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Matejuk A, Benedek G, Bucala R, Matejuk S, Offner H, Vandenbark AA. MIF contribution to progressive brain diseases. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:8. [PMID: 38178143 PMCID: PMC10765708 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02993-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Progressive brain diseases create a huge social and economic burden on modern societies as a major cause of disability and death. Incidence of brain diseases has a significantly increasing trend and merits new therapeutic strategies. At the base of many progressive brain malfunctions is a process of unresolved, chronic inflammation. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor, MIF, is an inflammatory mediator that recently gained interest of neuro-researchers due to its varied effects on the CNS such as participation of nervous system development, neuroendocrine functions, and modulation of neuroinflammation. MIF appears to be a candidate as a new biomarker and target of novel therapeutics against numerous neurologic diseases ranging from cancer, autoimmune diseases, vascular diseases, neurodegenerative pathology to psychiatric disorders. In this review, we will focus on MIF's crucial role in neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and glioblastoma (GBM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Matejuk
- Department of Immunology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland.
| | - Gil Benedek
- Tissue Typing and Immunogenetics Unit, Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Richard Bucala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | | | - Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and 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
| | - Arthur A Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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Loftis JM, Ramani S, Firsick EJ, Hudson R, Le-Cook A, Murnane KS, Vandenbark A, Shirley RL. Immunotherapeutic treatment of inflammation in mice exposed to methamphetamine. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1259041. [PMID: 38025429 PMCID: PMC10666795 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1259041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications to treat methamphetamine addiction, including the inflammatory, neurotoxic, and adverse neuropsychiatric effects. We have shown that partial (p)MHC class II constructs (i.e., Recombinant T-cell receptor Ligand - RTL1000), comprised of the extracellular α1 and β1 domains of MHC class II molecules linked covalently to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-35-55 peptide, can address the neuroimmune effects of methamphetamine addiction through its ability to bind to and down-regulate CD74 expression, block macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) signaling, and reduce levels of pro-inflammatory chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). The present study evaluated the effects of our third-generation pMHC II construct, DRmQ, on cognitive function and concentration of inflammatory cytokines in the frontal cortex, a region critical for cognitive functions such as memory, impulse control, and problem solving. Methods Female and male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to methamphetamine (or saline) via subcutaneous (s.c.) injections administered four times per day every other day for 14 days. Following methamphetamine exposure, mice received immunotherapy (DRmQ or ibudilast) or vehicle s.c. injections daily for five days. Cognitive function was assessed using the novel object recognition test (NORT). To evaluate the effects of immunotherapy on inflammation in the frontal cortex, multiplex immunoassays were conducted. ANOVA was used to compare exploration times on the NORT and immune factor concentrations. Results Post hoc analysis revealed increased novel object exploration time in MA-DRmQ treated mice, as compared to MA-VEH treated mice (non-significant trend). One-way ANOVA detected a significant difference across the groups in the concentration of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) (p = 0.03). Post hoc tests indicated that mice treated with methamphetamine and DRmQ or ibudilast had significantly lower levels of MIP-2 in frontal cortex, as compared to mice treated with methamphetamine and vehicle (p > 0.05). Discussion By specifically targeting CD74, our DRQ constructs can block the signaling of MIF, inhibiting the downstream signaling and pro-inflammatory effects that contribute to and perpetuate methamphetamine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Loftis
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Methamphetamine Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Sankrith Ramani
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Evan J. Firsick
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Rebekah Hudson
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Anh Le-Cook
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Kevin S. Murnane
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Louisiana Addiction Research Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Arthur Vandenbark
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Zerimech S, Nguyen H, Vandenbark AA, Offner H, Baltan S. Novel therapeutic for multiple sclerosis protects white matter function in EAE mouse model. Front Mol Med 2023; 3:1237078. [PMID: 37933270 PMCID: PMC10627517 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2023.1237078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease with prominent axon dysfunction. Our previous studies in an MS mouse model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), demonstrated that major histocompatibility complex Class II constructs can reverse clinical signs of EAE. These constructs block binding and downstream signaling of macrophage migration inhibitory factors (MIF-1/2) through CD74, thereby inhibiting phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation and tissue inflammation and promoting remyelination. To directly assess the effects of a novel third generation construct, DRhQ, on axon integrity in EAE, we compared axon conduction properties using electrophysiology on corpus callosum slices and optic nerves. By using two distinct white matter (WM) tracts, we aimed to assess the impact of the EAE and the benefit of DRhQ on myelinated and unmyelinated axons as well as to test the clinical value of DRhQ on demyelinating lesions in CC and optic myelitis. Our study found that EAE altered axon excitability, delayed axon conduction and slowed spatiotemporal summation correlated with diffuse astrocyte and microglia activation. Because MS predisposes patients to stroke, we also investigated and showed that vulnerability to WM ischemia is increased in the EAE MS mouse model. Treatment with DRhQ after the onset of EAE drastically inhibited microglial and astrocyte activation, improved functional integrity of the myelinated axons and enhanced recovery after ischemia. These results demonstrate that DRhQ administered after the onset of EAE promotes WM integrity and function, and reduces subsequent vulnerability to ischemic injury, suggesting important therapeutic potential for treatment of progressive MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Zerimech
