Fibrin-Targeting Immunotherapy for Dementia

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is an early event in the development of Alzheimer's disease. It precedes extracellular deposition of amyloid-β in senile plaques and blood vessel walls, the intracellular accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles containing phosphorylated tau protein, microglial activation, and neuronal cell death. BBB disruption allows the coagulation protein fibrinogen to leak from the blood into the brain, where it is converted by thrombin cleavage into fibrin and deposits in the parenchyma and CNS vessels. Fibrinogen cleavage by thrombin exposes a cryptic epitope termed P2 which can bind CD11b and CD11c on microglia, macrophages and dendritic cells and trigger an inflammatory response toxic to neurons. Indeed, genetic and pharmacological evidence demonstrates a causal role for fibrin in innate immune cell activation and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The P2 inflammatory epitope is spatially and compositionally distinct from the coagulation epitope on fibrin. Mouse monoclonal antibody 5B8, which targets the P2 epitope without interfering with the clotting process, has been shown to reduce neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in animal models of Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. The selectivity and efficacy of this anti-human fibrin-P2 antibody in animal models supports the development of a monoclonal antibody drug targeting fibrin P2 for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. THN391 is a humanized, affinity-matured antibody which has a 100-fold greater affinity for fibrin P2 and improved development properties compared to the parental 5B8 antibody. It is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial.

Maresin 1 attenuates neuroinflammation in a mouse model of perioperative neurocognitive disorders

Background

Resolution of inflammation is an active and dynamic process after surgery. Maresin 1 (MaR1) is one of a growing number of specialised pro-resolving lipids biosynthesised by macrophages that regulates acute inflammation. We investigated the effects of MaR1 on postoperative neuroinflammation, macrophage activity, and cognitive function in mice.

Methods

Adult male C57BL/6 (n=111) and Ccr2^RFP/+Cx3cr1^GFP/+ (n=54) mice were treated with MaR1 before undergoing anaesthesia and orthopaedic surgery. Systemic inflammatory changes, bone healing, neuroinflammation, and cognition were assessed at different time points. MaR1 protective effects were also evaluated using bone marrow derived macrophage cultures.

Results

MaR1 exerted potent systemic anti-inflammatory effects without impairing fracture healing. Prophylaxis with MaR1 prevented surgery-induced glial activation and opening of the blood–brain barrier. In Ccr2^RFP/+Cx3cr1^GFP/+ mice, fewer infiltrating macrophages were detected in the hippocampus after surgery with MaR1 prophylaxis, which resulted in improved memory function. MaR1 treatment also reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cell surface markers and cytokines by in vitro cultured macrophages. MaR1 was detectable in the cerebrospinal fluid of older adults before and after surgery.

Conclusions

MaR1 exerts distinct anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving effects through regulation of macrophage infiltration, NF-κB signalling, and cytokine release after surgery. Future studies on the use of pro-resolving lipid mediators may inform novel approaches to treat neuroinflammation and postoperative neurocognitive disorders.

Fibrinogen signal transduction as a mediator and therapeutic target in inflammation: lessons from multiple sclerosis

The blood protein fibrinogen as a ligand for integrin and non-integrin receptors functions as the molecular nexus of coagulation, inflammation and immunity. Studies in animal models and in human disease have demonstrated that extravascular fibrinogen that is deposited in tissues upon vascular rupture is not merely a marker, but a mediator of diseases with an inflammatory component, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, sepsis, myocardial infarction and bacterial infection. The present article focuses on the recent discoveries of specific cellular targets and receptors for fibrinogen within tissues that have extended the role of fibrinogen from a coagulation factor to a regulator of inflammation and immunity. Fibrinogen has the potential for selective drug targeting that would target its proinflammatory properties without affecting its beneficial effects in hemostasis, since it interacts with different receptors to mediate blood coagulation and inflammation. Strategies to target receptors for fibrinogen and fibrin within the tissue microenvironment could reveal selective and disease-specific agents for therapeutic intervention in a variety of human diseases associated with fibrin deposition.

Glial expression of tumor necrosis factor in transgenic animals: how do these models reflect the "normal situation"?

Recent progress in the field of experimental genetics, which enables the selective and conditional ablation or dysregulation in the expression of specific genes in mice, and its application to the study of experimentally inducible models for human disease, have contributed enormously to our understanding of the molecules and mechanisms that underlie autoimmunity and inflammation in the CNS. This article describes the lessons learned from the application of such technology to the study of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) ligand/receptor system in the CNS. Important roles for TNF and its two membrane-bound receptors in the initiation and support of CNS inflammation, the development of CNS autoimmunity, and possibly in the resolution of T-cell-mediated disease, as well as their implications for our understanding of the "normal" cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie CNS pathology, are discussed.

