of prions in vivo. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43295. [PMID: 28272426 PMCID: PMC5341109 DOI: 10.1038/srep43295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Misfolded prion protein aggregates (PrPSc) show remarkable structural diversity and are associated with highly variable disease phenotypes. Similarly, other proteins, including amyloid-β, tau, α-synuclein, and serum amyloid A, misfold into distinct conformers linked to different clinical diseases through poorly understood mechanisms. Here we use mice expressing glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchorless prion protein, PrPC, together with hydrogen-deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry (HXMS) and a battery of biochemical and biophysical tools to investigate how post-translational modifications impact the aggregated prion protein properties and disease phenotype. Four GPI-anchorless prion strains caused a nearly identical clinical and pathological disease phenotype, yet maintained their structural diversity in the anchorless state. HXMS studies revealed that GPI-anchorless PrPSc is characterized by substantially higher protection against hydrogen/deuterium exchange in the C-terminal region near the N-glycan sites, suggesting this region had become more ordered in the anchorless state. For one strain, passage of GPI-anchorless prions into wild type mice led to the emergence of a novel strain with a unique biochemical and phenotypic signature. For the new strain, histidine hydrogen-deuterium mass spectrometry revealed altered packing arrangements of β-sheets that encompass residues 139 and 186 of PrPSc. These findings show how variation in post-translational modifications may explain the emergence of new protein conformations in vivo and also provide a basis for understanding how the misfolded protein structure impacts the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiangzhu Xiao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44116, USA
| | - Cyrus Bett
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0612, USA
| | - Hasier Eraña
- CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Ed. 800, Derio 48160, Spain
| | - Katrin Soldau
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0612, USA
| | - Joaquin Castilla
- CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Ed. 800, Derio 48160, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - K Peter R Nilsson
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Witold K Surewicz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44116, USA
| | - Christina J Sigurdson
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0612, USA.,Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Microbiology, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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8
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Brandner S, Jaunmuktane Z. Prion disease: experimental models and reality. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 133:197-222. [PMID: 28084518 PMCID: PMC5250673 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1670-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of the pathogenesis and mechanisms of diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving clinical observation, correlation to pathological processes, and modelling of disease mechanisms. It is an inherent challenge, and arguably impossible to generate model systems that can faithfully recapitulate all aspects of human disease. It is, therefore, important to be aware of the potentials and also the limitations of specific model systems. Model systems are usually designed to recapitulate only specific aspects of the disease, such as a pathological phenotype, a pathomechanism, or to test a hypothesis. Here, we evaluate and discuss model systems that were generated to understand clinical, pathological, genetic, biochemical, and epidemiological aspects of prion diseases. Whilst clinical research and studies on human tissue are an essential component of prion research, much of the understanding of the mechanisms governing transmission, replication, and toxicity comes from in vitro and in vivo studies. As with other neurodegenerative diseases caused by protein misfolding, the pathogenesis of prion disease is complex, full of conundra and contradictions. We will give here a historical overview of the use of models of prion disease, how they have evolved alongside the scientific questions, and how advancements in technologies have pushed the boundaries of our understanding of prion biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Brandner
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology and Division of Neuropathology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Zane Jaunmuktane
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology and Division of Neuropathology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
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9
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Frontzek K, Pfammatter M, Sorce S, Senatore A, Schwarz P, Moos R, Frauenknecht K, Hornemann S, Aguzzi A. Neurotoxic Antibodies against the Prion Protein Do Not Trigger Prion Replication. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163601. [PMID: 27684562 PMCID: PMC5042507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Prions are the infectious agents causing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), progressive, inexorably lethal neurological diseases. Antibodies targeting the globular domain (GD) of the cellular prion protein PrPC trigger a neurotoxic syndrome morphologically and molecularly similar to prion disease. This phenomenon raises the question whether such antibodies induce infectious prions de novo. Here we exposed cerebellar organotypic cultured slices (COCS) to the neurotoxic antibody, POM1. We then inoculated COCS homogenates into tga20 mice, which overexpress PrPC and are commonly utilized as sensitive indicators of prion infectivity. None of the mice inoculated with COCS-derived lysates developed any signs of disease, and all mice survived for at least 200 days post-inoculation. In contrast, all mice inoculated with bona fide prions succumbed to TSE after 55–95 days. Post-mortem analyses did not reveal any signs of prion pathology in mice inoculated with POM1-COCS lysates. Also, lysates from POM1-exposed COCS were unable to convert PrP by quaking. Hence, anti-GD antibodies do not catalyze the generation of prion infectivity. These data indicate that prion replication can be separated from prion toxicity, and suggest that anti-GD antibodies exert toxicity by acting downstream of prion replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Frontzek
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Pfammatter
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Sorce
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Assunta Senatore
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra Schwarz
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rita Moos
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Frauenknecht
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simone Hornemann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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10
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Helwig M, Klinkenberg M, Rusconi R, Musgrove RE, Majbour NK, El-Agnaf OMA, Ulusoy A, Di Monte DA. Brain propagation of transduced α-synuclein involves non-fibrillar protein species and is enhanced in α-synuclein null mice. Brain 2015; 139:856-70. [PMID: 26719384 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awv376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation and neuron-to-neuron transmission are attributes of α-synuclein relevant to its pathogenetic role in human synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease. Intraparenchymal injections of fibrillar α-synuclein trigger widespread propagation of amyloidogenic protein species via mechanisms that require expression of endogenous α-synuclein and, possibly, its structural corruption by misfolded conformers acting as pathological seeds. Here we describe another paradigm of long-distance brain diffusion of α-synuclein that involves inter-neuronal transfer of monomeric and/or oligomeric species and is independent of recruitment of the endogenous protein. Targeted expression of human α-synuclein was induced in the mouse medulla oblongata through an injection of viral vectors into the vagus nerve. Enhanced levels of intra-neuronal α-synuclein were sufficient to initiate its caudo-rostral diffusion that likely involved at least one synaptic transfer and progressively reached specific brain regions such as the locus coeruleus, dorsal raphae and amygdala in the pons, midbrain and forebrain. Transfer of human α-synuclein was compared in two separate lines of α-synuclein-deficient mice versus their respective wild-type controls and, interestingly, lack of endogenous α-synuclein expression did not counteract diffusion but actually resulted in a more pronounced and advanced propagation of exogenous α-synuclein. Self-interaction of adjacent molecules of human α-synuclein was detected in both wild-type and mutant mice. In the former, interaction of human α-synuclein with mouse α-synuclein was also observed and might have contributed to differences in protein transmission. In wild-type and α-synuclein-deficient mice, accumulation of human α-synuclein within recipient axons in the pons, midbrain and forebrain caused morphological evidence of neuritic pathology. Tissue sections from the medulla oblongata and pons were stained with different antibodies recognizing oligomeric, fibrillar and/or total (monomeric and aggregated) α-synuclein. Following viral vector transduction, monomeric, oligomeric and fibrillar protein was detected within donor neurons in the medulla oblongata. In contrast, recipient axons in the pons were devoid of immunoreactivity for fibrillar α-synuclein, indicating that non-fibrillar forms of α-synuclein were primarily transferred from one neuron to the other, diffused within the brain and led to initial neuronal injury. This study elucidates a paradigm of α-synuclein propagation that may play a particularly important role under pathophysiological conditions associated with enhanced α-synuclein expression. Rapid long-distance diffusion and accumulation of monomeric and oligomeric α-synuclein does not necessarily involve pathological seeding but could still result in a significant neuronal burden during the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Helwig
- 1 German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Klinkenberg
- 1 German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Raffaella Rusconi
- 1 German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ruth E Musgrove
- 1 German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nour K Majbour
- 2 Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Tawam Medical Campus, Khalifa Ibn Zayed street, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Omar M A El-Agnaf
- 3 College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Education City, P.O. Box 5825 Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayse Ulusoy
- 1 German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Donato A Di Monte
- 1 German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
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11
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Abstract
Deposition of aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in brain is an early event and hallmark pathology of Alzheimer's disease and cerebral Aβ angiopathy. Experimental evidence supports the concept that Aβ multimers can act as seeds and structurally corrupt other Aβ peptides by a self-propagating mechanism. Here we compare the induction of cerebral β-amyloidosis by intraperitoneal applications of Aβ-containing brain extracts in three Aβ-precursor protein (APP) transgenic mouse lines that differ in levels of transgene expression in brain and periphery (APP23 mice, APP23 mice lacking murine APP, and R1.40 mice). Results revealed that beta-amyloidosis induction, which could be blocked with an anti-Aβ antibody, was dependent on the amount of inoculated brain extract and on the level of APP/Aβ expression in the brain but not in the periphery. The induced Aβ deposits in brain occurred in a characteristic pattern consistent with the entry of Aβ seeds at multiple brain locations. Intraperitoneally injected Aβ could be detected in blood monocytes and some peripheral tissues (liver, spleen) up to 30 d after the injection but escaped histological and biochemical detection thereafter. These results suggest that intraperitoneally inoculated Aβ seeds are transported from the periphery to the brain in which corruptive templating of host Aβ occurs at multiple sites, most efficiently in regions with high availability of soluble Aβ.
