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Campagnoli LIM, Ahmad L, Marchesi N, Greco G, Boschi F, Masi F, Mallucci G, Bergamaschi R, Colombo E, Pascale A. Disclosing the Novel Protective Mechanisms of Ocrelizumab in Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of PKC Beta and Its Down-Stream Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8923. [PMID: 39201609 PMCID: PMC11354964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168923] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ocrelizumab (OCR) is a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody approved for both Relapsing and Primary Progressive forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treatment. OCR is postulated to act via rapid B cell depletion; however, by analogy with other anti-CD20 agents, additional effects can be envisaged, such as on Protein Kinase C (PKC). Hence, this work aims to explore novel potential mechanisms of action of OCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from MS patients before and after 12 months of OCR treatment. We first assessed, up-stream, PKCβII and subsequently explored two down-stream pathways: hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and human antigen R (HuR)/manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and heat shock proteins 70 (HSP70). At baseline, higher levels of PKCβII, HIF-1α, and VEGF were found in MS patients compared to healthy controls (HC); interestingly, the overexpression of this inflammatory cascade was counteracted by OCR treatment. Conversely, at baseline, the content of HuR, MnSOD, and HSP70 was significantly lower in MS patients compared to HC, while OCR administration induced the up-regulation of these neuroprotective pathways. These results enable us to disclose the dual positive action of OCR: anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. Therefore, in addition to B cell depletion, the effect of OCR on these molecular cascades can contribute to counteracting disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara Ahmad
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.A.); (G.G.); (F.M.); (R.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Nicoletta Marchesi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.I.M.C.); (N.M.); (F.B.)
| | - Giacomo Greco
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.A.); (G.G.); (F.M.); (R.B.); (E.C.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Boschi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.I.M.C.); (N.M.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesco Masi
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.A.); (G.G.); (F.M.); (R.B.); (E.C.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Mallucci
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.A.); (G.G.); (F.M.); (R.B.); (E.C.)
- Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Bergamaschi
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.A.); (G.G.); (F.M.); (R.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Elena Colombo
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.A.); (G.G.); (F.M.); (R.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.I.M.C.); (N.M.); (F.B.)
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Tarlinton R, Tanasescu R, Shannon-Lowe C, Gran B. Ocrelizumab B cell depletion has no effect on HERV RNA expression in PBMC in MS patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 86:105597. [PMID: 38598954 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105597] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epstein barr virus (EBV) infection of B cells is now understood to be one of the triggering events for the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. EBV infection is also linked to expression of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) of the HERV-W group, a further risk factor for the development of MS. Ocrelizumab is a high-potency disease-modifying treatment (DMT) for MS, which depletes B cells by targeting CD20. OBJECTIVES We studied the effects of ocrelizumab on gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from paired samples from 20 patients taken prior to and 6 months after beginning ocrelizumab therapy. We hypothesised that EBV and HERV-W loads would be lower in post-treatment samples. METHODS Samples were collected in Paxgene tubes, subject to RNA extraction and Illumina paired end short read mRNA sequencing with mapping of sequence reads to the human genome using Salmon and differential gene expression compared with DeSeq2. Mapping was also performed separately to the HERV-D database of HERV sequences and the EBV reference sequence. RESULTS Patient samples were more strongly clustered by individual rather than disease type (relapsing/remitting or primary progressive), treatment (pre and post), age, or sex. Fourteen genes, all clearly linked to B cell function were significantly down regulated in the post treatment samples. Interestingly only one pre-treatment sample had detectable EBV RNA and there were no significant differences in HERV expression (of any group) between pre- and post-treatment samples. CONCLUSIONS While EBV and HERV expression are clearly linked to triggering MS pathogenesis, it does not appear that high level expression of these viruses is a part of the ongoing disease process or that changes in virus load are associated with ocrelizumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Tarlinton
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom.
