Network analysis identifies strain-dependent response to tau and tau seeding-associated genes

Previous research demonstrated that genetic heterogeneity is a critical factor in modeling amyloid accumulation and other Alzheimer's disease phenotypes. However, it is unknown what mechanisms underlie these effects of genetic background on modeling tau aggregate-driven pathogenicity. In this study, we induced tau aggregation in wild-derived mice by expressing MAPT. To investigate the effect of genetic background on the action of tau aggregates, we performed RNA sequencing with brains of C57BL/6J, CAST/EiJ, PWK/PhJ, and WSB/EiJ mice (n = 64) and determined core transcriptional signature conserved in all genetic backgrounds and signature unique to wild-derived backgrounds. By measuring tau seeding activity using the cortex, we identified 19 key genes associated with tau seeding and amyloid response. Interestingly, microglial pathways were strongly associated with tau seeding activity in CAST/EiJ and PWK/PhJ backgrounds. Collectively, our study demonstrates that mouse genetic context affects tau-mediated alteration of transcriptome and tau seeding. The gene modules associated with tau seeding provide an important resource to better model tauopathy.

Genetic variants of phospholipase C-γ2 alter the phenotype and function of microglia and confer differential risk for Alzheimer's disease

Genetic association studies have demonstrated the critical involvement of the microglial immune response in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Phospholipase C-gamma-2 (PLCG2) is selectively expressed by microglia and functions in many immune receptor signaling pathways. In AD, PLCG2 is induced uniquely in plaque-associated microglia. A genetic variant of PLCG2, PLCG2P522R, is a mild hypermorph that attenuates AD risk. Here, we identified a loss-of-function PLCG2 variant, PLCG2M28L, that confers an increased AD risk. PLCG2P522R attenuated disease in an amyloidogenic murine AD model, whereas PLCG2M28L exacerbated the plaque burden associated with altered phagocytosis and Aβ clearance. The variants bidirectionally modulated disease pathology by inducing distinct transcriptional programs that identified microglial subpopulations associated with protective or detrimental phenotypes. These findings identify PLCG2M28L as a potential AD risk variant and demonstrate that PLCG2 variants can differentially orchestrate microglial responses in AD pathogenesis that can be therapeutically targeted.

TREM2 splice isoforms generate soluble TREM2 species that disrupt long-term potentiation

BACKGROUND

TREM2 is a transmembrane receptor expressed by myeloid cells and acts to regulate their immune response. TREM2 governs the response of microglia to amyloid and tau pathologies in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. TREM2 is also present in a soluble form (sTREM2), and its CSF levels fluctuate as a function of AD progression. Analysis of stroke and AD mouse models revealed that sTREM2 proteins bind to neurons, which suggests sTREM2 may act in a non-cell autonomous manner to influence neuronal function. sTREM2 arises from the proteolytic cleavage of the membrane-associated receptor. However, alternatively spliced TREM2 species lacking a transmembrane domain have been postulated to contribute to the pool of sTREM2. Thus, both the source of sTREM2 species and its actions in the brain remain unclear.

METHODS

The expression of TREM2 isoforms in the AD brain was assessed through the analysis of the Accelerating Medicines Partnership for Alzheimer's Disease Consortium transcriptomics data, as well as qPCR analysis using post-mortem samples of AD patients and of the AD mouse model 5xFAD. TREM2 cleavage and secretion were studied in vitro using HEK-293T and HMC3 cell lines. Synaptic plasticity, as evaluated by induction of LTP in hippocampal brain slices, was employed as a measure of sTREM2 actions.

RESULTS

Three distinct TREM2 transcripts, namely ENST00000373113 (TREM2230), which encodes the full-length transmembrane receptor, and the alternatively spliced isoforms ENST00000373122 (TREM2222) and ENST00000338469 (TREM2219), are moderately increased in specific brain regions of patients with AD. We provide experimental evidence that TREM2 alternatively spliced isoforms are translated and secreted as sTREM2. Furthermore, our functional analysis reveals that all sTREM2 species inhibit LTP induction, and this effect is abolished by the GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin.

