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Del Negro I, Pauletto G, Verriello L, Spadea L, Salati C, Ius T, Zeppieri M. Uncovering the Genetics and Physiology behind Optic Neuritis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2192. [PMID: 38137014 PMCID: PMC10742654 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammatory condition affecting the optic nerve, leading to vision impairment and potential vision loss. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of ON, including its definition, epidemiology, physiology, genetics, molecular pathways, therapy, ongoing clinical studies, and future perspectives. ON is characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve, often resulting from an autoimmune response. Epidemiological studies have shown a higher incidence in females and an association with certain genetic factors. The physiology of ON involves an immune-mediated attack on the myelin sheath surrounding the optic nerve, leading to demyelination and subsequent impairment of nerve signal transmission. This inflammatory process involves various molecular pathways, including the activation of immune cells and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Genetic factors play a significant role in the susceptibility to ON. Several genes involved in immune regulation and myelin maintenance have been implicated in the disease pathogenesis. Understanding the genetic basis can provide insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Therapy for ON focuses on reducing inflammation and promoting nerve regeneration. Future perspectives involve personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiling, regenerative therapies to repair damaged myelin, and the development of neuroprotective strategies. Advancements in understanding molecular pathways, genetics, and diagnostic tools offer new opportunities for targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Del Negro
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Head-Neck and Neurosciences Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Giada Pauletto
- Neurology Unit, Head-Neck and Neurosciences Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy; (G.P.)
| | - Lorenzo Verriello
- Neurology Unit, Head-Neck and Neurosciences Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy; (G.P.)
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, Head-Neck and Neurosciences Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Tamara Ius
- Neurosurgery Unit, Head-Neck and Neurosciences Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Head-Neck and Neurosciences Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Park Y, Zhang Q, Wiegertjes GF, Fernandes JMO, Kiron V. Adherent Intestinal Cells From Atlantic Salmon Show Phagocytic Ability and Express Macrophage-Specific Genes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:580848. [PMID: 33178695 PMCID: PMC7593592 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.580848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Our knowledge of the intestinal immune system of fish is rather limited compared to mammals. Very little is known about the immune cells including the phagocytic cells in fish intestine. Hence, employing imaging flow cytometry and RNA sequencing, we studied adherent cells isolated from healthy Atlantic salmon. Phagocytic activity and selected gene expression of adherent cells from the distal intestine (adherent intestinal cells, or AIC) were compared with those from head kidney (adherent kidney cells, or AKC). Phagocytic activity of the two cell types was assessed based on the uptake of Escherichia coli BioParticlesTM. AIC showed phagocytic ability but the phagocytes were of different morphology compared to AKC. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that AIC expressed genes associated with macrophages, T cells, and endothelial cells. Heatmap analysis of selected genes indicated that the adherent cells from the two organs had apparently higher expression of macrophage-related genes. We believe that the adherent intestinal cells have phagocytic characteristics and high expression of genes commonly associated with macrophages. We envisage the possibilities for future studies on enriched populations of adherent intestinal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngjin Park
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Qirui Zhang
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Geert F Wiegertjes
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Viswanath Kiron
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
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Susukida T, Aoki S, Shirayanagi T, Yamada Y, Kuwahara S, Ito K. HLA transgenic mice: application in reproducing idiosyncratic drug toxicity. Drug Metab Rev 2020; 52:540-567. [PMID: 32847422 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2020.1800725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Various types of transgenic mice carrying either class I or II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are readily available, and reports describing their use in a variety of studies have been published for more than 30 years. Examples of their use include the discovery of HLA-specific antigens against viral infection as well as the reproduction of HLA-mediated autoimmune diseases for the development of therapeutic strategies. Recently, HLA transgenic mice have been used to reproduce HLA-mediated idiosyncratic drug toxicity (IDT), a rare and unpredictable adverse drug reaction that can result in death. For example, abacavir-induced IDT has successfully been reproduced in HLA-B*57:01 transgenic mice. Several reports using HLA transgenic mice for IDT have proven the utility of this concept for the evaluation of IDT using various HLA allele combinations and drugs. It has become apparent that such models may be a valuable tool to investigate the mechanisms underlying HLA-mediated IDT. This review summarizes the latest findings in the area of HLA transgenic mouse models and discusses the current challenges that must be overcome to maximize the potential of this unique animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Susukida
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Section of Host Defenses, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Shigeki Aoki