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (APOM), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (APOM), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Arthur A. Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Halina Offner
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (APOM), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Healthcare System, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Selva Baltan
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (APOM), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Cho JY, Matsukawa N. The unsolved mystery of hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide: A potent cholinergic regulator. Brain Circ 2021; 7:29-32. [PMID: 34084974 PMCID: PMC8057103 DOI: 10.4103/bc.bc_14_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic efferent networks located from the medial septal nucleus to the hippocampus play a pivotal role in learning and memory outcomes by generating regular theta rhythms that enhance information retention. Hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide (HCNP), derived from the N-terminus of HCNP precursor protein (HCNP-pp), promotes the synthesis of acetylcholine in the medial septal nuclei. HCNP-pp deletion significantly reduced theta power in CA1 possibly due to lower levels of choline acetyltransferase-positive axons in CA1 stratum oriens, suggesting cholinergic disruptions in the septo-hippocampal system. This review also explores HCNP as a potent cholinergic regulator in the septo-hippocampal network while also examining the limitations of our understanding of the neurostimulating peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Y Cho
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Gonzales-Portillo BM, Lee JY, Vandenbark AA, Offner H, Borlongan CV. Major histocompatibility complex Class II-based therapy for stroke. Brain Circ 2021; 7:37-40. [PMID: 34084976 PMCID: PMC8057100 DOI: 10.4103/bc.bc_16_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the potential of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class II constructs as stroke therapeutics. We focus on the delivery of MHC Class II construct, DRmQ, as a safe and effective treatment for ischemic stroke. DRmQ was observed to attenuate behavioral deficits and decrease microglia activation and proinflammatory cytokines, illustrating its ability to mitigate the secondary cell death following stroke. Similar anti-neuroinflammation treatments, such as transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells and mitochondrial transfers, are briefly discussed to provide further support that sequestration of inflammation stands as a robust therapeutic target for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jea-Young Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Arthur A. Vandenbark
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Halina Offner
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Cesario V. Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, 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.
| | - Roberto Meza-Romero
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, 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
| | - Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, 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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Lee JY, Castelli V, Bonsack B, Coats AB, Navarro-Torres L, Garcia-Sanchez J, Kingsbury C, Nguyen H, Vandenbark AA, Meza-Romero R, Offner H, Borlongan CV. A Novel Partial MHC Class II Construct, DRmQ, Inhibits Central and Peripheral Inflammatory Responses to Promote Neuroprotection in Experimental Stroke. Transl Stroke Res 2020; 11:831-836. [PMID: 31797249 PMCID: PMC10166182 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-019-00756-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recognizing that the pathologic progression of stroke is closely associated with aberrant immune responses, in particular the activation of peripheral leukocytes, namely T cells, we hypothesized that finding a treatment designed to inhibit neuroantigen-specific T cells and block cytotoxic monocytes and macrophages may render therapeutic effects in stroke. We previously reported that subcutaneous administration of partial MHC class II constructs promote behavioral and histological effects in stroke mice by centrally promoting a protective M2 macrophage/microglia phenotype in the CNS and peripherally reversing stroke-associated splenic atrophy. Here, we employed a second species using adult Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to the middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke model and observed similar therapeutic effects with a mouse partial MHC class II construct called DRmQ, as evidenced by reductions in stroke-induced motor deficits, infarcts, and peri-infarct cell loss and neuroinflammation. More importantly, we offered further evidence of peripheral sequestration of inflammation at the level of the spleen, which was characterized by attenuation of stroke-induced spleen weight reduction and TNF-ɑ and IL-6 upregulation. Collectively, these results satisfy the Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable criteria of testing a novel therapeutic in a second species and support the use of partial MHC class II constructs as a stroke therapeutic designed to sequester both central and peripheral inflammation responses in an effort to retard, or even halt, the neuroinflammation that exacerbates the secondary cell death in stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jea-Young Lee
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Brooke Bonsack
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Alexandreya B Coats
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Lisset Navarro-Torres
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Julian Garcia-Sanchez
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Chase Kingsbury
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Arthur A Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710, SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Neurology and Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Roberto Meza-Romero