| | - Radu Tanasescu
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, United Kingdom; School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Shannon-Lowe
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Gran
- Department of Neurology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Nottingham, United Kingdom; School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Challa B, Esnakula AK. Histologic manifestations of ocrelizumab-associated intestinal and hepatic injury in patients with multiple sclerosis. Histopathology 2024; 84:765-775. [PMID: 38114289 DOI: 10.1111/his.15120] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Ocrelizumab is a humanized anti-CD20-monoclonal antibody that has recently been approved for the treatment of certain types of multiple sclerosis. Isolated case reports of ocrelizumab-associated colitis have been reported in the literature. We present a case series of ocrelizumab-associated intestinal injury with a focus on histopathologic features and report a case of ocrelizumab-associated hepatitis. METHODS AND RESULTS A retrospective computerized search was conducted from 03/2017 to 08/2022, which identified six patients with suspected or clinically confirmed ocrelizumab-associated intestinal injury and one patient with hepatic injury. Pertinent clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic findings were reviewed and recorded. Seven patients (six female, one male) were identified with ages ranging from 24 to 68 years. The presenting symptoms included diarrhoea (n = 5), abdominal pain (n = 3), hematochezia (n = 2), and vomiting (n = 1), nausea (n = 1) fever (n = 1), and weight loss (n = 1). Endoscopic findings ranged from normal (n = 1) to patchy colonic inflammation with or without ulceration (n = 4) and decreased mucosal vascular pattern in the rectum (n = 1). Crohn's disease was clinically suspected in two patients and ulcerative colitis in one patient. None of the patients had a prior confirmed diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. Histologic patterns of initial colonic injury included acute colitis/proctitis (n = 5), and chronic active colitis (n = 1). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 3 years and 10 months. All patients were alive at follow-up. Follow-up biopsies were available for four patients and findings included focal acute colitis (n = 1), apoptotic colopathy (n = 1) lymphocytic colitis (n = 1), and normal mucosa (n = 1). Four patients were treated with steroids and ocrelizumab was discontinued in three patients. Two patients were symptomatically managed with subsequent resolution of symptoms. The liver biopsy from the patient with a marked hepatic pattern of liver enzyme elevation showed an acute hepatitis pattern of injury with prominent centrilobular necrosis, which resolved upon discontinuation of the drug and treatment with steroids and azathioprine. CONCLUSIONS The histologic manifestations of ocrelizumab-associated intestinal injury are variable and can mimic inflammatory bowel disease. Hepatic injury can rarely manifest as an acute hepatitis pattern of injury with necrosis. Identifying ocrelizumab-associated injury is paramount in determining management, which often includes discontinuation of ocrelizumab therapy, and/or administration of immunosuppressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bindu Challa
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ashwini Kumar Esnakula
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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Wang AA, Luessi F, Neziraj T, Pössnecker E, Zuo M, Engel S, Hanuscheck N, Florescu A, Bugbee E, Ma XI, Rana F, Lee D, Ward LA, Kuhle J, Himbert J, Schraad M, van Puijenbroek E, Klein C, Urich E, Ramaglia V, Pröbstel AK, Zipp F, Gommerman JL. B cell depletion with anti-CD20 promotes neuroprotection in a BAFF-dependent manner in mice and humans. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadi0295. [PMID: 38446903 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi0295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Anti-CD20 therapy to deplete B cells is highly efficacious in preventing new white matter lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), but its protective capacity against gray matter injury and axonal damage is unclear. In a passive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model whereby TH17 cells promote brain leptomeningeal immune cell aggregates, we found that anti-CD20 treatment effectively spared myelin content and prevented myeloid cell activation, oxidative damage, and mitochondrial stress in the subpial gray matter. Anti-CD20 treatment increased B cell survival factor (BAFF) in the serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and leptomeninges of mice with EAE. Although anti-CD20 prevented gray matter demyelination, axonal loss, and neuronal atrophy, co-treatment with anti-BAFF abrogated these benefits. Consistent with the murine studies, we observed that elevated BAFF concentrations after anti-CD20 treatment in patients with RRMS were associated with better clinical outcomes. Moreover, BAFF promoted survival of human neurons in vitro. Together, our data demonstrate that BAFF exerts beneficial functions in MS and EAE in the context of anti-CD20 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela A Wang
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Felix Luessi
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tradite Neziraj
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Pössnecker
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Zuo
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sinah Engel
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Nicholas Hanuscheck
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Alexandra Florescu
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Eryn Bugbee
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Xianjie I Ma
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Fatima Rana
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Dennis Lee
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Lesley A Ward
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Himbert
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Muriel Schraad
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Christian Klein
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Glycart AG, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Eduard Urich
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4052 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Valeria Ramaglia
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Anne-Katrin Pröbstel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frauke Zipp
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine Main Neuroscience Network (rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Asplund Högelin K, Isac B, Khademi M, Al Nimer F. B cell activating factor levels are linked to distinct B cell markers in multiple sclerosis and following B cell depletion and repopulation. Clin Immunol 2024; 258:109870. [PMID: 38101497 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109870] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the important role of B cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). B cell activating factor (BAFF) and A proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL) play a major role in B cell survival and homeostasis. Here, we studied the association of BAFF and APRIL with B cell immune markers in MS and following B cell depletion and repopulation. We found that BAFF but not APRIL was significantly higher in plasma in untreated MS compared to controls. BAFF increased after rituximab treatment and decreased again during repopulation displaying an inverse correlation with B cell numbers, and more specifically switched memory B cell numbers. Cerebrospinal fluid BAFF inversely correlated with IgG index. BAFF displayed an inverse association to anti-EBV-CA antibodies. In summary, our study identified immune cells and factors that might regulate or be regulated by BAFF and APRIL levels in MS, and during B cell depletion and repopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Asplund Högelin