CONCLUSIONS

TREM2 transcripts can give rise to a heterogeneous pool of sTREM2 which acts to inhibit LTP. These results provide novel insight into the generation, regulation, and function of sTREM2 which fits into the complex biology of TREM2 and its role in human health and disease. Given that sTREM2 levels are linked to AD pathogenesis and progression, our finding that sTREM2 species interfere with LTP furthers our understanding about the role of TREM2 in AD.

Network analysis reveals strain-dependent response to misfolded tau aggregates

Mouse genetic backgrounds have been shown to modulate amyloid accumulation and propagation of tau aggregates. Previous research into these effects has highlighted the importance of studying the impact of genetic heterogeneity on modeling Alzheimer's disease. However, it is unknown what mechanisms underly these effects of genetic background on modeling Alzheimer's disease, specifically tau aggregate-driven pathogenicity. In this study, we induced tau aggregation in wild-derived mice by expressing MAPT (P301L). To investigate the effect of genetic background on the action of tau aggregates, we performed RNA sequencing with brains of 6-month-old C57BL/6J, CAST/EiJ, PWK/PhJ, and WSB/EiJ mice (n=64). We also measured tau seeding activity in the cortex of these mice. We identified three gene signatures: core transcriptional signature, unique signature for each wild-derived genetic background, and tau seeding-associated signature. Our data suggest that microglial response to tau seeds is elevated in CAST/EiJ and PWK/PhJ mice. Together, our study provides the first evidence that mouse genetic context influences the seeding of tau.

SUMMARY

Seeding of tau predates the phosphorylation and spreading of tau aggregates. Acri and colleagues report transcriptomic responses to tau and elevated tau seeds in wild-derived mice. This paper creates a rich resource by combining genetics, tau biosensor assays, and transcriptomics.

Infiltration of inflammatory macrophages and neutrophils and widespread pyroptosis in lung drive influenza lethality in nonhuman primates

Severe influenza kills tens of thousands of individuals each year, yet the mechanisms driving lethality in humans are poorly understood. Here we used a unique translational model of lethal H5N1 influenza in cynomolgus macaques that utilizes inhalation of small-particle virus aerosols to define mechanisms driving lethal disease. RNA sequencing of lung tissue revealed an intense interferon response within two days of infection that resulted in widespread expression of interferon-stimulated genes, including inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Macaques with lethal disease had rapid and profound loss of alveolar macrophages (AMs) and infiltration of activated CCR2⁺ CX3CR1⁺ interstitial macrophages (IMs) and neutrophils into lungs. Parallel changes of AMs and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) correlated with virus load when compared to macaques with mild influenza. Both AMs and IMs in lethal influenza were M1-type inflammatory macrophages which expressed neutrophil chemotactic factors, while neutrophils expressed genes associated with activation and generation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs were prominent in lung and were found in alveolar spaces as well as lung parenchyma. Genes associated with pyroptosis but not apoptosis were increased in lung, and activated inflammatory caspases, IL-1β and cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD) were present in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung homogenates. Cleaved GSDMD was expressed by lung macrophages and alveolar epithelial cells which were present in large numbers in alveolar spaces, consistent with loss of epithelial integrity. Cleaved GSDMD colocalized with viral NP-expressing cells in alveoli, reflecting pyroptosis of infected cells. These novel findings reveal that a potent interferon and inflammatory cascade in lung associated with infiltration of inflammatory macrophages and neutrophils, elaboration of NETs and cell death by pyroptosis mediates lethal H5N1 influenza in nonhuman primates, and by extension humans. These innate pathways represent promising therapeutic targets to prevent severe influenza and potentially other primary viral pneumonias in humans.

Influenza can cause acute lung injury and death, but the mechanisms resulting in lethal influenza in humans are not well understood. We used a novel model of lethal influenza in nonhuman primates caused by aerosol infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that closely resembles human disease to define how the virus causes severe pneumonia. We found that a potent innate immune response starting with high-level production of interferons and inflammatory factors in the lung drives severe disease. Inflammatory cells including macrophages and neutrophils were recruited into lung because of this early response, which in turn led to release of neutrophil extracellular traps that blocked lung alveoli. In addition, a particularly inflammatory form of cell death known as pyroptosis occurred in lungs during lethal influenza. These new findings show that an intense interferon response leading to an inflammatory cascade of macrophages and neutrophils, release of neutrophil extracellular traps, and cell death by pyroptosis is responsible for acute lung injury in lethal influenza. These innate pathways could be targeted by drugs to prevent lung injury in critically ill influenza patients.

