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Mercier O, Quilichini PP, Magalon K, Gil F, Ghestem A, Richard F, Boudier T, Cayre M, Durbec P. Transient demyelination causes long-term cognitive impairment, myelin alteration and network synchrony defects. Glia 2024; 72:960-981. [PMID: 38363046 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
In the adult brain, activity-dependent myelin plasticity is required for proper learning and memory consolidation. Myelin loss, alteration, or even subtle structural modifications can therefore compromise the network activity, leading to functional impairment. In multiple sclerosis, spontaneous myelin repair process is possible, but it is heterogeneous among patients, sometimes leading to functional recovery, often more visible at the motor level than at the cognitive level. In cuprizone-treated mouse model, massive brain demyelination is followed by spontaneous and robust remyelination. However, reformed myelin, although functional, may not exhibit the same morphological characteristics as developmental myelin, which can have an impact on the activity of neural networks. In this context, we used the cuprizone-treated mouse model to analyze the structural, functional, and cognitive long-term effects of transient demyelination. Our results show that an episode of demyelination induces despite remyelination long-term cognitive impairment, such as deficits in spatial working memory, social memory, cognitive flexibility, and hyperactivity. These deficits were associated with a reduction in myelin content in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HPC), as well as structural myelin modifications, suggesting that the remyelination process may be imperfect in these structures. In vivo electrophysiological recordings showed that the demyelination episode altered the synchronization of HPC-mPFC activity, which is crucial for memory processes. Altogether, our data indicate that the myelin repair process following transient demyelination does not allow the complete recovery of the initial myelin properties in cortical structures. These subtle modifications alter network features, leading to prolonged cognitive deficits in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Océane Mercier
- UMR7288 after IBDM, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Pascale P Quilichini
- U1106 after INS, Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France
| | - Karine Magalon
- UMR7288 after IBDM, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Florian Gil
- UMR7288 after IBDM, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Antoine Ghestem
- U1106 after INS, Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France
| | - Fabrice Richard
- UMR7288 after IBDM, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Thomas Boudier
- Aix Marseille Univ, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Myriam Cayre
- UMR7288 after IBDM, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Pascale Durbec
- UMR7288 after IBDM, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
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Polyák H, Galla Z, Nánási N, Cseh EK, Rajda C, Veres G, Spekker E, Szabó Á, Klivényi P, Tanaka M, Vécsei L. The Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolic System Is Suppressed in Cuprizone-Induced Model of Demyelination Simulating Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030945. [PMID: 36979924 PMCID: PMC10046567 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with a unique pattern, which is histologically classified into the subpial type 3 lesions in the autopsy. The lesion is also homologous to that of cuprizone (CPZ) toxin-induced animal models of demyelination. Aberration of the tryptophan (TRP)-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic system has been observed in patients with MS; nevertheless, the KYN metabolite profile of progressive MS remains inconclusive. In this study, C57Bl/6J male mice were treated with 0.2% CPZ toxin for 5 weeks and then underwent 4 weeks of recovery. We measured the levels of serotonin, TRP, and KYN metabolites in the plasma and the brain samples of mice at weeks 1, 3, and 5 of demyelination, and at weeks 7 and 9 of remyelination periods by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) after body weight measurement and immunohistochemical analysis to confirm the development of demyelination. The UHPLC-MS/MS measurements demonstrated a significant reduction of kynurenic acid, 3-hydoxykynurenine (3-HK), and xanthurenic acid in the plasma and a significant reduction of 3-HK, and anthranilic acid in the brain samples at week 5. Here, we show the profile of KYN metabolites in the CPZ-induced mouse model of demyelination. Thus, the KYN metabolite profile potentially serves as a biomarker of progressive MS and thus opens a new path toward planning personalized treatment, which is frequently obscured with immunologic components in MS deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Polyák
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, University of Szeged, Korányi fasor 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Galla
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Szent-Györgyi Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Nánási
- Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ELKH-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, University of Szeged (ELKH-SZTE), Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Edina Katalin Cseh
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Cecília Rajda
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Veres
- Independent Researcher, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Eleonóra Spekker
- Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ELKH-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, University of Szeged (ELKH-SZTE), Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Szabó
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, University of Szeged, Korányi fasor 6, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Klivényi
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Masaru Tanaka
- Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ELKH-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, University of Szeged (ELKH-SZTE), Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ELKH-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, University of Szeged (ELKH-SZTE), Tisza Lajos krt. 113, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
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3
