1
|
Jiang X, Song Y, Fang J, Yang X, Mu S, Zhang J. Neuroprotective effect of Vesatolimod in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice model. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109717. [PMID: 36738672 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109717] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating autoimmune disease accompanied by inflammation and loss of axons and neurons. Toll-like receptors play crucial roles in the innate immune system and inflammation. However, few studies have explored the specific effects of toll-like receptor 7 signaling pathway in multiple sclerosis. To explore underlying effects to develop a new therapeutic target, we use Vesatolimod, a safe and well-tolerated agonist of toll-like receptor 7, to assess the possible effects in Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model. METHODS EAE animal model was induced by injection of MOG35-55 and monitored daily for clinical symptoms, and the treatment group was given Vesatolimod at the onset of illness. The therapeutic effects of Vesatolimod on EAE inflammation, demyelination, CD107b cells and T cells infiltration, and microglia activation was evaluated. Autophagy within the spinal cords of EAE mice was also preliminarily assessed. RESULTS Treatment with Vesatolimod significantly alleviated clinical symptoms of EAE from day 18 post-immunization and decreased the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, particularly Eotaxin and IL-12 (P40), in peripheral blood. It also inhibited demyelination in spinal cords. Moreover, VES treatment reduced activation of microglia, infiltration of CD3 + T cells and CD107b + cells, as well as inhibited the autophagy-related proteins expression in the spinal cords of EAE mice. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that Vesatolimod exhibits protective effects on EAE mice and is promising for treatment of MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yifan Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Fang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaosheng Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuhua Mu
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Suvieri C, Volpi C. Analysis of Differential TLR Activation in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2700:229-247. [PMID: 37603185 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3366-3_14] [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] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative and autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The precise etiology of MS is still undeciphered, and signs and symptoms of the disease are varied and complex, ranging from axonal degeneration, synaptic, and neuronal loss to demyelination. Inflammation plays a critical role in determining the onset and the progression of MS, but there is still a lot of information missing before scientists come to understand what are the factors that contribute to the establishment of the neuroinflammation. Thus, various murine models, each representative of a specific hallmark of MS, are used to study the processes underlying the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease in an attempt to find effective drugs for its treatment. Among the many causes of MS, viral infections appear to be one of the most prominent ones. In this scenario, the comprehension of the role of receptors activated upon the recognition of viral, and in general microbial, components in determining onset and progression of the neuroinflammation is of paramount importance. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are evolutionarily conserved receptors that recognize several pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), common structures of the pathogens, or the damage caused by the pathogens within the host. TLRs are thus directly involved in the regulation of inflammatory reactions and in the activation of the innate and, subsequently, the adaptive immune responses crucial for the elimination of infectious pathogens. The role of TLR activation in the development of MS is widely studied in various murine models of MS, as well as in MS patients. In this chapter, we will summarize the current knowledge about the contribution of TLRs to the development or progression of MS, and we will illustrate different methods commonly used for the investigation of the role of different TLRs in various murine models of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Suvieri
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Volpi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao P, Liu X, Wang Y, Zhang X, Wang H, Du X, Du Z, Yang L, Hou J. Discovery of grey matter lesion-related immune genes for diagnostic prediction in multiple sclerosis. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15299. [PMID: 37128203 PMCID: PMC10148642 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by inflammatory demyelination of the central nervous system. Grey matter (GM) lesions have been shown to be closely related to MS motor deficits and cognitive impairment. In this study, GM lesion-related genes for diagnosis and immune status in MS were investigated. Methods Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were utilized to analyze RNA-seq data for GM lesions in MS. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were used to screen related gene modules and candidate genes. The abundance of immune cell infiltration was analyzed by the CIBERSORT algorithm. Candidate genes with strong correlation with immune cell types were determined to be hub genes. A diagnosis model of nomogram was constructed based on the hub genes. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify the biological functions of hub genes. Finally, an MS mouse model was induced to verify the expression levels of immune hub genes. Results Nine genes were identified by WGCNA, LASSO regression and PPI network. The infiltration of immune cells was significantly different between the MS and control groups. Four genes were identified as GM lesion-related hub genes. A reliable prediction model was established by nomogram and verified by calibration, decision curve analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves. GSEA indicated that the hub genes were mainly enriched in cell adhesion molecules, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, etc. Conclusions TLR9, CCL5, CXCL8 and PDGFRB were identified as potential biomarkers for GM injury in MS. The effectively predicted diagnosis model will provide guidance for therapeutic intervention of MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peiyuan Zhao
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xihong Liu
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yunqian Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinyan Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Han Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaodan Du
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhixin Du
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Yang
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junlin Hou
- School of Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Targeting Signaling Pathway Downstream of RIG-I/MAVS in the CNS Stimulates Production of Endogenous Type I IFN and Suppresses EAE. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911292. [PMID: 36232593 PMCID: PMC9570082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN), including IFNβ, play a protective role in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Type I IFNs are induced by the stimulation of innate signaling, including via cytoplasmic RIG-I-like receptors. In the present study, we investigated the potential effect of a chimeric protein containing the key domain of RIG-I signaling in the production of CNS endogenous IFNβ and asked whether this would exert a therapeutic effect against EAE. We intrathecally administered an adeno-associated virus vector (AAV) encoding a fusion protein comprising RIG-I 2CARD domains (C) and the first 200 amino acids of mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS) (M) (AAV-CM). In vivo imaging in IFNβ/luciferase reporter mice revealed that a single intrathecal injection of AAV-CM resulted in dose-dependent and sustained IFNβ expression within the CNS. IFNβ expression was significantly increased for 7 days. Immunofluorescent staining in IFNβ-YFP reporter mice revealed extraparenchymal CD45+ cells, choroid plexus, and astrocytes as sources of IFNβ. Moreover, intrathecal administration of AAV-CM at the onset of EAE induced the suppression of EAE, which was IFN-I-dependent. These findings suggest that accessing the signaling pathway downstream of RIG-I represents a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory CNS diseases, such as MS.