PLCG2 is associated with the inflammatory response and is induced by amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by robust microgliosis and phenotypic changes that accompany disease pathogenesis. Accumulating evidence from genetic studies suggests the importance of phospholipase C γ 2 (PLCG2) in late-onset AD (LOAD) pathophysiology. However, the role of PLCG2 in AD is still poorly understood.

METHODS

Using bulk RNA-Seq (N=1249) data from the Accelerating Medicines Partnership-Alzheimer's Disease Consortium (AMP-AD), we investigated whether PLCG2 expression increased in the brains of LOAD patients. We also evaluated the relationship between PLCG2 expression levels, amyloid plaque density, and expression levels of microglia specific markers (AIF1 and TMEM119). Finally, we investigated the longitudinal changes of PLCG2 expression in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD. To further understand the role of PLCG2 in different signaling pathways, differential gene expression and co-expression network analyses were performed using bulk RNA-Seq and microglial single-cell RNA-Seq data. To substantiate the human analyses, we performed differential gene expression analysis on wild-type (WT) and inactivated Plcg2 mice and used immunostaining to determine if the differentially expressed genes/pathways were altered by microglial cell coverage or morphology.

RESULTS

We observed significant upregulation of PLCG2 expression in three brain regions of LOAD patients and significant positive correlation of PLCG2 expression with amyloid plaque density. These findings in the human brain were validated in the 5xFAD amyloid mouse model, which showed disease progression-dependent increases in Plcg2 expression associated with amyloid pathology. Of note, increased Plcg2 expression levels in 5xFAD mice were abolished by reducing microglia. Furthermore, using bulk RNA-Seq data, we performed differential expression analysis by comparing cognitively normal older adults (CN) with 75th percentile (high) and 25th percentile (low) PLCG2 gene expression levels to identify pathways related to inflammation and the inflammatory response. The findings in the human brain were validated by differential expression analyses between WT and plcg2 inactivated mice. PLCG2 co-expression network analysis of microglial single-cell RNA-Seq data identified pathways related to the inflammatory response including regulation of I-kappaB/NF-kappa B signaling and response to lipopolysaccharide.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide further evidence that PLCG2 plays an important role in AD pathophysiology and may be a potential target for microglia-targeted AD therapies.

Impact of PLCG2 expression on Microglial Biology and Disease Pathogenesis in Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases are typified by a robust microglial-mediated immune response. Genetic studies have demonstrated that variants in microglial genes are linked to risk for AD. Phospholipase C gamma 2 (PLCG2), whose variants confer altered risk for AD, is a critical signaling element for various immune receptors and is a key regulatory hub gene for immune signaling. To date, it is known that PLCG2 might be important in AD due to the pervious findings that a hypermorphic variant in PLCG2, rs72824905, is protective against AD risk. However, the role of PLCG2 has not yet been comprehensively explored. We believe that genetic mouse models are needed to further clarify the role of PLCG2 in plaque-associated microglia and to determine whether decreased PLCG2 expression in plaque-associated microglia favors disease exacerbation or attenuation.

METHOD

To investigate the impact of reduced PLCG2 gene expression on microglia biology and disease pathology, we have generated PLCG2 inactivation mice, all crossed onto the 5XFAD amyloidogenic murine model of AD.

RESULT

We provide data demonstrating that in individuals with AD, there is increased expression of PLCG2 in the brain, a finding that is recapitulated in 5XFAD mice. We show that reduced PLCG2 gene expression program microglial phenotypes in 5XFAD mice, affect plaque pathology, and drive distinct transcriptional phenotypes of microglia in the presence of amyloid pathology. Analysis of plaque pathology revealed that 5XFAD PLCG2 inactivation mice have elevated plaque burden. Compared to 5XFAD mice, behavioral analysis of 5XFAD with PLCG2 inactivation mice demonstrated an impaired performance in the Y maze assay, reflecting impaired cognitive decline. Our data suggest that the inactivation of PLCG2 had accelerated and exacerbated disease-related pathology.

CONCLUSION

Together, our findings provide evidence that PLCG2 plays an important role in AD pathophysiology, indicating PLCG2 as a potential new therapeutic target for AD.