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Leo H, Kipp M. Remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis: Findings in the Cuprizone Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416093. [PMID: 36555733 PMCID: PMC9783537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Remyelination therapies, which are currently under development, have a great potential to delay, prevent or even reverse disability in multiple sclerosis patients. Several models are available to study the effectiveness of novel compounds in vivo, among which is the cuprizone model. This model is characterized by toxin-induced demyelination, followed by endogenous remyelination after cessation of the intoxication. Due to its high reproducibility and ease of use, this model enjoys high popularity among various research and industrial groups. In this review article, we will summarize recent findings using this model and discuss the potential of some of the identified compounds to promote remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Kipp
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-381-494-8400
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4
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Siponimod ameliorates metabolic oligodendrocyte injury via the sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor 5. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204509119. [PMID: 36161894 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204509119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune-driven, inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), causes irreversible accumulation of neurological deficits to a variable extent. Although there are potent disease-modifying agents for its initial relapsing-remitting phase, immunosuppressive therapies show limited efficacy in secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Although modulation of sphingosine-1 phosphate receptors has proven beneficial during SPMS, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this project, we followed the hypothesis that siponimod, a sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor modulator, exerts protective effects by direct modulation of glia cell function (i.e., either astrocytes, microglia, or oligodendrocytes). To this end, we used the toxin-mediated, nonautoimmune MS animal model of cuprizone (Cup) intoxication. On the histological level, siponimod ameliorated cuprizone-induced oligodendrocyte degeneration, demyelination, and axonal injury. Protective effects were evident as well using GE180 translocator protein 18-kDa (TSPO) imaging with positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging or next generation sequencing (NGS). Siponimod also ameliorated the cuprizone-induced pathologies in Rag1-deficient mice, demonstrating that the protection is independent of T and B cell modulation. Proinflammatory responses in primary mixed astrocytes/microglia cell cultures were not modulated by siponimod, suggesting that other cell types than microglia and astrocytes are targeted. Of note, siponimod completely lost its protective effects in S1pr5-deficient mice, suggesting direct protection of degenerating oligodendrocytes. Our study demonstrates that siponimod exerts protective effects in the brain in a S1PR5-dependent manner. This finding is not just relevant in the context of MS but in other neuropathologies as well, characterized by a degeneration of the axon-myelin unit.
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Allanach JR, Farrell JW, Mésidor M, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S. Current status of neuroprotective and neuroregenerative strategies in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. Mult Scler 2022; 28:29-48. [PMID: 33870797 PMCID: PMC8688986 DOI: 10.1177/13524585211008760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune-mediated demyelination and consequent degeneration of oligodendrocytes and axons are hallmark features of multiple sclerosis (MS). Remyelination declines in progressive MS, causing permanent axonal loss and irreversible disabilities. Strategies aimed at enhancing remyelination are critical to attenuate disease progression. OBJECTIVE We systematically reviewed recent advances in neuroprotective and regenerative therapies for MS, covering preclinical and clinical studies. METHODS We searched three biomedical databases using defined keywords. Two authors independently reviewed articles for inclusion based on pre-specified criteria. The data were extracted from each study and assessed for risk of bias. RESULTS Our search identified 7351 studies from 2014 to 2020, of which 221 met the defined criteria. These studies reported 262 interventions, wherein 92% were evaluated in animal models. These interventions comprised protein, RNA, lipid and cellular biologics, small molecules, inorganic compounds, and dietary and physiological interventions. Small molecules were the most highly represented strategy, followed by antibody therapies and stem cell transplantation. CONCLUSION While significant strides have been made to develop regenerative treatments for MS, the current evidence illustrates a skewed representation of the types of strategies that advance to clinical trials. Further examination is thus required to address current barriers to implementing experimental treatments in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Allanach
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John W. Farrell
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Miceline Mésidor
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada/Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Soheila Karimi-Abdolrezaee
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Regenerative Medicine Program, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada/Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Kaddatz H, Joost S, Nedelcu J, Chrzanowski U, Schmitz C, Gingele S, Gudi V, Stangel M, Zhan J, Santrau E, Greiner T, Frenz J, Müller-Hilke B, Müller M, Amor S, van der Valk P, Kipp M. Cuprizone-induced demyelination triggers a CD8-pronounced T cell recruitment. Glia 2020; 69:925-942. [PMID: 33245604 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The loss of myelinating oligodendrocytes is a key characteristic of many neurological diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In progressive MS, where effective treatment options are limited, peripheral immune cells can be found at the site of demyelination and are suggested to play a functional role during disease progression. In this study, we hypothesize that metabolic oligodendrocyte injury, caused by feeding the copper chelator cuprizone, is a potent trigger for peripheral immune cell recruitment into the central nervous system (CNS). We used immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry to evaluate the composition, density, and activation status of infiltrating T lymphocytes in cuprizone-intoxicated mice and post-mortem progressive MS tissues. Our results demonstrate a predominance of CD8+ T cells along with high proliferation rates and cytotoxic granule expression, indicating an antigenic and pro-inflammatory milieu in the CNS of cuprizone-intoxicated mice. Numbers of recruited T cells and the composition of lymphocytic infiltrates in cuprizone-intoxicated mice were found to be comparable to those found in progressive MS lesions. Finally, amelioration of the cuprizone-induced pathology by treating mice with laquinimod significantly reduces the number of recruited T cells. Overall, this study provides strong evidence that toxic demyelination is a sufficient trigger for T cells to infiltrate the demyelinated CNS. Further investigation of the mode of action and functional consequence of T cell recruitment might offer promising new therapeutic approaches for progressive MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Kaddatz