Plasmin-dependent and -independent effects of plasminogen activators and inhibitor-1 on ex vivo angiogenesis

Plasminogen activator (PA) inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) has been recognized as a surrogate marker of endothelial dysfunction in diseases associated with impaired angiogenesis, including atherosclerosis, diabetic vasculopathy, and nephropathy. To establish the necessary and sufficient components of the PA system [PAI-1, urokinase-type PA (uPA), or tissue-type PA (tPA), and plasminogen (Plg)] for angiogenesis, we examined angiogenic competence of vascular explant cultures obtained from mice deficient in PAI-1, tPA, uPA, and Plg. To gain insight into the requirement for different matrix-degrading systems during endothelial cell migration across plasmin-degradable basement membranes compared with profibrotic areas containing plasmin-nondegradable collagen, we contrasted vascular sprouting in collagen with Matrigel lattices. PAI-1(-/-) vessels showed an increased capillary sprouting in both collagen and Matrigel. Deficiency of uPA significantly reduced the rate of sprouting, whereas tPA(-/-) vessels showed a profound inhibition of capillary sprouting. The Plg(-/-) vessels failed to sprout, a defect that was restored not only by exogenous Plg, but also by the addition of PAs; a nonproteolytic effect of tPA was observed in Matrigel. Zymography revealed no differences in the activity of metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 in wild-type and PAI-1(-/-) vessels, but demonstrated reduced MMP-9 activity in all angiogenesis-deficient vessels. In summary, 1) PAI-1 by itself is a modest inhibitor of endothelial sprouting, 2) tPA and Plg are indispensable for angiogenesis in this model, 3) Plg is not the only substrate for PAs, and 4) the activity of MMP-9 is undetectable in explant cultures from tPA and Plg knockout mice.

TNFR1 signalling is critical for the development of demyelination and the limitation of T-cell responses during immune-mediated CNS disease

In this review we summarize the essential findings about the function of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and its cognate receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2, and lymphotoxin alpha (LT-alpha) ligands in immune-mediated CNS inflammation and demyelination. The advent of homologous recombination technology in rodents provides a new method which has been used during the last 5 years and has led to insights into the pathophysiology of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in an unprecedented way. Studies with knockout mice in which genes of the TNF ligand/receptor superfamily are not expressed and studies with transgenic mice overexpressing TNF and TNFR reveal the critical role of the TNFR1 signalling pathway in the control of CNS demyelination and inflammation. These studies provide novel findings and at the same time shed light on the complex pathophysiology of EAE. Together, these findings may contribute to better understanding of EAE and open new avenues in experimental therapies for multiple sclerosis.

Learning abilities, NGF and BDNF brain levels in two lines of TNF-alpha transgenic mice, one characterized by neurological disorders, the other phenotypically normal

In this study we used two lines of transgenic mice overexpressing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in the central nervous system (CNS), one characterized by reactive gliosis, inflammatory demyelination and neurological deficits (Tg6074) the other showing no neurological or phenotypical alterations (TgK3) to investigate the effect of TNF-alpha on brain nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and learning abilities. The results showed that the amount of NGF in the brain of Tg6074 and TgK3 transgenic mice is low in the hippocampus and in the spinal cord, increases in the hypothalamus of Tg6074 and showed no significant changes in the cortex. BDNF levels were low in the hippocampus and spinal cord of TgK3. BDNF increased in the hypothalamus of TgK3 and Tg6074 while in the cortex, BDNF increased only in Tg6074 mice. Transgenic mice also had memory impairments as revealed by the Morris Water Maze test. These findings indicate that TNF-alpha significantly influences BDNF and NGF synthesis, most probably in a dose-dependent manner. Learning abilities were also differently affected by overexpression of TNF-alpha, but were not associated with inflammatory activity. The possible functional implications of our findings are discussed.

A tumor necrosis factor-induced model of human primary demyelinating diseases develops in immunodeficient mice

We have reported previously that in the central nervous system (CNS) local expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) transgenes can trigger the development of oligodendrocyte apoptosis, primary inflammatory demyelination and neurological dysfunction, accompanied by lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration into the CNS. To distinguish between the local effects of transgene-encoded TNF and the potential encephalitogenic effects of immune infiltrates upon CNS disease pathogenesis, we have backcrossed Tg6074 TNF-transgenic mice to mice deficient in CD4, beta2-microglobulin (beta2m), immunoglobulin mu chain (Igmu) or recombination activation gene-1 (Rag-1). TNF was capable of triggering undiminished primary demyelination in all of the immunodeficient mice, in the presence of activated cells of the macrophage/microglial lineage. We conclude that TNF is sufficient to induce primary inflammatory demyelination and neurological deficits even in the absence of adaptive immunity.