Trem2 Y38C mutation and loss of Trem2 impairs neuronal synapses in adult mice

BACKGROUND

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is expressed in the brain exclusively on microglia and genetic variants are linked to neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Nasu Hakola Disease (NHD). The Trem2 variant R47H, confers substantially elevated risk of developing late onset Alzheimer's disease, while NHD-linked Trem2 variants like Y38C, are associated with development of early onset dementia with white matter pathology. However, it is not known how these Trem2 species, predisposes individuals to presenile dementia.

METHODS

To investigate if Trem2 Y38C or loss of Trem2 alters neuronal function we generated a novel mouse model to introduce the NHD Trem2 Y38C variant in murine Trem2 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Trem2Y38C/Y38C and Trem2-/- mice were assessed for Trem2 expression, differentially expressed genes, synaptic protein levels and synaptic plasticity using biochemical, electrophysiological and transcriptomic approaches.

RESULTS

While mice harboring the Trem2 Y38C exhibited normal expression levels of TREM2, the pathological outcomes phenocopied Trem2-/- mice at 6 months. Transcriptomic analysis revealed altered expression of neuronal and oligodendrocytes/myelin genes. We observed regional decreases in synaptic protein levels, with the most affected synapses in the hippocampus. These alterations were associated with reduced synaptic plasticity.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide in vivo evidence that Trem2 Y38C disrupts normal TREM2 functions. Trem2Y38C/Y38C and Trem2-/- mice demonstrated altered gene expression, changes in microglia morphology, loss of synaptic proteins and reduced hippocampal synaptic plasticity at 6 months in absence of any pathological triggers like amyloid. This suggests TREM2 impacts neuronal functions providing molecular insights on the predisposition of individuals with TREM2 variants resulting in presenile dementia.

Age-Related Pathology Associated with H1N1 A/California/07/2009 Influenza Virus Infection

Influenza virus infection causes a spectrum of diseases, ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe lower respiratory tract infection, that can lead to diffuse alveolar damage, interstitial and airspace inflammation, or acute respiratory failure. Mechanisms instructing disease severity are not completely understood, but host, viral, and bacterial factors influence disease outcome. With age being one host factor associated with a higher risk of severe influenza, we investigated regional pulmonary distribution and severity of pneumonia after 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection in newly weaned, adult, and aged ferrets to better understand age-dependent susceptibility and pathology. Aged ferrets exhibited greater weight loss and higher rates of mortality than adult ferrets, whereas most newly weaned ferrets did not lose weight but had a lack of weight gain. Newly weaned ferrets exhibited minimal pneumonia, whereas adult and aged ferrets had a spectrum of pneumonia severity. Influenza virus-induced pneumonia peaked earliest in adult ferrets, whereas aged ferrets had delayed presentation. Bronchial severity differed among groups, but bronchial pathology was comparable among all cohorts. Alveolar infection was strikingly different among groups. Newly weaned ferrets had little alveolar cell infection. Adult and aged ferrets had alveolar infection, but aged ferrets were unable to clear infection. These different age-related pneumonia and infection patterns suggest therapeutic strategies to treat influenza should be tailored contingent on age.

Aged Chinese-origin rhesus macaques infected with SIV develop marked viremia in absence of clinical disease, inflammation or cognitive impairment

Background

Damage to the central nervous system during HIV infection can lead to variable neurobehavioral dysfunction termed HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). There is no clear consensus regarding the neuropathological or cellular basis of HAND. We sought to study the potential contribution of aging to the pathogenesis of HAND. Aged (range = 14.7–24.8 year) rhesus macaques of Chinese origin (RM-Ch) (n = 23) were trained to perform cognitive tasks. Macaques were then divided into four groups to assess the impact of SIVmac251 infection (n = 12) and combined antiretroviral therapy (CART) (5 infected; 5 mock-infected) on the execution of these tasks.

Results

Aged SIV-infected RM-Ch demonstrated significant plasma viremia and modest CSF viral loads but showed few clinical signs, no elevations of systemic temperature, and no changes in activity levels, platelet counts or weight. Concentrations of biomarkers of acute and chronic inflammation such as soluble CD14, CXCL10, IL-6 and TNF-α are known to be elevated following SIV infection of young adult macaques of several species, but concentrations of these biomarkers did not shift after SIV infection in aged RM-Ch and remained similar to mock-infected macaques. Neither acute nor chronic SIV infection or CART had a significant impact on accuracy, speed or percent completion in a sensorimotor test.