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Sarah Joost
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Julia Nedelcu
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy II, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Uta Chrzanowski
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy II, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Schmitz
- Institute of Anatomy II, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Gingele
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Viktoria Gudi
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Stangel
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jiangshan Zhan
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Emily Santrau
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Theresa Greiner
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Julia Frenz
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Brigitte Müller-Hilke
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Analysing, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Müller
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Analysing, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Sandra Amor
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Markus Kipp
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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7
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Tryptophan Metabolism as a Pharmacological Target. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 42:60-73. [PMID: 33256987 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid required for protein synthesis. It undergoes an extensive and complex metabolism along several pathways, resulting in many bioactive molecules acting in various organs through different action mechanisms. Enzymes involved in its metabolism, metabolites themselves, or their receptors, represent potential therapeutic targets, which are the subject of dynamic research. Disruptions in L-tryptophan metabolism are reported in several neurological, metabolic, psychiatric, and intestinal disorders, paving the way to develop drugs to target it. This review will briefly describe L-tryptophan metabolism and present and discuss the most recent pharmacological developments targeting it.
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8
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Oligodendrocyte Physiology and Pathology Function. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092078. [PMID: 32932835 PMCID: PMC7563511 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Boros F, Vécsei L. Progress in the development of kynurenine and quinoline-3-carboxamide-derived drugs. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:1223-1247. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1813716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fanni Boros
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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10
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Biernacki T, Sandi D, Bencsik K, Vécsei L. Kynurenines in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis: Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061564. [PMID: 32604956 PMCID: PMC7349747 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past years, an increasing amount of evidence has emerged in support of the kynurenine pathway’s (KP) pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative, psychiatric, vascular and autoimmune diseases. Different neuroactive metabolites of the KP are known to exert opposite effects on neurons, some being neuroprotective (e.g., picolinic acid, kynurenic acid, and the cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), while others are toxic to neurons (e.g., 3-hydroxykynurenine, quinolinic acid). Not only the alterations in the levels of the metabolites but also disturbances in their ratio (quinolinic acid/kynurenic acid) have been reported in several diseases. In addition to the metabolites, the enzymes participating in the KP have been unearthed to be involved in modulation of the immune system, the energetic upkeep of neurons and have been shown to influence redox processes and inflammatory cascades, revealing a sophisticated, intertwined system. This review considers various methods through which enzymes and metabolites of the kynurenine pathway influence the immune system, the roles they play in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases based on current evidence with a focus on their involvement in multiple sclerosis, as well as therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Biernacki
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Dániel Sandi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Krisztina Bencsik
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (D.S.); (K.B.)
- MTA—SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-545-356; Fax: +36-62-545-597
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Molecular Effects of FDA-Approved Multiple Sclerosis Drugs on Glial Cells and Neurons of the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124229. [PMID: 32545828 PMCID: PMC7352301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by peripheral and central inflammatory features, as well as demyelination and neurodegeneration. The available Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for MS have been designed to suppress the peripheral immune system. In addition, however, the effects of these drugs may be partially attributed to their influence on glial cells and neurons of the central nervous system (CNS). We here describe the molecular effects of the traditional and more recent FDA-approved MS drugs Fingolimod, Dimethyl Fumarate, Glatiramer Acetate, Interferon-β, Teriflunomide, Laquinimod, Natalizumab, Alemtuzumab and Ocrelizumab on microglia, astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, we point to a possible common molecular effect of these drugs, namely a key role for NFκB signaling, causing a switch from pro-inflammatory microglia and astrocytes to anti-inflammatory phenotypes of these CNS cell types that recently emerged as central players in MS pathogenesis. This notion argues for the need to further explore the molecular mechanisms underlying MS drug action.
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