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Abstract
Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are essential for high-affinity antibody production and for the development of B cell memory. Historically, FDCs have been characterized as 'accessory' cells that passively support germinal centre (GC) responses. However, recent observations suggest that FDCs actively shape humoral immunity. In this Review, we discuss recent findings concerning the antigen acquisition and retention functions of FDCs, and relevant implications for protective immunity. Furthermore, we describe the roles of FDCs within GCs in secondary lymphoid organs and discuss FDC development within this dynamic environment. Finally, we discuss how a better understanding of FDCs could facilitate the design of next-generation vaccines.
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13
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Rangel A, Race B, Phillips K, Striebel J, Kurtz N, Chesebro B. Distinct patterns of spread of prion infection in brains of mice expressing anchorless or anchored forms of prion protein. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2014; 2:8. [PMID: 24447368 PMCID: PMC3904166 DOI: 10.1186/2051-5960-2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In humans and animals, prion protein (PrP) is usually expressed as a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein, but anchorless PrP may be pathogenic in humans with certain familial prion diseases. Anchored PrP expressed on neurons mediates spread of prions along axons in the peripheral and central nervous systems. However, the mechanism of prion spread in individuals expressing anchorless PrP is poorly understood. Here we studied prion spread within brain of mice expressing anchorless or anchored PrP. Results To create a localized initial point of infection, we microinjected scrapie in a 0.5 microliter volume in the striatum. In this experiment, PrPres and gliosis were first detected in both types of mice at 40 days post-inoculation near the needle track. In mice with anchored PrP, PrPres appeared to spread via neurons to distant connected brain areas by the clinical endpoint at 150 days post-inoculation. This PrPres was rarely associated with blood vessels. In contrast, in mice with anchorless PrP, PrPres spread did not follow neuronal circuitry, but instead followed a novel slower pattern utilizing the drainage system of the brain interstitial fluid (ISF) including perivascular areas adjacent to blood vessels, subependymal areas and spaces between axons in white matter tracts. Conclusions In transgenic mice expressing anchorless PrP small amyloid-seeding PrPres aggregates appeared to be transported in the ISF, thus spreading development of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) throughout the brain. Spread of amyloid seeding by ISF may also occur in multiple human brain diseases involving CAA.
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14
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Abstract
Individuals infected with prions succumb to brain damage, and prion infections continue to be inexorably lethal. However, many crucial steps in prion pathogenesis occur in lymphatic organs and precede invasion of the central nervous system. In the past two decades, a great deal has been learnt concerning the cellular and molecular mechanisms of prion lymphoinvasion. These properties are diagnostically useful and have, for example, facilitated preclinical diagnosis of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the tonsils. Moreover, the early colonization of lymphoid organs can be exploited for post-exposure prophylaxis of prion infections. As stromal cells of lymphoid organs are crucial for peripheral prion infection, the dedifferentiation of these cells offers a powerful means of hindering prion spread in infected individuals. In this Review, we discuss the current knowledge of the immunobiology of prions with an emphasis on how basic discoveries might enable translational strategies.
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15
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Rubenstein R, Chang B. Re-assessment of PrP(Sc) distribution in sporadic and variant CJD. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66352. [PMID: 23843953 PMCID: PMC3700981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders associated with an accumulation of PrPSc in the central nervous system (CNS). Of the human prion diseases, sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), which has no known origin, is the most common form while variant CJD (vCJD) is an acquired human prion disease reported to differ from other human prion diseases in its neurological, neuropathological, and biochemical phenotype. Peripheral tissue involvement in prion disease, as judged by PrPSc accumulation in the tonsil, spleen, and lymph node has been reported in vCJD as well as several animal models of prion diseases. However, this distribution of PrPSc has not been consistently reported for sCJD. We reexamined CNS and non-CNS tissue distribution and levels of PrPSc in both sCJD and vCJD. Using a sensitive immunoassay, termed SOFIA, we also assessed PrPSc levels in human body fluids from sCJD as well as in vCJD-infected humanized transgenic mice (Tg666). Unexpectedly, the levels of PrPSc in non-CNS human tissues (spleens, lymph nodes, tonsils) from both sCJD and vCJD did not differ significantly and, as expected, were several logs lower than in the brain. Using protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) followed by SOFIA, PrPSc was detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but not in urine or blood, in sCJD patients. In addition, using PMCA and SOFIA, we demonstrated that blood from vCJD-infected Tg666 mice showing clinical disease contained prion disease-associated seeding activity although the data was not statistically significant likely due to the limited number of samples examined. These studies provide a comparison of PrPSc in sCJD vs. vCJD as well as analysis of body fluids. Further, these studies also provide circumstantial evidence that in human prion diseases, as in the animal prion diseases, a direct comparison and intraspecies correlation cannot be made between the levels of PrPSc and infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Rubenstein
- Department of Neurology and Physiology/Pharmacology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America.