Conclusions

Viremia in the absence of a chronic elevated inflammatory response seen in some aged RM-Ch is reminiscent of SIV infection in natural disease resistant hosts. The absence of cognitive impairment during SIV infection in aged RM-Ch might be in part attributed to diminishment of some facets of the immunological response. Additional study encompassing species and age differences is necessary to substantiate this hypothesis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12977-018-0400-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Widespread Virus Replication in Alveoli Drives Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Aerosolized H5N1 Influenza Infection of Macaques

Human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus are frequently fatal but the mechanisms of disease remain ill-defined. H5N1 infection is associated with intense production of proinflammatory cytokines, but whether this cytokine storm is the main cause of fatality or is a consequence of extensive virus replication that itself drives disease remains controversial. Conventional intratracheal inoculation of a liquid suspension of H5N1 influenza virus in nonhuman primates likely results in efficient clearance of virus within the upper respiratory tract and rarely produces severe disease. We reasoned that small particle aerosols of virus would penetrate the lower respiratory tract and blanket alveoli where target cells reside. We show that inhalation of aerosolized H5N1 influenza virus in cynomolgus macaques results in fulminant pneumonia that rapidly progresses to acute respiratory distress syndrome with a fatal outcome reminiscent of human disease. Molecular imaging revealed intense lung inflammation coincident with massive increases in proinflammatory proteins and IFN-α in distal airways. Aerosolized H5N1 exposure decimated alveolar macrophages, which were widely infected and caused marked influx of interstitial macrophages and neutrophils. Extensive infection of alveolar epithelial cells caused apoptosis and leakage of albumin into airways, reflecting loss of epithelial barrier function. These data establish inhalation of aerosolized virus as a critical source of exposure for fatal human infection and reveal that direct viral effects in alveoli mediate H5N1 disease. This new nonhuman primate model will advance vaccine and therapeutic approaches to prevent and treat human disease caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses.

Delta inulin-derived adjuvants that elicit Th1 phenotype following vaccination reduces respiratory syncytial virus lung titers without a reduction in lung immunopathology

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant cause of lower respiratory tract infections resulting in bronchiolitis and even mortality in the elderly and young children/infants. Despite the impact of this virus on human health, no licensed vaccine exists. Unlike many other viral infections, RSV infection or vaccination does not induce durable protective antibodies in humans. In order to elicit high titer, neutralizing antibodies against RSV, we investigated the use of the adjuvant Advax™, a novel polysaccharide adjuvant based on delta inulin microparticles, to enhance antibody titers following vaccination. BALB/c mice were vaccinated intramuscularly with live RSV as a vaccine antigen in combination with one of two formulations of Advax™. Advax-1 was comprised of the standard delta inulin adjuvant and Advax-2 was formulated delta inulin plus CpG oligodendronucleotides (ODNs). An additional group of mice were either mock vaccinated, immunized with vaccine only, or administered vaccine plus Imject Alum. Following 3 vaccinations, mice had neutralizing antibody titers that correlated with reduction in viral titers in the lungs. Advax-1 significantly enhanced serum RSV-specific IgG1 levels at week 6 indicative of a Th2 response, similar to titers in mice administered vaccine plus Imject Alum. In contrast, mice vaccinated with vaccine plus Advax-2 had predominately IgG2a titers indicative of a Th1 response that was maintained during the entire study. Interestingly, regardless of which AdvaxTM adjuvant was used, the neutralizing titers were similar between groups, but the viral lung titers were significantly lower (∼10E+3pfu/g) in mice administered vaccine with either AdvaxTM adjuvant compared to mice administered adjuvants only. The lung pathology in vaccinated mice with AdvaxTM was similar to Imject Alum. Overall, RSV vaccine formulated with AdvaxTM had high neutralizing antibody titers with low lung viral titers, but exacerbated lung pathology compared to unvaccinated mice.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Encephalitis : CSF Biomarkers of SIV Encephalitis