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Shirayanagi
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yushiro Yamada
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Saki Kuwahara
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kousei Ito
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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Brill L, Vaknin-Dembinsky A, Zveik O, Haham N, Miller K, Benedek G. MIF -173G/C polymorphism is associated with NMO disease severity. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 339:577120. [PMID: 31790982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our knowledge about genetic factors that drive the worsening of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is limited. Herein, we analyzed the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) -173G/C functional polymorphism in NMO patients and controls. Our data reveal that the frequency of the high-expression MIF genotypes (CC/GC) did not differ between the two groups. However, frequency of this genotypes was elevated in patients diagnosed with both optic neuritis and myelitis compared with patients that were diagnosed with only one symptom. Furthermore, patients carrying the CC/CG genotypes had significantly higher disability score. We conclude that MIF is associated with NMO severity rather than susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livnat Brill
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, and the Agnes-Ginges Center for Neurogenetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Faculty of Medicine, Israel
| | - Adi Vaknin-Dembinsky
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, and the Agnes-Ginges Center for Neurogenetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Faculty of Medicine, Israel
| | - Omri Zveik
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, and the Agnes-Ginges Center for Neurogenetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Faculty of Medicine, Israel
| | - Nitsan Haham
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, and the Agnes-Ginges Center for Neurogenetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Faculty of Medicine, Israel
| | - Keren Miller
- Tissue Typing and Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gil Benedek
- Tissue Typing and Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Critical Role of Monocyte Recruitment in Optic Nerve Damage Induced by Experimental Optic Neuritis. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:7458-7472. [PMID: 31044366 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1608-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammatory diseases are characterized by blood-brain barrier disruption (BBB) and leukocyte infiltration. We investigated the involvement of monocyte recruitment in visual pathway damage provoked by primary optic neuritis (ON) induced by a microinjection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the optic nerve from male Wistar rats. Increased Evans blue extravasation and cellularity were observed at 6 h post-LPS injection. In WT-GFPþ/WT chimeric rat optic nerves, the presence of GFP(+) neutrophils and GFP(+) monocytes, and in wild-type rat optic nerves, an increase in CD11b+CD45low and CD11b+CD45high cell number, were observed at 24 h post-LPS. Gamma-irradiation did not affect the increase in BBB permeability, but significantly lessened the decrease in pupil light reflex (PLR), and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) number induced by LPS. At 6 h post-LPS, an increase in chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) immunoreactivity co-localized with neutrophils (but not microglia/macrophages or astrocytes) was observed, while at 24 h post-injection, an increase in Iba-1-immunoreactivity and its co-localization with CCL2 became evident. The co-injection of LPS with bindarit (a CCL2 synthesis inhibitor) lessened the effect of LPS on PLR, and RGC loss. The treatment with etoposide or gadolinium chloride that significantly decreased peripheral monocyte (but not neutrophil or lymphocyte) percentage decreased the effect of LPS on PLR, and RGC number. Moreover, a negative correlation between PRL and monocyte (but not lymphocyte or neutrophil) percentage was observed at 7 days post-LPS. Taken together, these results support that monocytes are key players in the initial events that take place during primary ON.
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Benedek G, Vandenbark AA, Alkayed NJ, Offner H. Partial MHC class II constructs as novel immunomodulatory therapy for stroke. Neurochem Int 2016; 107:138-147. [PMID: 27773790 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of stroke continues to rise despite recent successes in treating acute ischemic stroke. With limited patient eligibility and associated risk of tPA and mechanical thrombectomy, new preventive and therapeutic modalities are needed to stave the rising wave of stroke. Inflammation plays a key role in brain damage after cerebral ischemia, and novel therapies that target pro-inflammatory cells have demonstrated promise for treatment for stroke. Partial MHC class II constructs have been shown to prevent and/or reverse clinical signs of various inflammatory diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, collagen-induced arthritis and experimental autoimmune uveitis, by reducing the number and frequency of activated cells in the damaged CNS. Herein, we review the use of partial MHC class II constructs as a novel treatment for ischemic stroke. These constructs have been shown to reduce infarct volume and neurological deficit in various cerebral ischemia models in young adult and aging male and female mice. In addition, partial MHC class II constructs were shown to reverse stroke-associated splenic atrophy and promote a protective M2 macrophage/microglia phenotype in the CNS which contributes to tissue repair and recovery after stroke. By addressing remaining STAIR criteria, such as efficacy in large animal models of stroke, these constructs will be prime candidates for clinical trials of acute ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Benedek
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Arthur A Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Nabil J Alkayed