Oligodendrocyte apoptosis and primary demyelination induced by local TNF/p55TNF receptor signaling in the central nervous system of transgenic mice: models for multiple sclerosis with primary oligodendrogliopathy

The scientific dogma that multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease caused by a single pathogenic mechanism has been challenged recently by the heterogeneity observed in MS lesions and the realization that not all patterns of demyelination can be modeled by autoimmune-triggered mechanisms. To evaluate the contribution of local tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand/receptor signaling pathways to MS immunopathogenesis we have analyzed disease pathology in central nervous system-expressing TNF transgenic mice, with or without p55 or p75TNF receptors, using combined in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling and cell identification techniques. We demonstrate that local production of TNF by central nervous system glia potently and selectively induces oligodendrocyte apoptosis and myelin vacuolation in the context of an intact blood-brain barrier and absence of immune cell infiltration into the central nervous system parenchyma. Interestingly, primary demyelination then develops in a classical manner in the presence of large numbers of recruited phagocytic macrophages, possibly the result of concomitant pro-inflammatory effects of TNF in the central nervous system, and lesions progress into acute or chronic MS-type plaques with axonal damage, focal blood-brain barrier disruption, and considerable oligodendrocyte loss. Both the cytotoxic and inflammatory effects of TNF were abrogated in mice genetically deficient for the p55TNF receptor demonstrating a dominant role for p55TNF receptor-signaling pathways in TNF-mediated pathology. These results demonstrate that aberrant local TNF/p55TNF receptor signaling in the central nervous system can have a potentially major role in the aetiopathogenesis of MS demyelination, particularly in MS subtypes in which oligodendrocyte death is a primary pathological feature, and provide new models for studying the basic mechanisms underlying oligodendrocyte and myelin loss.

TNF-alpha transgenic and knockout models of CNS inflammation and degeneration

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a central role in inflammatory events including those taking place in the central nervous system (CNS), and has been implicated as a key pathogenic mediator in several human inflammatory, infectious and autoimmune CNS disorders. Using transgenic and gene knockout mice we have investigated the role of deregulated TNF-alpha production in the CNS. We show that the overexpression of wild-type murine or human TNF-alpha transgenes by resident CNS astrocytes or neurons in sufficient to trigger a neurological disorder characterised by ataxia, seizures and paresis, with histopathological features of chronic CNS inflammation and white matter degeneration. Furthermore, we show that transmembrane human TNF-alpha is sufficient to trigger CNS inflammation and degeneration when overexpressed by astrocytes but not by neurons, indicating that target cells mediating the neuroinflammatory activities of TNF-alpha localise in the vicinity of astrocytes rather than neurons. Our results establish that both soluble and transmembrane molecular forms of TNF-alpha can play critical roles in vivo in the pathogenesis of CNS inflammation and demyelination, and validate TNF-alpha transgenic and mutant mice as important models for the further study of related human CNS diseases.

Astrocyte-specific but not neuron-specific transmembrane TNF triggers inflammation and degeneration in the central nervous system of transgenic mice

To study the involvement of TNF in cerebral pathology in vivo and to define cellular interactions within the central nervous system (CNS) that promote TNF signaling, we have expressed this cytokine either as a wild-type or a mutant transmembrane form in astrocytes or neurons of transgenic mice. Mice expressing wild-type human TNF in either of these cell types spontaneously develop a neurologic disorder manifested by ataxia, seizures, and paralysis and bear histologic evidence of chronic CNS inflammation and degeneration. Moreover, astrocyte-specific expression of transmembrane TNF triggers a similar neurologic phenotype. Interestingly, transgenic mice producing a high level of transmembrane TNF in their neurons develop no apparent phenotypic abnormalities, suggesting that appropriate cellular interactions should form to allow for contact-dependent TNF signals to induce CNS pathology. These results demonstrate that target cells mediating the neuroinflammatory activities of TNF localize in the vicinity of astrocytes rather than neurons.