Antiretroviral therapy has led to increased survival of HIV-infected patients but also increased prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. We previously identified YKL40 as a potential cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker of lentiviral central nervous system (CNS) disease in HIV-infected patients and in the macaque model of HIV encephalitis. The aim of this study was to define the specificity and sensitivity along with the predictive value of YKL40 as a biomarker of encephalitis and to assess its relationship to CSF viral load. CSF YKL40 and SIV RNA concentrations were analyzed over the course of infection in 19 SIV-infected pigtailed macaques and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship to encephalitis. Using these relationships, CSF alterations of 31 neuroimmune markers were studied pre-infection, during acute and asymptomatic infection, at the onset of encephalitis, and at necropsy. YKL40 CSF concentrations above 1122 ng/ml were found to be a specific and sensitive biomarker for the presence of encephalitis and were highly correlated with CSF viral load. Macaques that developed encephalitis had evidence of chronic CNS immune activation during early, asymptomatic, and end stages of infection. At the onset of encephalitis, CSF demonstrated a rise of neuroimmune markers associated with macrophage recruitment, activation and interferon response. CSF YKL40 concentration and viral load are valuable biomarkers to define the onset of encephalitis. Chronic CNS immune activation precedes the development of encephalitis while some responses suggest protection from CNS lentiviral disease.

Ultrastructure of Diaschisis Lesions after Traumatic Brain Injury

We used controlled cortical impact in mice to model human traumatic brain injury (TBI). Local injury was accompanied by distal diaschisis lesions that developed within brain regions anatomically connected to the injured cortex. At 7 days after injury, histochemistry documented broadly distributed lesions, particularly in the contralateral cortex and ipsilateral thalamus and striatum. Reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis were noted in multiple neural pathways that also showed silver-stained cell processes and bodies. Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA) staining, a marker of perineuronal nets, was substantially diminished in the ipsilateral, but less so in the contralateral cortex. Contralateral cortical silver positive diaschisis lesions showed loss of both phosphorylated and unphosphorylated neurofilament staining, but overall preservation of microtubule-associated protein (MAP)-2 staining. Thalamic lesions showed substantial loss of MAP-2 and unphosphorylated neurofilaments in addition to moderate loss of phosphorylated neurofilament. One animal demonstrated contralateral cerebellar degeneration at 7 days post-injury. After 21 days, the gliosis had quelled, however persistent silver staining was noted. Using a novel serial section technique, we were able to perform electron microscopy on regions fully characterized at the light microscopy level. Cell bodies and processes that were silver positive at the light microscopy level showed hydropic disintegration consisting of: loss of nuclear heterochromatin; dilated somal and neuritic processes with a paucity of filaments, tubules, and mitochondria; and increased numbers of electron-dense membranous structures. Importantly the cell membrane itself was still intact 3 weeks after injury. Although the full biochemical nature of these lesions remains to be deciphered, the morphological preservation of damaged neurons and processes raises the question of whether this is a reversible process.

Emerging Infections of CNS: Avian Influenza A Virus, Rift Valley Fever Virus and Human Parechovirus

History is replete with emergent pandemic infections that have decimated the human population. Given the shear mass of humans that now crowd the earth, there is every reason to suspect history will repeat itself. We describe three RNA viruses that have recently emerged in the human population to mediate severe neurological disease. These new diseases are results of new mutations in the infectious agents or new exposure pathways to the agents or both. To appreciate their pathogenesis, we summarize the essential virology and immune response to each agent. Infection is described in the context of known host defenses. Once the viruses evade immune defenses and enter central nervous system (CNS) cells, they rapidly co-opt host RNA processing to a cataclysmic extent. It is not clear why the brain is particularly susceptible to RNA viruses; but perhaps because of its tremendous dependence on RNA processing for physiological functioning, classical mechanisms of host defense (eg, interferon disruption of viral replication) are diminished or not available. Effectiveness of immunity, immunization and pharmacological therapies is reviewed to contextualize the scope of the public health challenge. Unfortunately, vaccines that confer protection from systemic disease do not necessarily confer protection for the brain after exposure through unconventional routes.