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16
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Halliez S, Chesnais N, Mallucci G, Vilotte M, Langevin C, Jaumain E, Laude H, Vilotte JL, Béringue V. Targeted knock-down of cellular prion protein expression in myelinating Schwann cells does not alter mouse prion pathogenesis. J Gen Virol 2013; 94:1435-1440. [PMID: 23388201 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.049619-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In naturally acquired transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, the pathogenic agents or prions spread from the sites of initial peripheral uptake or replication to the brain where they cause progressive and fatal neurodegeneration. Routing via the peripheral nervous system is considered to be one of the main pathways to the central nervous system. Replication of prions in Schwann cells is viewed as a potentially important mechanism for efficient prion spread along nerves. Here we used a Cre-loxP mouse transgenetic approach to disrupt host-encoded prion protein (PrP(C)) specifically in myelinating Schwann cells. Despite the use of infection routes targeting highly myelinated nerves, there was no alteration in mouse prion pathogenesis, suggesting that conversion-dependent, centripetal spread of prions does not crucially rely on PrP(C) expressed by myelinating Schwann cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Halliez
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UR892, Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Nathalie Chesnais
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Marthe Vilotte
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Christelle Langevin
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UR892, Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Emilie Jaumain
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UR892, Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Hubert Laude
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UR892, Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Vincent Béringue
- INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), UR892, Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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17
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Abstract
Prion colonization of secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) is a critical step preceding neuroinvasion in prion pathogenesis. Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), which depend on both tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) and lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) signaling for maintenance, are thought to be the primary sites of prion accumulation in SLOs. However, prion titers in RML-infected TNFR1 (-/-) lymph nodes and rates of neuroinvasion in TNFR1 (-/-) mice remain high despite the absence of mature FDCs. Recently, we discovered that TNFR1-independent prion accumulation in lymph nodes relies on LTβR signaling. Loss of LTβR signaling in TNFR1 (-/-) lymph nodes coincided with the de-differentiation of high endothelial venules (HEVs)-the primary sites of lymphocyte entry into lymph nodes. These findings suggest that HEVs are the sites through which prions initially invade lymph nodes from the bloodstream. Identification of HEVs as entry portals for prions clarifies a number of previous observations concerning peripheral prion pathogenesis. However, a number of questions still remain: What is the mechanism by which prions are taken up by HEVs? Which cells are responsible for delivering prions to lymph nodes? Are HEVs the main entry site for prions into lymph nodes or do alternative routes also exist? These questions and others are considered in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy O'Connor
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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18
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Krasemann S, Neumann M, Szalay B, Stocking C, Glatzel M. Protease-sensitive prion species in neoplastic spleens of prion-infected mice with uncoupling of PrP(Sc) and prion infectivity. J Gen Virol 2012; 94:453-463. [PMID: 23136363 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.045922-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders. An important step in disease pathophysiology is the conversion of cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) to disease-associated misfolded conformers (PrP(Sc)). These misfolded PrP variants are a common component of prion infectivity and are detectable in diseased brain and lymphoreticular organs such as spleen. In the latter, PrP(Sc) is thought to replicate mainly in follicular dendritic cells within spleen follicles. Although the presence of PrP(Sc) is a hallmark for prion disease and serves as a main diagnostic criterion, in certain instances the amount of PrP(Sc) does not correlate well with neurotoxicity or prion infectivity. Therefore, it has been proposed that prions might be a mixture of different conformers and aggregates with differing properties. This study investigated the impact of disruption of spleen architecture by neoplasia on the abundance of different PrP species in spleens of prion-infected mice. Although follicular integrity was completely disturbed, titres of prion infectivity in neoplastic spleens were not significantly altered, yet no protease-resistant PrP(Sc) was detectable. Instead, unique protease-sensitive prion species could be detected in neoplastic spleens. These results indicate the dissociation of PrP(Sc) and prion infectivity and showed the presence of non-PrP(Sc) PrP species in spleen with divergent biochemical properties that become apparent after tissue architecture disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Krasemann
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Institute of Neuropathology, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Neumann
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Institute of Neuropathology, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Beata Szalay
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Institute of Neuropathology, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carol Stocking
- Heinrich Pette Institute, AG Molecular Pathology, D-20206 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Institute of Neuropathology, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
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19
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Krautler NJ, Kana V, Kranich J, Tian Y, Perera D, Lemm D, Schwarz P, Armulik A, Browning JL, Tallquist M, Buch T, Oliveira-Martins JB, Zhu C, Hermann M, Wagner U, Brink R, Heikenwalder M, Aguzzi A. Follicular dendritic cells emerge from ubiquitous perivascular precursors. Cell 2012; 150:194-206. [PMID: 22770220 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2012.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Revised: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The differentiation of follicular dendritic cells (FDC) is essential to the remarkable microanatomic plasticity of lymphoid follicles. Here we show that FDC arise from ubiquitous perivascular precursors (preFDC) expressing platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ). PDGFRβ-Cre-driven reporter gene recombination resulted in FDC labeling, whereas conditional ablation of PDGFRβ(+)-derived cells abolished FDC, indicating that FDC originate from PDGFRβ(+) cells. Lymphotoxin-α-overexpressing prion protein (PrP)(+) kidneys developed PrP(+) FDC after transplantation into PrP(-) mice, confirming that preFDC exist outside lymphoid organs. Adipose tissue-derived PDGFRβ(+) stromal-vascular cells responded to FDC maturation factors and, when transplanted into lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR)(-) kidney capsules, differentiated into Mfge8(+)CD21/35(+)FcγRIIβ(+)PrP(+) FDC capable of trapping immune complexes and recruiting B cells. Spleens of lymphocyte-deficient mice contained perivascular PDGFRβ(+) FDC precursors whose expansion required both lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells and lymphotoxin. The ubiquity of preFDC and their strategic location at blood vessels may explain the de novo generation of organized lymphoid tissue at sites of lymphocytic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nike Julia Krautler
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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20
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Filali H, Martin-Burriel I, Harders F, Varona L, Serrano C, Acín C, Badiola JJ, Bossers A, Bolea R. Medulla oblongata transcriptome changes during presymptomatic natural scrapie and their association with prion-related lesions. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:399. [PMID: 22897917 PMCID: PMC3495657 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of natural scrapie and other prion diseases is still poorly understood. Determining the variations in the transcriptome in the early phases of the disease might clarify some of the molecular mechanisms of the prion-induced pathology and allow for the development of new biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy. This study is the first to focus on the identification of genes regulated during the preclinical phases of natural scrapie in the ovine medulla oblongata (MO) and the association of these genes with prion deposition, astrocytosis and spongiosis. RESULTS A custom microarray platform revealed that 86 significant probes had expression changes greater than 2-fold. From these probes, we identified 32 genes with known function; the highest number of regulated genes was included in the phosphoprotein-encoding group. Genes encoding extracellular marker proteins and those involved in the immune response and apoptosis were also differentially expressed. In addition, we investigated the relationship between the gene expression profiles and the appearance of the main scrapie-associated brain lesions. Quantitative Real-time PCR was used to validate the expression of some of the regulated genes, thus showing the reliability of the microarray hybridization technology. CONCLUSIONS Genes involved in protein and metal binding and oxidoreductase activity were associated with prion deposition. The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was associated with changes in the expression of genes encoding proteins with oxidoreductase and phosphatase activity, and the expression of spongiosis was related to genes encoding extracellular matrix components or transmembrane transporters. This is the first genome-wide expression study performed in naturally infected sheep with preclinical scrapie. As in previous studies, our findings confirm the close relationship between scrapie and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hicham Filali
- Centro de Investigación en Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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21