Collapse
|
5
|
Acioglu C, Heary RF, Elkabes S. Roles of neuronal toll-like receptors in neuropathic pain and central nervous system injuries and diseases. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 102:163-178. [PMID: 35176442 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate immune receptors that are expressed in immune cells as well as glia and neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems. They are best known for their role in the host defense in response to pathogens and for the induction of inflammation in infectious and non-infectious diseases. In the central nervous system (CNS), TLRs modulate glial and neuronal functions as well as innate immunity and neuroinflammation under physiological or pathophysiological conditions. The majority of the studies on TLRs in CNS pathologies investigated their overall contribution without focusing on a particular cell type, or they analyzed TLRs in glia and infiltrating immune cells in the context of neuroinflammation and cellular activation. The role of neuronal TLRs in CNS diseases and injuries has received little attention and remains underappreciated. The primary goal of this review is to summarize findings demonstrating the pivotal and unique roles of neuronal TLRs in neuropathic pain, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and CNS injuries. We discuss how the current findings warrant future investigations to better define the specific contributions of neuronal TLRs to these pathologies. We underline the paucity of information regarding the role of neuronal TLRs in other neurodegenerative, demyelinating, and psychiatric diseases. We draw attention to the importance of broadening research on neuronal TLRs in view of emerging evidence demonstrating their distinctive functional properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cigdem Acioglu
- The Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Robert F Heary
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Mountainside Medical Center, Montclair, NJ 07042, United States
| | - Stella Elkabes
- The Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Neurological Benefits, Clinical Challenges, and Neuropathologic Promise of Medical Marijuana: A Systematic Review of Cannabinoid Effects in Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Models of Demyelination. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030539. [PMID: 35327341 PMCID: PMC8945692 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite current therapeutic strategies for immunomodulation and relief of symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS), remyelination falls short due to dynamic neuropathologic deterioration and relapses, leading to accrual of disability and associated patient dissatisfaction. The potential of cannabinoids includes add-on immunosuppressive, analgesic, neuroprotective, and remyelinative effects. This study evaluates the efficacy of medical marijuana in MS and its experimental animal models. A systematic review was conducted by a literature search through PubMed, ProQuest, and EBSCO electronic databases for studies reported since 2007 on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in MS and in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD), and toxin-induced demyelination models. Study selection and data extraction were performed by 3 reviewers, and 28 studies were selected for inclusion. The certainty of evidence was appraised using the Cochrane GRADE approach. In clinical studies, there was low- and moderate-quality evidence that treatment with ~1:1 CBD/THC mixtures as a nabiximols (Sativex®) oromucosal spray reduced numerical rating scale (NRS) scores for spasticity, pain, and sleep disturbance, diminished bladder overactivity, and decreased proinflammatory cytokine and transcription factor expression levels. Preclinical studies demonstrated decreases in disease severity, hindlimb stiffness, motor function, neuroinflammation, and demyelination. Other experimental systems showed the capacity of cannabinoids to promote remyelination in vitro and by electron microscopy. Modest short-term benefits were realized in MS responders to adjunctive therapy with CBD/THC mixtures. Future studies are recommended to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cannabinoid effects on MS lesions and to evaluate whether medical marijuana can accelerate remyelination and retard the accrual of disability over the long term.
Collapse
|
7
|
Li H, Liu S, Han J, Li S, Gao X, Wang M, Zhu J, Jin T. Role of Toll-Like Receptors in Neuroimmune Diseases: Therapeutic Targets and Problems. Front Immunol 2021; 12:777606. [PMID: 34790205 PMCID: PMC8591135 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.777606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins playing a key role in innate and adaptive immune responses. TLRs are involved in the development and progression of neuroimmune diseases via initiating inflammatory responses. Thus, targeting TLRs signaling pathway may be considered as a potential therapy for neuroimmune diseases. However, the role of TLRs is elusive and complex in neuroimmune diseases. In addition to the inadequate immune response of TLRs inhibitors in the experiments, the recent studies also demonstrated that partial activation of TLRs is conducive to the production of anti-inflammatory factors and nervous system repair. Exploring the mechanism of TLRs in neuroimmune diseases and combining with developing the emerging drug may conquer neuroimmune diseases in the future. Herein, we provide an overview of the role of TLRs in several neuroimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis. Emerging difficulties and potential solutions in clinical application of TLRs inhibitors will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Li
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinming Han
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Shengxian Li
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoyan Gao
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tao Jin
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|