Coxsackievirus B4 myocarditis and meningoencephalitis in newborn twins

Coxsackievirus B4 (CB4) is a picornavirus associated with a variety of human diseases, including neonatal meningoencephalitis, myocarditis and type 1 diabetes. We report the pathological findings in twin newborns who died during an acute infection. The twins were born 1 month premature but were well and neurologically intact at birth. After a week they developed acute lethal neonatal sepsis and seizures. Histopathology demonstrated meningoencephalitis and severe myocarditis, as well as pancreatitis, adrenal medullitis and nephritis. Abundant CB4 sequences were identified in nucleic acid extracted from the brain and heart. In situ hybridization with probes to CB4 demonstrated infection of neurons, myocardiocytes, endocrine pancreas and adrenal medulla. The distribution of infected cells and immune response is consistent with reported clinical symptomatology where systemic and neurological diseases are the result of CB4 infection of select target cells.

Massive mobilization of dendritic cells during influenza A virus subtype H5N1 infection of nonhuman primates

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection is characterized by a marked inflammatory response, but the impact of infection on dendritic cells (DCs) is unknown. We show that influenza A virus subtype H5N1 infection rapidly and profoundly impacts DCs in cynomolgus macaques, increasing the number of blood myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs by 16- and 60-fold, respectively. Infection was associated with recruitment, activation, and apoptosis of DCs in lung-draining lymph nodes; granulocyte and macrophage infiltration in lungs was also detected, together with expression of CXCL10. This degree of DC mobilization is unprecedented in viral infection and suggests a potential role for DCs in the pathogenesis of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

A computationally optimized hemagglutinin virus-like particle vaccine elicits broadly reactive antibodies that protect nonhuman primates from H5N1 infection

BACKGROUND

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses continue to spread via waterfowl, causing lethal infections in humans. Vaccines can prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with pandemic influenza isolates. Predicting the specific isolate that may emerge from the 10 different H5N1 clades is a tremendous challenge for vaccine design.

METHODS

In this study, we generated a synthetic hemagglutinin (HA) on the basis of a new method, computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA), which uses worldwide sequencing and surveillance efforts that are specifically focused on sequences from H5N1 clade 2 human isolates.

RESULTS

Cynomolgus macaques vaccinated with COBRA clade 2 HA H5N1 virus-like particles (VLPs) had hemagglutination-inhibition antibody titers that recognized a broader number of representative isolates from divergent clades as compared to nonhuman primates vaccinated with clade 2.2 HA VLPs. Furthermore, all vaccinated animals were protected from A/Whooper Swan/Mongolia/244/2005 (WS/05) clade 2.2 challenge, with no virus detected in the nasal or tracheal washes. However, COBRA VLP-vaccinated nonhuman primates had reduced lung inflammation and pathologic effects as compared to those that received WS/05 VLP vaccines.

CONCLUSIONS

The COBRA clade 2 HA H5N1 VLP elicits broad humoral immunity against multiple H5N1 isolates from different clades. In addition, the COBRA VLP vaccine is more effective than a homologous vaccine against a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus challenge.

Antibody breadth and protective efficacy are increased by vaccination with computationally optimized hemagglutinin but not with polyvalent hemagglutinin-based H5N1 virus-like particle vaccines

One of the challenges for developing an H5N1 influenza vaccine is the diversity of antigenically distinct isolates within this subtype. Previously, our group described a novel hemagglutinin (HA) derived from a methodology termed computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA). This COBRA HA, when used as an immunogen, elicits a broad antibody response against H5N1 isolates from different clades. In this report, the immune responses elicited by the COBRA HA virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine were compared to responses elicited by a mixture of VLPs expressing representative HA molecules from clade 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 primary H5N1 isolates (polyvalent). The COBRA HA VLP vaccine elicited higher-titer antibodies to a panel of H5N1 HA proteins than did the other VLPs. Both COBRA and polyvalent vaccines protected vaccinated mice and ferrets from experimental infection with highly lethal H5N1 influenza viruses, but COBRA-vaccinated animals had decreased viral replication, less inflammation in the lungs of mice, and reduced virus recovery in ferret nasal washes. Both vaccines had similar cellular responses postchallenge, indicating that higher-titer serum antibodies likely restrict the duration of viral replication. Furthermore, passively transferred immune serum from the COBRA HA VLP-vaccinated mice protected recipient animals more efficiently than immune serum from polyvalent-vaccinated mice. This is the first report comparing these two vaccine strategies. The single COBRA HA antigen elicited a broader antibody response and reduced morbidity and viral titers more effectively than a polyvalent mixture of primary H5N1 HA antigens.