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O'Connor T, Frei N, Sponarova J, Schwarz P, Heikenwalder M, Aguzzi A. Lymphotoxin, but not TNF, is required for prion invasion of lymph nodes. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002867. [PMID: 22912582 PMCID: PMC3415451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinvasion and subsequent destruction of the central nervous system by prions are typically preceded by a colonization phase in lymphoid organs. An important compartment harboring prions in lymphoid tissue is the follicular dendritic cell (FDC), which requires both tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) and lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) signaling for maintenance. However, prions are still detected in TNFR1−/− lymph nodes despite the absence of mature FDCs. Here we show that TNFR1-independent prion accumulation in lymph nodes depends on LTβR signaling. Loss of LTβR signaling, but not of TNFR1, was concurrent with the dedifferentiation of high endothelial venules (HEVs) required for lymphocyte entry into lymph nodes. Using luminescent conjugated polymers for histochemical PrPSc detection, we identified PrPSc deposits associated with HEVs in TNFR1−/− lymph nodes. Hence, prions may enter lymph nodes by HEVs and accumulate or replicate in the absence of mature FDCs. Prions are unique infectious agents thought to be composed entirely of an abnormal conformer of the endogenous prion protein. Prions cause a severe neurological disorder in humans and other animals known as prion disease. Though prion disease can arise spontaneously or from genetic mutations in the gene encoding the prion protein, many cases of prion disease arise due to peripheral exposure to the infectious agent. In these cases, prions must journey from the gastrointestinal tract and/or the bloodstream to the brain. Prions often colonize secondary lymphoid organs prior to invading the nervous system via neighboring peripheral nerves. Prion accumulation in follicular dendritic cells found in germinal centers of lymphoid organs is thought to be a crucial step in this process. However, prion colonization of lymph nodes, in contrast to spleen, does not depend on follicular dendritic cells, indicating that other mechanisms must exist. Here, we identify the signaling pathway required for follicular dendritic cell-independent prion colonization of lymph nodes, which also controls the differentiation of high endothelial venules, the primary entry point for lymphocytes into lymph nodes. Importantly, prions could be found within these structures, indicating that high endothelial venules are required for prion entry and accumulation in lymph nodes.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Dendritic Cells, Follicular/immunology
- Dendritic Cells, Follicular/metabolism
- Dendritic Cells, Follicular/pathology
- Lymph Nodes/immunology
- Lymph Nodes/metabolism
- Lymph Nodes/pathology
- Lymphotoxin beta Receptor/genetics
- Lymphotoxin beta Receptor/immunology
- Lymphotoxin beta Receptor/metabolism
- Lymphotoxin-alpha/genetics
- Lymphotoxin-alpha/immunology
- Lymphotoxin-alpha/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- PrPSc Proteins/genetics
- PrPSc Proteins/immunology
- PrPSc Proteins/metabolism
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I/genetics
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I/immunology
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I/metabolism
- Scrapie/genetics
- Scrapie/immunology
- Scrapie/metabolism
- Scrapie/pathology
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy O'Connor
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- * E-mail: TracyLynn.O' (TO); (AA)
| | - Nathalie Frei
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jana Sponarova
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Petra Schwarz
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- * E-mail: TracyLynn.O' (TO); (AA)
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22
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Castro-Seoane R, Hummerich H, Sweeting T, Tattum MH, Linehan JM, Fernandez de Marco M, Brandner S, Collinge J, Klöhn PC. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells sequester high prion titres at early stages of prion infection. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002538. [PMID: 22359509 PMCID: PMC3280992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In most transmissible spongiform encephalopathies prions accumulate in the lymphoreticular system (LRS) long before they are detectable in the central nervous system. While a considerable body of evidence showed that B lymphocytes and follicular dendritic cells play a major role in prion colonization of lymphoid organs, the contribution of various other cell types, including antigen-presenting cells, to the accumulation and the spread of prions in the LRS are not well understood. A comprehensive study to compare prion titers of candidate cell types has not been performed to date, mainly due to limitations in the scope of animal bioassays where prohibitively large numbers of mice would be required to obtain sufficiently accurate data. By taking advantage of quantitative in vitro prion determination and magnetic-activated cell sorting, we studied the kinetics of prion accumulation in various splenic cell types at early stages of prion infection. Robust estimates for infectious titers were obtained by statistical modelling using a generalized linear model. Whilst prions were detectable in B and T lymphocytes and in antigen-presenting cells like dendritic cells and macrophages, highest infectious titers were determined in two cell types that have previously not been associated with prion pathogenesis, plasmacytoid dendritic (pDC) and natural killer (NK) cells. At 30 days after infection, NK cells were more than twice, and pDCs about seven-fold, as infectious as lymphocytes respectively. This result was unexpected since, in accordance to previous reports prion protein, an obligate requirement for prion replication, was undetectable in pDCs. This underscores the importance of prion sequestration and dissemination by antigen-presenting cells which are among the first cells of the immune system to encounter pathogens. We furthermore report the first evidence for a release of prions from lymphocytes and DCs of scrapie-infected mice ex vivo, a process that is associated with a release of exosome-like membrane vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Castro-Seoane
- MRC Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Holger Hummerich
- MRC Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor Sweeting
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Howard Tattum
- MRC Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline M. Linehan
- MRC Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mar Fernandez de Marco
- MRC Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- MRC Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Collinge
- MRC Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter-Christian Klöhn
- MRC Prion Unit and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Kujala P, Raymond CR, Romeijn M, Godsave SF, van Kasteren SI, Wille H, Prusiner SB, Mabbott NA, Peters PJ. Prion uptake in the gut: identification of the first uptake and replication sites. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1002449. [PMID: 22216002 PMCID: PMC3245311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
After oral exposure, prions are thought to enter Peyer's patches via M cells and accumulate first upon follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) before spreading to the nervous system. How prions are actually initially acquired from the gut lumen is not known. Using high-resolution immunofluorescence and cryo-immunogold electron microscopy, we report the trafficking of the prion protein (PrP) toward Peyer's patches of wild-type and PrP-deficient mice. PrP was transiently detectable at 1 day post feeding (dpf) within large multivesicular LAMP1-positive endosomes of enterocytes in the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) and at much lower levels within M cells. Subsequently, PrP was detected on vesicles in the late endosomal compartments of macrophages in the subepithelial dome. At 7-21 dpf, increased PrP labelling was observed on the plasma membranes of FDCs in germinal centres of Peyer's patches from wild-type mice only, identifying FDCs as the first sites of PrP conversion and replication. Detection of PrP on extracellular vesicles displaying FAE enterocyte-derived A33 protein implied transport towards FDCs in association with FAE-derived vesicles. By 21 dpf, PrP was observed on the plasma membranes of neurons within neighbouring myenteric plexi. Together, these data identify a novel potential M cell-independent mechanism for prion transport, mediated by FAE enterocytes, which acts to initiate conversion and replication upon FDCs and subsequent infection of enteric nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pekka Kujala
- Section of Cell Biology II, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudine R. Raymond
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Martijn Romeijn
- Section of Cell Biology II, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susan F. Godsave
- Section of Cell Biology II, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Holger Wille
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stanley B. Prusiner
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Neil A. Mabbott
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Peters
- Section of Cell Biology II, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
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24
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Stitz L, Aguzzi A. Aerosols: an underestimated vehicle for transmission of prion diseases? Prion 2011; 5:138-41. [PMID: 21778819 DOI: 10.4161/pri.5.3.16851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We and others have recently reported that prions can be transmitted to mice via aerosols. These reports spurred a lively public discussion on the possible public-health threats represented by prion-containing aerosols. Here we offer our view on the context in which these findings should be placed. On the one hand, the fact that nebulized prions can transmit disease cannot be taken to signify that prions are airborne under natural circumstances. On the other hand, it appears important to underscore the fact that aerosols can originate very easily in a broad variety of experimental and natural environmental conditions. Aerosols are a virtually unavoidable consequence of the handling of fluids; complete prevention of the generation of aerosols is very difficult. While prions have never been found to be transmissible via aerosols under natural conditions, it appears prudent to strive to minimize exposure to potentially prion-infected aerosols whenever the latter may arise - for example in scientific and diagnostic laboratories handling brain matter, cerebrospinal fluids, and other potentially contaminated materials, as well as abattoirs. Equally important is that prion biosafety training be focused on the control of, and protection from, prion-infected aerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lothar Stitz
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Tübingen, Germany.