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710, SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Neurology and Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710, SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Neurology and Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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Brown J, Kingsbury C, Lee J, Vandenbark AA, Meza‐Romero R, Offner H, Borlongan CV. Spleen participation in partial MHC class II construct neuroprotection in stroke. CNS Neurosci Ther 2020; 26:663-669. [PMID: 32237074 PMCID: PMC7298973 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological progression of stroke in the peripheral and central nervous systems (PNS and CNS) is characterized by multiple converging signalling pathways that exacerbate neuroinflammation-mediated secondary cell death. This creates a need for a novel type of immunotherapy capable of simultaneously lowering the synergistic inflammatory responses in the PNS and CNS, specifically the spleen and brain. Previously, we demonstrated that partial major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II constructs can be administered subcutaneously to promote histological and behavioural effects that alleviate common symptoms found in a murine model of transient stroke. This MHC class II manipulates T cell cytokine expression in both PNS and CNS, resulting in dampened inflammation. In our long-standing efforts towards translational research, we recently demonstrated that a potent next generation mouse-based partial MHC class II construct named DRmQ (DRa1L50Q -mMOG-35-55) similarly induces neuroprotection in stroke rats, replicating the therapeutic effects of the human homolog as DRhQ (DRa1L50Q -human (h)MOG-35-55) in stroke mice. Our preclinical studies showed that DRmQ reduces motor deficits, infarct volume and peri-infarct cell loss by targeting inflammation in this second species. Moreover, we provided mechanistic support in both animal studies that partial MHC class II constructs effectively modulate the spleen, an organ which plays a critical role in modulating secondary cell death. Together, these preclinical studies satisfy testing the constructs in two stroke models, which is a major criterion of the Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) criteria and a key step in effectively translating this drug to the clinic. Additional translational studies, including dose-response and larger animal models may be warranted to bring MHC class II constructs closer to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Brown
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain RepairCenter of Excellence for Aging and Brain RepairUniversity of South Florida College of MedicineTampaFLUSA
| | - Chase Kingsbury
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain RepairCenter of Excellence for Aging and Brain RepairUniversity of South Florida College of MedicineTampaFLUSA
| | - Jea‐Young Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain RepairCenter of Excellence for Aging and Brain RepairUniversity of South Florida College of MedicineTampaFLUSA
| | - Arthur A. Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research R&D‐31VA Portland Health Care SystemPortlandORUSA,Department of Neurology and Molecular Microbiology & ImmunologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandORUSA
| | - Roberto Meza‐Romero
- Neuroimmunology Research R&D‐31VA Portland Health Care SystemPortlandORUSA,Department of Neurology and Molecular Microbiology & ImmunologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandORUSA
| | - Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research R&D‐31VA Portland Health Care SystemPortlandORUSA,Department of Neurology and Molecular Microbiology & ImmunologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandORUSA
| | - Cesar V. Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain RepairCenter of Excellence for Aging and Brain RepairUniversity of South Florida College of MedicineTampaFLUSA
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Vandenbark AA, Meza-Romero R, Benedek G, Offner H. A novel neurotherapeutic for multiple sclerosis, ischemic injury, methamphetamine addiction, and traumatic brain injury. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:14. [PMID: 30683115 PMCID: PMC6346590 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1393-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurovascular, autoimmune, and traumatic injuries of the central nervous system (CNS) all have in common an initial acute inflammatory response mediated by influx across the blood-brain barrier of activated mononuclear cells followed by chronic and often progressive disability. Although some anti-inflammatory therapies can reduce cellular infiltration into the initial lesions, there are essentially no effective treatments for the progressive phase. We here review the successful treatment of animal models for four separate neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative CNS conditions using a single partial MHC class II construct called DRa1-hMOG-35-55 or its newest iteration, DRa1(L50Q)-hMOG-35-55 (DRhQ) that can be administered without a need for class II tissue type matching due to the conserved DRα1 moiety of the drug. These constructs antagonize the cognate TCR and bind with high affinity to their cell-bound CD74 receptor on macrophages and dendritic cells, thereby competitively inhibiting downstream signaling and pro-inflammatory effects of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its homolog, d-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT=MIF-2) that bind to identical residues of CD74 leading to progressive disease. These effects suggest the existence of a common pathogenic mechanism involving a chemokine-driven influx of activated monocytes into the CNS tissue that can be reversed by parenteral injection of the DRa1-MOG-35-55 constructs that also induce anti-inflammatory macrophages and microglia within the CNS. Due to their ability to block this common pathway, these novel drugs appear to be prime candidates for therapy of a wide range of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative CNS conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, 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.
| | - Roberto Meza-Romero
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, 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
| | - Gil Benedek
- Present Address: Tissue Typing and Immunogenetics Laboratory, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, 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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