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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Novel humanized recombinant T cell receptor ligands protect the female brain after experimental stroke. Transl Stroke Res 2014; 5:577-85. [PMID: 24838614 PMCID: PMC4121525 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-014-0345-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transmigration of peripheral leukocytes to the brain is a major contributor to cerebral ischemic cell death mechanisms. Humanized partial major histocompatibility complex class II constructs (pMHC), covalently linked to myelin peptides, are effective for treating experimental stroke in males, but new evidence suggests that some inflammatory cell death mechanisms after brain injury are sex-specific. We here demonstrate that treatment with pMHC constructs also improves outcomes in female mice with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). HLA-DR2 transgenic female mice with MCAO were treated with RTL1000 (HLA-DR2 moiety linked to human MOG-35-55 peptide), HLA-DRa1-MOG-35-55, or vehicle (VEH) at 3, 24, 48, and 72 h after reperfusion and were recovered for 96 h or 2 weeks post-injury for measurement of histology (TTC staining) or behavioral testing. RTL1000- and DRa1-MOG-treated mice had profoundly reduced infarct volumes as compared to the VEH group, although higher doses of DRa1-MOG were needed for females vs. males evaluated previously. RTL1000-treated females also exhibited strongly improved functional recovery in a standard cylinder test. In novel studies of post-ischemic ultrasonic vocalization (USV), as measured by animal calls to their cage mates, we modeled in mice the post-stroke speech deficits common in human stroke survivors. The number of calls was reduced in injured animals relative to pre-MCAO baseline regardless of RTL1000 treatment status. However, call duration was significantly improved by RTL1000 treatment, suggesting benefit to the animal’s recovery of vocalization capability. We conclude that both the parent RTL1000 molecule and the novel non-polymorphic DRα1-MOG-35-55 construct were highly effective immunotherapies for treatment of transient cerebral ischemia in females.
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Flor-de-Lima F, Rocha G, Proença E, Tafulo S, Freitas F, Guimarães H. The role of the human leukocyte antigen system in retinopathy of prematurity: a pilot study. Acta Paediatr 2013; 102:1150-3. [PMID: 24033735 DOI: 10.1111/apa.12410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the association between the human leukocyte antigen system and retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS Neonates of <32 weeks of gestational age, born at two level III neonatal intensive care units from January 2000 to December 2001 and from January 2006 to June 2009, were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, and retinopathy was classified according to the International Classification. Epithelial cells were collected from the oral cavity and the HLA were studied using the PCR/SSO method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using SPSS® v.18. RESULTS We evaluated 156 neonates, including 82 (52.6%) males. Median gestational age was 29 (23-31) weeks, and median birth weight was 1030 (525-1935) grams. Seventy (44.9%) of the neonates developed retinopathy. Alleles HLA-B*38, HLA-Cw*12, HLA-DRB1*09, HLA-DRB1*14 (univariate analysis) and HLA-A*68 and HLA-Cw*12 were associated to retinopathy (multivariate analysis). CONCLUSION The results suggest that the HLA system may be associated with the development of retinopathy of prematurity. A large-scale population-based study should be performed to clarify this association.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gustavo Rocha
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Centro Hospitalar de São João; Porto Portugal
| | - Elisa Proença
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Maternidade Júlio Dinis; Centro Hospitalar do Porto; Porto Portugal
| | - Sandra Tafulo
- Centro do Sangue e da Transplantação do Porto; Porto Portugal
| | - Fátima Freitas
- Centro do Sangue e da Transplantação do Porto; Porto Portugal
| | - Hercília Guimarães
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Centro Hospitalar de São João; Porto Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine; University of Porto; Porto Portugal
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The future of uveitis treatment. Ophthalmology 2013; 121:365-376. [PMID: 24169255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2013.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveitis is a heterogeneous collection of diseases with polygenic and environmental influences. This heterogeneity presents challenges in trial design and selection of end points. Despite the multitude of causes, therapeutics targeting common inflammatory pathways are effective in treating diverse forms of uveitis. These treatments, including corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents, although often effective, can have untoward side effects, limiting their utility. The search for drugs with equal or improved efficacy that are safe is therefore paramount. A mechanism-based approach is most likely to yield the future breakthroughs in the treatment of uveitis. We review the literature and provide examples of the nuances of immune regulation and dysregulation that can be targeted for therapeutic benefit. As our understanding of the causes of uveitis grows we will learn how to better apply antibodies designed to block interaction between inflammatory cytokines and their receptors. T-lymphocyte activation can be targeted by blocking co-stimulatory pathways or inhibiting major histocompatibility complex protein interactions. Furthermore, intracellular downstream molecules from cytokine or other pathways can be inhibited using small molecule inhibitors, which have the benefit of being orally bioavailable. An emerging field is the lipid-mediated inflammatory and regulatory pathways. Alternatively, anti-inflammatory cytokines can be provided by administering recombinant protein, and intracellular "brakes" of inflammatory pathways can be introduced potentially by gene therapy. Novel approaches of delivering a therapeutic substance include, but are not limited to, the use of small interfering RNA, viral and nonviral gene therapy, and microparticle or viscous gel sustained-release drug-delivery platforms.