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Gene expression profiling and association with prion-related lesions in the medulla oblongata of symptomatic natural scrapie animals. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19909. [PMID: 21629698 PMCID: PMC3101219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of natural scrapie and other prion diseases remains unclear. Examining transcriptome variations in infected versus control animals may highlight new genes potentially involved in some of the molecular mechanisms of prion-induced pathology. The aim of this work was to identify disease-associated alterations in the gene expression profiles of the caudal medulla oblongata (MO) in sheep presenting the symptomatic phase of natural scrapie. The gene expression patterns in the MO from 7 sheep that had been naturally infected with scrapie were compared with 6 controls using a Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) custom designed 4×44K microarray. The microarray consisted of a probe set on the previously sequenced ovine tissue library by CVI and was supplemented with all of the Ovis aries transcripts that are currently publicly available. Over 350 probe sets displayed greater than 2-fold changes in expression. We identified 148 genes from these probes, many of which encode proteins that are involved in the immune response, ion transport, cell adhesion, and transcription. Our results confirm previously published gene expression changes that were observed in murine models with induced scrapie. Moreover, we have identified new genes that exhibit differential expression in scrapie and could be involved in prion neuropathology. Finally, we have investigated the relationship between gene expression profiles and the appearance of the main scrapie-related lesions, including prion protein deposition, gliosis and spongiosis. In this context, the potential impacts of these gene expression changes in the MO on scrapie development are discussed.
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Urayama A, Morales R, Niehoff ML, Banks WA, Soto C. Initial fate of prions upon peripheral infection: half-life, distribution, clearance, and tissue uptake. FASEB J 2011; 25:2792-803. [PMID: 21555356 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-180729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are infectious neurodegenerative disorders associated with the misfolded prion protein (PrP(Sc)), which appears to be the sole component of the infectious agent (termed prion). To produce disease, prions have to be absorbed into the body and reach sufficient quantities in the brain. Very little is known about the biological mechanisms controlling the initial fate of prions. Here, we studied the systemic pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of PrP(Sc) in vivo. After an intravenous injection of highly purified radiolabeled or native unlabeled PrP(Sc), the protein was eliminated rapidly from the serum (half-life of 3.24 h), mostly through tissue uptake. The quantity of intact PrP(Sc) reaching the brain was ∼ 0.2% of the injected dose per gram of brain tissue (ID/g). The highest levels were found in liver (∼ 20% ID/g), spleen (∼ 13% ID/g), and kidney (∼ 7.4% ID/g). Cell surface PrP(C) does not appear to play a role in PrP(Sc) pharmacokinetics, since the infectious protein distributed similarly in wild-type and PrP-null mice. To measure tissue uptake kinetics and biodistribution accurately, vascular space in tissues was measured with radioactively labeled albumin coinjected with radioactively labeled PrP(Sc). Our results provide a fundamental pharmacokinetic characterization of PrP(Sc) in vivo, which may be relevant to estimate tissue risks and mechanisms of prion neuroinvasion and to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Urayama
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Aerosols transmit prions to immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1001257. [PMID: 21249178 PMCID: PMC3020930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1001257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Prions, the agents causing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, colonize the brain of hosts after oral, parenteral, intralingual, or even transdermal uptake. However, prions are not generally considered to be airborne. Here we report that inbred and crossbred wild-type mice, as well as tga20 transgenic mice overexpressing PrPC, efficiently develop scrapie upon exposure to aerosolized prions. NSE-PrP transgenic mice, which express PrPC selectively in neurons, were also susceptible to airborne prions. Aerogenic infection occurred also in mice lacking B- and T-lymphocytes, NK-cells, follicular dendritic cells or complement components. Brains of diseased mice contained PrPSc and transmitted scrapie when inoculated into further mice. We conclude that aerogenic exposure to prions is very efficacious and can lead to direct invasion of neural pathways without an obligatory replicative phase in lymphoid organs. This previously unappreciated risk for airborne prion transmission may warrant re-thinking on prion biosafety guidelines in research and diagnostic laboratories. Prions, which are the cause of fatal neurodegenerative disorders termed transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), can be experimentally or naturally transmitted via prion-contaminated food, blood, milk, saliva, feces and urine. Here we demonstrate that prions can be transmitted through aerosols in mice. This also occurs in the absence of immune cells as demonstrated by experiments with mice lacking B-, T-, follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), lymphotoxin signaling or with complement-deficient mice. Therefore, a functionally intact immune system is not strictly needed for aerogenic prion infection. These results suggest that current biosafety guidelines applied in diagnostic and scientific laboratories ought to include prion aerosols as a potential vector for prion infection.
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Crucial role for prion protein membrane anchoring in the neuroinvasion and neural spread of prion infection. J Virol 2010; 85:1484-94. [PMID: 21123371 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02167-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In nature prion diseases are usually transmitted by extracerebral prion infection, but clinical disease results only after invasion of the central nervous system (CNS). Prion protein (PrP), a host-encoded glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane glycoprotein, is necessary for prion infection and disease. Here, we investigated the role of the anchoring of PrP on prion neuroinvasion by studying various inoculation routes in mice expressing either anchored or anchorless PrP. In control mice with anchored PrP, intracerebral or sciatic nerve inoculation resulted in rapid CNS neuroinvasion and clinical disease (154 to 156 days), and after tongue, ocular, intravenous, or intraperitoneal inoculation, CNS neuroinvasion was only slightly slower (193 to 231 days). In contrast, in anchorless PrP mice, these routes resulted in slow and infrequent CNS neuroinvasion. Only intracerebral inoculation caused brain PrPres, a protease-resistant isoform of PrP, and disease in both types of mice. Thus, anchored PrP was an essential component for the rapid neural spread and CNS neuroinvasion of prion infection.
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Prion replication in the hematopoietic compartment is not required for neuroinvasion in scrapie mouse model. PLoS One 2010; 5. [PMID: 20957200 PMCID: PMC2950141 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 09/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatal neurodegenerative prion diseases are caused by the transmissible PrPSc prion agent whose initial replication after peripheral inoculation takes place in follicular dendritic cells present in germinal centers of lymphoid organs. However, prion replication also occurs in lymphoid cells. To assess the role of the hematopoietic compartment in neuroinvasion and prion replication, we generated chimeric mice, on a uniform congenic C57/BL6J background, by bone marrow replacement with hematopoietic cells expressing different levels of PrP protein. Nine different types of chimeric mice were inoculated intraperitoneally either with the lymphotropic Rocky Mountain Laboratory (RML) strain or the non lymphotropic ME-7 scrapie strain, at different doses. Here, we clearly demonstrate that overexpression of PrP by the hematopoietic system, or the lack of PrP expression by the bone marrow derived cells, does not change the incubation time period of the disease, even when the mice are infected at limiting doses. We conclude that the hematopoietic compartment is more or less permissive to prion replication, both for RML and ME-7, but does not play a role in neuroinvasion.