Astrocyte-specific but not neuron-specific transmembrane TNF triggers inflammation and degeneration in the central nervous system of transgenic mice

To study the involvement of TNF in cerebral pathology in vivo and to define cellular interactions within the central nervous system (CNS) that promote TNF signaling, we have expressed this cytokine either as a wild-type or a mutant transmembrane form in astrocytes or neurons of transgenic mice. Mice expressing wild-type human TNF in either of these cell types spontaneously develop a neurologic disorder manifested by ataxia, seizures, and paralysis and bear histologic evidence of chronic CNS inflammation and degeneration. Moreover, astrocyte-specific expression of transmembrane TNF triggers a similar neurologic phenotype. Interestingly, transgenic mice producing a high level of transmembrane TNF in their neurons develop no apparent phenotypic abnormalities, suggesting that appropriate cellular interactions should form to allow for contact-dependent TNF signals to induce CNS pathology. These results demonstrate that target cells mediating the neuroinflammatory activities of TNF localize in the vicinity of astrocytes rather than neurons.

Neurobehavioral alterations in developing transgenic mice expressing TNF-alpha in the brain

During development, neuronal circuitry and memory formation are associated with the synthesis and release of several biological mediators, including cytokines. Among the numerous cytokines, the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in neurobehavioral development is largely unknown. Thus, the recently generated transgenic mice expressing murine TNF-alpha in the brain represent a valid animal model for investigating the role of TNF-alpha in neurobehavioral processes. Using these mice, we showed that an overexpression of murine TNF-alpha increases grooming in the novel object investigation test, decreases rearing as a reaction to novel olfactory cues, and produces a retardation of passive avoidance acquisition while enhancing the thermal response in the hot-plate test, a task regulated by both peripheral and central mechanisms. The possibility that these effects are associated with endogenous changes in concentration of the NGF, known to be modulated by TNF-alpha, is discussed.

Dissection of the pathologies induced by transmembrane and wild-type tumor necrosis factor in transgenic mice

With increasing awareness that seemingly diverse immune-mediated diseases involve similar pathogenetic mechanisms, and the identification of a growing number of key effector molecules, it is becoming possible to design and generate effective transgenic models for such diseases. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a prominent role in immune and host defense responses and there is strong evidence that abnormal TNF production contributes to disease initiation and progression in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and many other immune-mediated disorders. The generation of TNF transgenic mice, in which TNF production is deregulated, has provided us with direct evidence that, in vivo, this cytokine can indeed trigger the development of such complex disease phenotypes. Transgenic mice that have been engineered to overexpress human or murine TNF molecules in peripheral joints, T cells, or neurons of the central nervous system represent important animal models for human rheumatoid arthritis, systemic inflammation, and multiple sclerosis, respectively. In addition to establishing a central role for TNF in such diseases, these animal models have already proved valuable for identifying additional important disease-effector molecules, and for gaining an insight into the complex in vivo mechanisms that are involved in disease pathogenesis. For example, in the case of arthritis, TNF has been found to transmit its pathogenic effects entirely through interleukin-1, which may therefore represent an additional important target for therapeutic intervention in the human disease. In summary, TNF transgenic models of human disease are expected to serve as important in vivo tools for defining details of disease pathogenesis, potential targets for therapeutic intervention and for evaluating the possible involvement of additional genetic and environmental factors on the disease state.

Spontaneous inflammatory demyelinating disease in transgenic mice showing central nervous system-specific expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha

Cytokines are now recognized to play important roles in the physiology of the central nervous system (CNS) during health and disease. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several human CNS disorders including multiple sclerosis, AIDS dementia, and cerebral malaria. We have generated transgenic mice that constitutively express a murine TNF-alpha transgene, under the control of its own promoter, specifically in their CNS and that spontaneously develop a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease with 100% penetrance from around 3-8 weeks of age. High-level expression of the transgene was seen in neurons distributed throughout the brain. Disease is manifested by ataxia, seizures, and paresis and leads to early death. Histopathological analysis revealed infiltration of the meninges and CNS parenchyma by CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, widespread reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis, and focal demyelination. The direct action of TNF-alpha in the pathogenesis of this disease was confirmed by peripheral administration of a neutralizing anti-murine TNF-alpha antibody. This treatment completely prevented the development of neurological symptoms, T-cell infiltration into the CNS parenchyma, astrocytosis, and demyelination, and greatly reduced the severity of reactive microgliosis. These results demonstrate that overexpression of TNF-alpha in the CNS can cause abnormalities in nervous system structure and function. The disease induced in TNF-alpha transgenic mice shows clinical and histopathological features characteristic of inflammatory demyelinating CNS disorders in humans, and these mice represent a relevant in vivo model for their further study.