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Beshoy Isac
- Biomedical Laboratory Science, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mohsen Khademi
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Faiez Al Nimer
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Neziraj T, Siewert L, Pössnecker E, Pröbstel AK. Therapeutic targeting of gut-originating regulatory B cells in neuroinflammatory diseases. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250033. [PMID: 37624875 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250033] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are immunosuppressive cells that support immunological tolerance by the production of IL-10, IL-35, and TGF-β. Bregs arise from different developmental stages in response to inflammatory stimuli. In that regard, mounting evidence points towards a direct influence of gut microbiota on mucosal B cell development, activation, and regulation in health and disease. While an increasing number of diseases are associated with alterations in gut microbiome (dysbiosis), little is known about the role of microbiota on Breg development and induction in neuroinflammatory disorders. Notably, gut-originating, IL-10- and IgA-producing regulatory plasma cells have recently been demonstrated to egress from the gut to suppress inflammation in the CNS raising fundamental questions about the triggers and functions of mucosal-originating Bregs in systemic inflammation. Advancing our understanding of Bregs in neuroinflammatory diseases could lead to novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we summarize the main aspects of Breg differentiation and functions and evidence about their involvement in neuroinflammatory diseases. Further, we highlight current data of gut-originating Bregs and their microbial interactions and discuss future microbiota-regulatory B cell-targeted therapies in immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tradite Neziraj
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lena Siewert
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Pössnecker
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Katrin Pröbstel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Boldrini VO, Mader S, Kümpfel T, Meinl E. Ublituximab: A new FDA-approved anti-CD20 mAb for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 75:104733. [PMID: 37156035 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Ublituximab, an intravenous glycoengineered chimeric anti-CD20 IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), is a new FDA-approved treatment for relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Reassembling the other three anti-CD20 mAbs already in use for MS (rituximab, ocrelizumab and ofatumumab), ublituximab leads to depletion of B cells but spars long-lived plasma cells. Here, we discuss the main findings obtained during the phase 3 clinical trials (ULTIMATE I and II) for ublituximab versus teriflunomide. The current emergence and approval of new anti-CD20 mAbs with different dose regimens, routes of application, glycoengineering and mechanisms of action may contribute to different clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Oliveira Boldrini
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Neurology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone Mader
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Biomedical Center (BMC), Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Tania Kümpfel
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Biomedical Center (BMC), Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Edgar Meinl
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany; Biomedical Center (BMC), Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany.
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Zingaropoli MA, Pasculli P, Tartaglia M, Dominelli F, Ciccone F, Taglietti A, Perri V, Malimpensa L, Ferrazzano G, Iannetta M, Del Borgo C, Lichtner M, Mastroianni CM, Conte A, Ciardi MR. Evaluation of BAFF, APRIL and CD40L in Ocrelizumab-Treated pwMS and Infectious Risk. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040587. [PMID: 37106787 PMCID: PMC10135639 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody ocrelizumab has been widely employed in the treatment of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). However, its B-cell-depleting effect may induce a higher risk of infectious events and alterations in the secretion of B-cell-activating factors, such as BAFF, APRIL and CD40L. METHODS The aim of this study was to investigate plasma BAFF, APRIL and CD40L levels and their relationship with infectious risk in ocrelizumab-treated pwMS at baseline (T0), at 6 months (T6) and at 12 months (T12) after starting the treatment. As a control group, healthy donors (HD) were enrolled too. RESULTS A total of 38 pwMS and 26 HD were enrolled. At baseline, pwMS showed higher plasma BAFF (p < 0.0001), APRIL (p = 0.0223) and CD40L (p < 0.0001) levels compared to HD. Compared to T0, plasma BAFF levels were significantly increased at both T6 and T12 (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Whereas plasma APRIL and CD40L levels were decreased at T12 (p = 0.0003 and p < 0.0001, respectively). When stratifying pwMS according to the development of an infectious event during the 12-month follow-up period in two groups-with (14) and without an infectious event (24)-higher plasma BAFF levels were observed at all time-points; significantly, in the group with an infectious event compared to the group without an infectious event (T0: p < 0.0001, T6: p = 0.0056 and T12: p = 0.0400). Conclusions: BAFF may have a role as a marker of immune dysfunction and of infectious risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrizia Pasculli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Tartaglia
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Dominelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Ciccone
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ambra Taglietti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Perri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Malimpensa
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gina Ferrazzano
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Iannetta
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University and Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Cosmo Del Borgo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04110 Latina, Italy
| | - Miriam Lichtner
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04110 Latina, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Conte
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Ciardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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