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Sisó S, González L, Jeffrey M. Neuroinvasion in prion diseases: the roles of ascending neural infection and blood dissemination. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2010; 2010:747892. [PMID: 20652006 PMCID: PMC2905956 DOI: 10.1155/2010/747892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion disorders are infectious, neurodegenerative diseases that affect humans and animals. Susceptibility to some prion diseases such as kuru or the new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans and scrapie in sheep and goats is influenced by polymorphisms of the coding region of the prion protein gene, while other prion disorders such as fatal familial insomnia, familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, or Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease in humans have an underlying inherited genetic basis. Several prion strains have been demonstrated experimentally in rodents and sheep. The progression and pathogenesis of disease is influenced by both genetic differences in the prion protein and prion strain. Some prion diseases only affect the central nervous system whereas others involve the peripheral organs prior to neuroinvasion. Many experiments undertaken in different species and using different prion strains have postulated common pathways of neuroinvasion. It is suggested that prions access the autonomic nerves innervating peripheral organs and tissues to finally reach the central nervous system. We review here published data supporting this view and additional data suggesting that neuroinvasion may concurrently or independently involve the blood vascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Sisó
- Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA-Lasswade), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Lorenzo González
- Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA-Lasswade), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Martin Jeffrey
- Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA-Lasswade), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
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Seelig DM, Mason GL, Telling GC, Hoover EA. Pathogenesis of chronic wasting disease in cervidized transgenic mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 176:2785-97. [PMID: 20395435 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, endemic prion disease of wild and captive cervids, including deer, elk, and moose. Typical of prion diseases, CWD is characterized by the conversion of the native, protease-sensitive protein PrP(C) to a protease-resistant isoform, denoted as PrP(RES). Here we have studied the expression of cervid PrP(C) and the pathogenesis of CWD infection in transgenic mice expressing the normal cervid prion protein (Tg[CerPrP] mice). Using tissue-based in situ immunohistochemistry protocols, we first identified cervid PrP(C) expression in the lymphoid, nervous, hemopoietic, endocrine, and certain epithelial tissues of Tg[CerPrP] mice. Tg[CerPrP] mice were then inoculated with CWD via one of four routes (intracerebral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, or oral); all groups developed spongiform encephalopathy, although the oral route required a larger infecting dose. Incubation periods were 184 +/- 13, 218 +/- 15, 200 +/- 7, and 350 +/- 27 days after inoculation, respectively. In longitudinal studies, we tracked the appearance of PrP(RES) in the brain, spleen, Peyer's patches, lymph nodes, pancreatic islets of Langerhans, bone marrow, and salivary glands of preclinical and terminal mice. In addition, we documented horizontal transmission of CWD from inoculated mice and to un-inoculated cohabitant cage-mates. This work documents the multiroute susceptibility, pathogenesis, and lateral transmission of CWD infection in Tg[CerPrP] mice, affirming this model as a robust system to study this cervid transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis M Seelig
- Colorado State University, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, 1619 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Dorban G, Defaweux V, Heinen E, Antoine N. Spreading of prions from the immune to the peripheral nervous system: a potential implication of dendritic cells. Histochem Cell Biol 2010; 133:493-504. [PMID: 20238136 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-010-0687-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The implication of dendritic cells (DCs) in the peripheral spreading of prions has increased in the last few years. It has been recently described that DCs can transmit prions to primary neurons from the central nervous system. In order to improve the understanding of the earliest steps of prion peripheral neuroinvasion, we studied, using an in vitro model, the effect of exposing primary peripheral neurons to scrapie-infected lymphoid cells. Thanks to this system, there is evidence that bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) are in connection with neurites of peripheral neurons via cytoplasmic extensions. BMDCs are competent to internalize prions independently from the expression of cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) and have the capacity to transmit detergent-insoluble, relatively proteinase K-resistant prion protein (PrP(Sc)) to peripheral neurons after 96 h of coculture. Furthermore, we confirmed the special status of the peripheral nervous system in front of prion diseases. Contrary to central neurons, PrP(Sc) infection does not disturb survival and neurite outgrowth. Our model demonstrates that PrP(Sc)-loaded dendritic cells and peripheral nerve fibers that are included in neuroimmune interfaces can initiate and spread prion neuroinvasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauthier Dorban
- Human Histology, Immunology Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, C.H.U., Avenue de l'hôpital, Tour de pharmacie +4, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
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Glycosylation of PrPC determines timing of neuroinvasion and targeting in the brain following transmissible spongiform encephalopathy infection by a peripheral route. J Virol 2010; 84:3464-75. [PMID: 20106922 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02374-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) infectivity naturally spreads from site of entry in the periphery to the central nervous system where pathological lesions are formed. Several routes and cells within the host have been identified as important for facilitating the infectious process. Expression of the glycoprotein cellular PrP (PrP(C)) is considered a key factor for replication of infectivity in the central nervous system (CNS) and its transport to the brain, and it has been suggested that the infectious agent propagates from cell to cell via a domino-like effect. However, precisely how this is achieved and what involvement the different glycoforms of PrP have in these processes remain to be determined. To address this issue, we have used our unique models of gene-targeted transgenic mice expressing different glycosylated forms of PrP. Two TSE strains were inoculated intraperitoneally into these mice to assess the contribution of diglycosylated, monoglycosylated, and unglycosylated PrP in spreading of infectivity to the brain. This study demonstrates that glycosylation of host PrP has a profound effect in determining the outcome of disease. Lack of diglycosylated PrP slowed or prevented disease onset after peripheral challenge, suggesting an important role for fully glycosylated PrP in either the replication of the infectious agent in the periphery or its transport to the CNS. Moreover, mice expressing unglycosylated PrP did not develop clinical disease, and mice expressing monoglycosylated PrP showed strikingly different neuropathologic features compared to those expressing diglycosylated PrP. This demonstrates that targeting in the brain following peripheral inoculation is profoundly influenced by the glycosylation status of host PrP.
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Dramatic reduction of PrP C level and glycosylation in peripheral nerves following PrP knock-out from Schwann cells does not prevent transmissible spongiform encephalopathy neuroinvasion. J Neurosci 2010; 29:15445-54. [PMID: 20007469 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4195-09.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the prion protein (PrP(C)) is a requirement for host susceptibility to the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and thought to be necessary for the replication and transport of the infectious agent. The mechanism of TSE neuroinvasion is not fully understood, although the routing of infection has been mapped through the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and Schwann cells have been implicated as a potential conduit for transport of the TSE infectious agent. To address whether Schwann cells are a requirement for spread of the TSE agent from the site of infection to the CNS, PrP(C) expression was selectively removed from Schwann cells in vivo. This dramatically reduced total PrP(C) within peripheral nerves by 90%, resulting in the selective loss of glycosylated PrP(C) species. Despite this, 139A and ME7 mouse-passaged scrapie agent strains were efficiently replicated and transported to the CNS following oral and intraperitoneal exposure. Thus, the myelinating glial cells within the PNS do not appear to play a significant role in TSE neuroinvasion.
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Lucin KM, Wyss-Coray T. Immune activation in brain aging and neurodegeneration: too much or too little? Neuron 2009; 64:110-22. [PMID: 19840553 PMCID: PMC2834890 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 508] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Until recently, the brain was studied almost exclusively by neuroscientists and the immune system by immunologists, fuelling the notion that these systems represented two isolated entities. However, as more data suggest an important role of the immune system in regulating the progression of brain aging and neurodegenerative disease, it has become clear that the crosstalk between these systems can no longer be ignored and a new interdisciplinary approach is necessary. A central question that emerges is whether immune and inflammatory pathways become hyperactivated with age and promote degeneration or whether insufficient immune responses, which fail to cope with age-related stress, may contribute to disease. We try to explore here the consequences of gain versus loss of function with an emphasis on microglia as sensors and effectors of immune function in the brain, and we discuss the potential role of the peripheral environment in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt M Lucin
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are inevitably lethal neurodegenerative diseases that affect humans and a large variety of animals. The infectious agent responsible for TSEs is the prion, an abnormally folded and aggregated protein that propagates itself by imposing its conformation onto the cellular prion protein (PrPC) of the host. PrPCis necessary for prion replication and for prion-induced neurodegeneration, yet the proximal causes of neuronal injury and death are still poorly understood. Prion toxicity may arise from the interference with the normal function of PrPC, and therefore, understanding the physiological role of PrPCmay help to clarify the mechanism underlying prion diseases. Here we discuss the evolution of the prion concept and how prion-like mechanisms may apply to other protein aggregation diseases. We describe the clinical and the pathological features of the prion diseases in human and animals, the events occurring during neuroinvasion, and the possible scenarios underlying brain damage. Finally, we discuss potential antiprion therapies and current developments in the realm of prion diagnostics.