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Horstmann L, Schmid H, Heinen AP, Kurschus FC, Dick HB, Joachim SC. Inflammatory demyelination induces glia alterations and ganglion cell loss in the retina of an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model. J Neuroinflammation 2013; 10:120. [PMID: 24090415 PMCID: PMC3851328 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is often accompanied by optic nerve inflammation. And some patients experience permanent vision loss. We examined if the grade of optic nerve infiltration and demyelination affects the severity of clinical signs in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. The loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and alterations in glia activity were also investigated. Methods C57BL/6 mice were immunized with peptide MOG35-55 in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) and controls received PBS in CFA. Then 23 days post immunization eyes were prepared for flatmounts and stained with Nissl to evaluated neuronal density. Clinical EAE symptoms as well as cell infiltration and demyelination in the optic nerve were examined. Retinal sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and silver stain. Immunohistochemistry was used to label RGCs (Brn-3a), apoptotic cells (caspase 3), macroglia (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)), microglia (Iba1), macrophages (F 4/80) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion. Results EAE symptoms started at day 8 and peaked at day 15. Cell infiltrations (P = 0.0047) and demyelination (P = 0.0018) of EAE nerves correlated with the clinical score (r > 0.8). EAE led to a significant loss of RGCs (P< 0.0001). Significantly more caspase 3+ cells were noted in these animals (P = 0.0222). They showed an increased expression of GFAP (P< 0.0002) and a higher number of microglial cells (P< 0.0001). Also more macrophages and IL-6 secretion were observed in EAE mice. Conclusions MOG immunization leads to optic neuritis and RGC loss. EAE severity is related to the severity of optic nerve inflammation and demyelination. EAE not only affects activation of apoptotic signals, but also causes a glial response in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lioba Horstmann
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, Ruhr University Eye Hospital, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany.
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Soares RMG, Dias AT, De Castro SBR, Alves CCS, Evangelista MG, Da Silva LC, Farias RE, Castanon MCMN, Juliano MA, Ferreira AP. Optical neuritis induced by different concentrations of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein presents different profiles of the inflammatory process. Autoimmunity 2013; 46:480-5. [PMID: 24083391 DOI: 10.3109/08916934.2013.796938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Optical neuritis (ON) is characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve, and is one of the first clinical signs of multiple sclerosis (MS). Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the animal model used to study MS and ON. The present study evaluated the induction, development and progression of ON using an EAE model induced by 100 μg or 300 μg of MOG35-55. An EAE model was induced in C57BL/6 mice by tail base injection of 100 μg or 300 μg of MOG35-55 in complete Freund's adjuvant, supplemented with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. On the day of injection and 48 h later, animals received intraperitoneally 300 ng of pertussis toxin. On days 7, 10, 14, 21 and 58 the optic nerve was dissected for histological analysis, production of CCL5 and immunohistochemical detection of CD4 and CD8. The histological changes observed in the optic nerves consisted of inflammatory cell infiltrates showing varying degrees of ON in the two groups. The onset of ON in the 300 μg of MOG35-55 group was coincident with higher production of CCL5, on day 10 after induction. However, the 100 μg MOG35-55 group showed more intense inflammatory infiltrate on day 14 after induction, with higher amounts of CD4 and CD8, reaching an excessive demyelination process on days 21 and 58 after induction. The results suggest that two different concentrations of MOG35-55 lead to different forms of evolution of optic neuritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubens Murilo Gibaile Soares
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora , Juiz de Fora , Brazil
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Brambilla R, Dvoriantchikova G, Barakat D, Ivanov D, Bethea JR, Shestopalov VI. Transgenic inhibition of astroglial NF-κB protects from optic nerve damage and retinal ganglion cell loss in experimental optic neuritis. J Neuroinflammation 2012; 9:213. [PMID: 22963651 PMCID: PMC3490907 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-9-213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Optic neuritis is an acute, demyelinating neuropathy of the optic nerve often representing the first appreciable symptom of multiple sclerosis. Wallerian degeneration of irreversibly damaged optic nerve axons leads to death of retinal ganglion cells, which is the cause of permanent visual impairment. Although the specific mechanisms responsible for triggering these events are unknown, it has been suggested that a key