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PrP expression, PrPSc accumulation and innervation of splenic compartments in sheep experimentally infected with scrapie. PLoS One 2009; 4:e6885. [PMID: 19727393 PMCID: PMC2731221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In prion disease, the peripheral expression of PrPC is necessary for the transfer of infectivity to the central nervous system. The spleen is involved in neuroinvasion and neural dissemination in prion diseases but the nature of this involvement is not known. The present study undertook the investigation of the spatial relationship between sites of PrPSc accumulation, localisation of nerve fibres and PrPC expression in the tissue compartments of the spleen of scrapie-inoculated and control sheep. Methodology/Principal Findings Laser microdissection and quantitative PCR were used to determine PrP mRNA levels and results were compared with immunohistochemical protocols to distinguish PrPC and PrPSc in tissue compartments of the spleen. In sheep experimentally infected with scrapie, the major sites of accumulation of PrPSc in the spleen, namely the lymphoid nodules and the marginal zone, expressed low levels of PrP mRNA. Double immunohistochemical labelling for PrPSc and the pan-nerve fibre marker, PGP, was used to evaluate the density of innervation of splenic tissue compartments and the intimacy of association between PrPSc and nerves. Some nerve fibres were observed to accompany blood vessels into the PrPSc-laden germinal centres. However, the close association between nerves and PrPSc was most apparent in the marginal zone. Other sites of close association were adjacent to the wall of the central artery of PALS and the outer rim of germinal centres. Conclusions/Significance The findings suggest that the degree of PrPSc accumulation does not depend on the expression level of PrPC. Though several splenic compartments may contribute to neuroinvasion, the marginal zone may play a central role in being the compartment with most apparent association between nerves and PrPSc.
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Induction of cerebral beta-amyloidosis: intracerebral versus systemic Abeta inoculation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:12926-31. [PMID: 19622727 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0903200106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the importance of the aberrant polymerization of Abeta in the early pathogenic cascade of Alzheimer's disease, little is known about the induction of Abeta aggregation in vivo. Here we show that induction of cerebral beta-amyloidosis can be achieved in many different brain areas of APP23 transgenic mice through the injection of dilute Abeta-containing brain extracts. Once the amyloidogenic process has been exogenously induced, the nature of the induced Abeta-deposition is determined by the brain region of the host. Because these observations are reminiscent of a prion-like mechanism, we then investigated whether cerebral beta-amyloidosis also can be induced by peripheral and systemic inoculations or by the intracerebral implantation of stainless steel wires previously coated with minute amounts of Abeta-containing brain extract. Results reveal that oral, intravenous, intraocular, and intranasal inoculations yielded no detectable induction of cerebral beta-amyloidosis in APP23 transgenic mice. In contrast, transmission of cerebral beta-amyloidosis through the Abeta-contaminated steel wires was demonstrated. Notably, plasma sterilization, but not boiling of the wires before implantation, prevented the induction of beta-amyloidosis. Our results suggest that minute amounts of Abeta-containing brain material in direct contact with the CNS can induce cerebral beta-amyloidosis, but that systemic cellular mechanisms of prion uptake and transport to the CNS may not apply to Abeta.
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Priola SA, McNally KL. The role of the prion protein membrane anchor in prion infection. Prion 2009; 3:134-8. [PMID: 19786843 DOI: 10.4161/pri.3.3.9771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal cellular and abnormal disease-associated forms of prion protein (PrP) contain a C-terminal glycophosphatidyl-inositol (GPI) membrane anchor. The importance of the GPI membrane anchor in prion diseases is unclear but there are data to suggest that it both is and is not required for abnormal prion protein formation and prion infection. Utilizing an in vitro model of prion infection we have recently demonstrated that, while the GPI anchor is not essential for the formation of abnormal prion protein in a cell, it is necessary for the establishment of persistent prion infection. In combination with previously published data, our results suggest that GPI anchored PrP is important in the amplification and spread of prion infectivity from cell to cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzette A Priola
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA.
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Bovine macrophage degradation of scrapie and BSE PrPSc. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2009; 133:33-9. [PMID: 19647878 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2009] [Revised: 05/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie, display long incubation periods before PrP(Sc) accumulates in the central neuronal system (CNS). The precise role that phagocytic cells, such as macrophages, play in prion pathogenesis is uncertain. In this study, the involvement of bovine macrophages at the early stage of prion infection was studied. Brain homogenates of mouse scrapie and BSE were degraded sequentially in the bovine macrophage cell line, Bo120, and freshly prepared in monocyte-derived macrophages from peripheral blood. Mouse scrapie brain homogenates degraded in Bo120 cells were inoculated intraperitoneally to C57BL mice, showing that the degree of cellular degradation (2h, 10, 28, and 36d) correlated with survival periods (288, 303, 324, and 340d, respectively). Partial colocalizations of PrP and lysosomes were observed in Bo120 cells by confocal microscopy. These results suggest that bovine macrophages have the ability to take up and degrade PrP(Sc), resulting in decreased TSE infectivity in mice.
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Nuvolone M, Aguzzi A, Heikenwalder M. Cells and prions: A license to replicate. FEBS Lett 2009; 583:2674-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2009] [Revised: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Prion proteins in subpopulations of white blood cells from patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. J Transl Med 2009; 89:624-35. [PMID: 19434060 PMCID: PMC2786774 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2009.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent cases of prion transmission in humans following transfusions using blood donated by patients with asymptomatic variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) implicate the presence of prion infectivity in peripheral blood. In this study, we examined the levels of the normal, cellular prion protein (PrPC), and the disease-causing isoform (PrPSc) in subpopulations of circulating white blood cells (WBCs) from patients with sporadic (s) CJD, age-matched neurological controls and healthy donors. Though widely distributed, the highest levels of PrPC were found in a subpopulation of T lymphocytes: approximately 12,000 PrPC molecules were found per CD4+CD45RA-CD62L- effector memory T helper cell. Although platelets expressed low levels of PrPC on their surface, their high abundance in circulation resulted in the majority of PrPC being platelet associated. Using quantitative fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, we found that neither WBC composition nor the amount of cell-surface PrPC molecules was altered in patients with sCJD. Eight different WBC fraction types from the peripheral blood of patients with sCJD were assessed for PrPSc. We were unable to find any evidence for PrPSc in purified granulocytes, monocytes, B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, nonclassical gamma delta T cells, or platelets. If human WBCs harbor prion infectivity in patients with sCJD, then the levels are likely to be low.