pathological factor is the activation of immune-inflammatory processes secondary to leukocyte infiltration. However, to date, there is no conclusive evidence to support such a causal role for infiltrating peripheral immune cells in the etiopathology of optic neuritis. Methods To dissect the contribution of the peripheral immune-inflammatory response versus the CNS-specific inflammatory response in the development of optic neuritis, we analyzed optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells pathology in wild-type and GFAP-IκBα-dn transgenic mice, where NF-κB is selectively inactivated in astrocytes, following induction of EAE. Results We found that, in wild-type mice, axonal demyelination in the optic nerve occurred as early as 8 days post induction of EAE, prior to the earliest signs of leukocyte infiltration (20 days post induction). On the contrary, GFAP-IκBα-dn mice were significantly protected and showed a nearly complete prevention of axonal demyelination, as well as a drastic attenuation in retinal ganglion cell death. This correlated with a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, as well as a prevention of NAD(P)H oxidase subunit upregulation. Conclusions Our results provide evidence that astrocytes, not infiltrating immune cells, play a key role in the development of optic neuritis and that astrocyte-mediated neurotoxicity is dependent on activation of a transcriptional program regulated by NF-κB. Hence, interventions targeting the NF-κB transcription factor in astroglia may be of therapeutic value in the treatment of optic neuritis associated with multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Brambilla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Adamus G, Wang S, Kyger M, Worley A, Lu B, Burrows GG. Systemic immunotherapy delays photoreceptor cell loss and prevents vascular pathology in Royal College of Surgeons rats. Mol Vis 2012; 18:2323-37. [PMID: 22977300 PMCID: PMC3441155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Degenerative retinopathies, including retinitis pigmentosa, age-related retinal degeneration, autoimmune retinopathy, and related diseases affect millions of people around the world. Currently, there is no effective treatment for most of those diseases. We investigated systemic recombinant T-cell receptor ligand (RTL) immunotherapy for preventing retinal degeneration and vascular damage in the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model of retinal degeneration. METHODS RCS rats were treated with RTL220 tethered to interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP) peptide or control RTL101 without peptide by subcutaneous administration starting at the onset of photoreceptor degeneration or after the degenerative process began daily or every other day and performed for a 13-week period. The retinal cross sections and whole mounts were prepared to determine histopathology, leaking vessels, and formation of vascular complexes. Immunofluorescent studies evaluated microglia and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 chemokine in treated retinas. Optokinetic studies were performed to determine visual acuity. RESULTS Systemic treatment with RTL220 prevented decreases in outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and showed a significantly higher number of nuclei than control rats treated with RTL101 or vehicle. RTL220 was also effective in protecting retinal vasculature from leakage and the formation of abnormal vascular complexes even when the treatment was administered after the degenerative process was initiated. Visual acuity measurement showed that rats treated with RTL220 performed significantly better than those with RTL101 and untreated age-matched controls at P60 and P90. Biodistribution studies showed that RTL220 cleared slowly from the administration site. Moreover, RTL220-treated retinas had a significantly reduced number of activated microglia in the subretinal space, decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production in the retina, inhibited T-cell responses, and reduced anti-interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein autoantibody titers. Treatment with the control RTL101 (without a specific peptide tethered) or vehicle alone did not inhibit microglia activation or protect photoreceptors or vasculature. CONCLUSIONS RTL therapy augmented photoreceptor cell survival, protected vasculature, and increased visual function in the RTL rat. Targeting chronic autoimmunity with RTLs can be an effective therapeutic alternative in delaying retinal degeneration. Subcutaneous delivery of RTLs alone or combined with other drugs could be an attractive option for long-term therapy for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Adamus
- Ocular Immunology Laboratory, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Shaomei Wang
- Ocular Immunology Laboratory, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Madison Kyger
- Ocular Immunology Laboratory, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Aneta Worley
- Ocular Immunology Laboratory, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Bin Lu
- Ocular Immunology Laboratory, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Gregory G. Burrows
- Tykeson MS Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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