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Fukuuchi T, Okuda K, Yoshihara S, Ohta S. A Candidate Anti-Prion Disease Agent, 2,2'-Biquinoline, Decreases Expression of Prion Protein and mRNA in Prion-Infected Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1248/jhs.55.586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Fukuuchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hiroshima International University
| | - Katsuhiro Okuda
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hiroshima International University
| | | | - Shigeru Ohta
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University
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Heikenwalder M, Kurrer MO, Margalith I, Kranich J, Zeller N, Haybaeck J, Polymenidou M, Matter M, Bremer J, Jackson WS, Lindquist S, Sigurdson CJ, Aguzzi A. Lymphotoxin-Dependent Prion Replication in Inflammatory Stromal Cells of Granulomas. Immunity 2008; 29:998-1008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2008.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2008] [Revised: 09/10/2008] [Accepted: 10/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Aguzzi A, Sigurdson C, Heikenwaelder M. Molecular mechanisms of prion pathogenesis. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2008; 3:11-40. [PMID: 18233951 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.pathmechdis.3.121806.154326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases are infectious neurodegenerative diseases occurring in humans and animals with an invariably lethal outcome. One fundamental mechanistic event in prion diseases is the aggregation of aberrantly folded prion protein into large amyloid plaques and fibrous structures associated with neurodegeneration. The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is absolutely required for disease development, and prion knockout mice are not susceptible to prion disease. Prions accumulate not only in the central nervous system but also in lymphoid organs, as shown for new variant and sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob patients and for some animals. To date it is largely accepted that prions consist primarily of PrPSc, a misfolded and aggregated beta-sheet-rich isoform of PrPC. However, PrPSc may or may not be completely congruent with the infectious moiety. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration, the role of the immune system in prion pathogenesis, and the existence of prion strains that appear to have different tropisms and biochemical characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zürich, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Abstract
Prions were originally defined as infectious agents of protein nature, which caused neurodegenerative diseases in animals and humans. The prion concept implies that the infectious agent is a protein in special conformation that can be transmitted to the normal molecules of the same protein through protein-protein interactions. Until the 1990s, the prion phenomenon was associated with the single protein named PrP. Discovery of prions in lower eukaryotes, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and fungus Podospora anserina, suggests that prions have wider significance. Prions of lower eukaryotes are not related to diseases; their propagation caused by aggregation of prion-like proteins underlies the inheritance of phenotypic traits and most likely has adaptive significance. This review covers prions of mammals and lower eukaryotes, mechanisms of their appearance de novo and maintenance, structure of prion particles, and prospects for the treatment of prion diseases. Recent data concerning the search for new prion-like proteins is included. The paper focuses on the [PSI+] prion of S. cerevisiae, since at present it is the most investigated one. The biological significance of prions is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I S Shkundina
- Russian Cardiology Research-Industrial Center, 3-ya Cherepkovskaya ul. 15A, 121552 Moscow, Russia
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47
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Marruchella G, Ligios C, Albanese V, Cancedda MG, Madau L, Lalatta-Costerbosa G, Mazzoni M, Clavenzani P, Chiocchetti R, Sarli G, De Grossi L, Agrimi U, Aguzzi A, Di Guardo G. Enteroglial and neuronal involvement without apparent neuron loss in ileal enteric nervous system plexuses from scrapie-affected sheep. J Gen Virol 2007; 88:2899-2904. [PMID: 17872545 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.82907-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) probably plays a dominant role in sheep scrapie pathogenesis, but little is known about the cell types involved. We investigated the ileal myenteric and submucosal plexuses of four naturally and four orally experimentally scrapie-affected ARQ/ARQ Sarda sheep, as well as those of 12 healthy-control Sarda sheep carrying different PrP genotypes. All scrapie-affected animals, euthanized at clinical-disease end stage, showed PrPd deposition within enteric glial cells (EGCs) and calbindin-immunoreactive (CALB-IR) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-IR neurons. Whole-mount investigations revealed no significant differences between the densities of total, CALB-IR and nNOS-IR neurons in scrapie-affected versus healthy sheep, irrespective of PrP genotype. Our results suggest that EGCs and CALB-IR and nNOS-IR neurons are probably involved in the pathogenesis of natural and oral experimental sheep scrapie. Furthermore, the infectious agent may be less pathogenic towards ENS neurons than it is towards central nervous system neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Marruchella
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ciriaco Ligios
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Valeria Albanese
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Laura Madau
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lalatta-Costerbosa
- Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Productions, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - Maurizio Mazzoni
- Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Productions, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - Paolo Clavenzani
- Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Productions, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - Roberto Chiocchetti
- Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Productions, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sarli
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Animal Pathology, Division of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - Luigi De Grossi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Umberto Agrimi
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Food Safety and Veterinary Public Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Di Guardo
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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Tayebi M, Bate C, Hawke S, Williams A. A role for B lymphocytes in anti-infective prion therapies? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2007; 5:631-8. [PMID: 17678426 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.5.4.631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The deposition of proteins in the form of amyloid fibrils and plaques is the characteristic feature of a number of neurodegenerative conditions affecting the nervous system. These disorders include prion and Alzheimer's diseases and are of enormous importance for public health. It has become apparent over the last 20 years that specificity and application in prion diseases' diagnostic and therapeutic situations are the most important considerations in designing strategies for the generation of antiprion antibodies. Specific antiprion therapeutics have been suggested and the establishment of the 'proof-of-principle' that the use of epitope-specific antiprion antibodies leads to indefinite delay of disease onset, has increased momentum for its use, although caution should be exerted prior to the application of new therapeutic strategies in a clinical set up. Furthermore, in vivo stimulation of immune-competent cells to specifically recognize and neutralize the abnormally folded isoform should also be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad Tayebi
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.
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Dorban G, Defaweux V, Demonceau C, Flandroy S, Van Lerberghe PB, Falisse-Poirrier N, Piret J, Heinen E, Antoine N. Interaction between dendritic cells and nerve fibres in lymphoid organs after oral scrapie exposure. Virchows Arch 2007; 451:1057-65. [PMID: 17823814 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-007-0476-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2007] [Revised: 07/12/2007] [Accepted: 07/13/2007] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), the infectious agent, called PrPsc, an abnormal isoform of the cellular prion protein, accumulates and replicates in lymphoid organs before affecting the nervous system. To clarify the cellular requirements for the neuroinvasion of the scrapie agent from the lymphoid organs to the central nervous system, we have studied, by confocal microscopy, the innervations within Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen of mice in physiological conditions and after oral exposure to prion. Contacts between nerve fibres and PrPsc-associated cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), were evaluated in preclinical prion-infected mice. Using a double immunolabelling strategy, we demonstrated the lack of innervation of PrPsc-accumulating cells (FDCs). Contacts between nerve fibers and PrPsc-propagating cells (DCs) were detected in T-cell zones and cell-trafficking areas. This supports, for the first time, the possible implication of dendritic cells in the prion neuroinvasion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauthier Dorban
- Human Histology, Immunology Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, CHU, Avenue de l'hôpital, Tour de pharmacie +4, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
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50
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Holada K, Simak J, Brown P, Vostal JG. Divergent expression of cellular prion protein on blood cells of human and nonhuman primates. Transfusion 2007; 47:2223-32. [PMID: 17714417 DOI: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2007.01451.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Four recent transmissions of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease infection by transfusion highlight the need for detailed understanding of blood-related prion pathogenesis. Nonhuman primates are the most relevant models of human prion diseases. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Quantitative flow cytometry with monoclonal antibodies FH11, 3F4, and 6H4 against different parts of the normal cellular form of the prion protein (PrP(C)) was used to evaluate its expression on blood cells of humans, chimpanzees, cynomolgus macaques, rhesus macaques, squirrel monkeys, and microcebe lemurs. RESULTS Chimpanzees, rhesus macaques, and squirrel monkeys displayed a much higher quantity of total blood cell membrane PrP(C) than humans, due to a markedly higher expression of PrP(C) on their red blood cells (RBCs). In contrast, cynomolgus macaques and lemurs demonstrated substantially lower levels of membrane PrP(C) due to the lack of significant PrP(C) expression on RBCs and platelets (PLTs). All species displayed PrP(C) on white blood cells (WBCs), with the highest levels found on human cells. Only humans, chimpanzees, and to a lesser degree rhesus macaques expressed PrP(C) on PLTs. CONCLUSION If PrP(C) contributes to the propagation or transport of prion infectivity in blood, the differences reported here need to be considered when extrapolating results of transmission studies in primate models to blood and blood components in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Holada
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
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