Astrocyte and macrophage regulation of YKL-40 expression and cellular response in neuroinflammation

Numerous inflammatory conditions are associated with elevated YKL-40 expression by infiltrating macrophages. Thus, we were surprised to observe minimal macrophage and abundant astrocyte expression of YKL-40 in neuroinflammatory conditions. The aims of the current study were to better delineate this discrepancy, characterize the factors that regulate YKL-40 expression in macrophages and astrocytes and study whether YKL-40 expression correlates with cell morphology and/or activation state. In vitro, macrophages expressed high levels of YKL-40 that was induced by classical activation and inhibited by alternative activation. Cytokines released from macrophages induced YKL-40 transcription in astrocytes that was accompanied by morphological changes and altered astrocytic motility. Because coculturing of astrocytes and macrophages did not reverse this in vitro expression pattern, additional components of the in vivo central nervous system (CNS) milieu must be required to suppress macrophage and induce astrocyte expression of YKL-40.

Acute murine H5N1 influenza A encephalitis

Avian influenza A virus H5N1 has the proven capacity to infect humans through cross-species transmission, but to date, efficient human-to-human transmission is limited. In natural avian hosts, animal models and sporadic human outbreaks, H5N1 infection has been associated with neurological disease. We infected BALB/c mice intranasally with H5N1 influenza A/Viet Nam/1203/2004 to study the immune response during acute encephalitis. Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, we compared the time course of viral infection with activation of immunity. By 5 days postinfection (DPI), mice had lost substantial body weight and required sacrifice by 7 DPI. H5N1 influenza was detected in the lung as early as 1 DPI, whereas infected neurons were not observed until 4 DPI. H5N1 infection of BALB/c mice developed into severe acute panencephalitis. Infected neurons lacked evidence of a perineuronal net and exhibited signs of apoptosis. Whereas lung influenza infection was associated with an early type I interferon (IFN) response followed by a reduction in viral burden concordant with appearance of IFN-γ, the central nervous system environment exhibited a blunted type I IFN response.

YKL-40 expression in traumatic brain injury: an initial analysis

YKL-40 (chitinase 3-like protein 1) is expressed in a broad spectrum of inflammatory conditions and cancers. We have previously reported that YKL-40 levels are elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of macaques and humans with lentiviral encephalitis, as well as multiple sclerosis (MS). The current study assessed temporal CSF YKL-40 levels in subjects with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI; Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score <or=8). We also evaluated temporal expression of YKL-40 after parasagittal controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury over the parietal cortex (2.8 mm deep, 4 m/sec). We demonstrate that CSF YKL-40 levels are elevated after acute TBI, and that YKL-40 levels are higher in patients who died following injury than in patients who survived. YKL-40 levels significantly correlate with CSF levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), as well as the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP). After CCI, in situ hybridization (ISH) showed that YKL-40 transcription is primarily associated with reactive astrocytes in pericontusional cortex. Tissue YKL-40 transcription time course analysis after CCI showed that YKL40 transcription in astrocytes began 1 day after injury, remained elevated for several days, and then declined by day 12. Similarly to our temporal CSF measurements in humans, YKL-40 induction after CCI is coincident with IL-1beta expression. Taken together these findings demonstrate that YKL-40 is induced in astrocytes during acute neuroinflammation, is temporally related to inflammatory mediator expression, and may be a useful biomarker for understanding secondary injury and for patient prognosis.

YKL-40, a marker of simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis, modulates the biological activity of basic fibroblast growth factor

Human immunodeficiency virus encephalitis causes dementia in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients. Using proteomic analysis of postmortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue from the simian immunodeficiency virus primate model, we demonstrate here a specific increase in YKL-40 that was tightly associated with lentiviral encephalitis. Longitudinal analysis of CSF from simian immunodeficiency virus-infected pigtailed macaques showed an increase in YKL-40 concentration 2 to 8 weeks before death from encephalitis. This increase in YKL-40 correlated with an increase in CSF viral load; it may therefore represent a biomarker for the development of encephalitis. Analysis of banked human CSF from human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients also demonstrated a correlation between YKL-40 concentration and CSF viral load. In vitro studies demonstrated increased YKL-40 expression and secretion by macrophages and microglia but not by neurons or astrocytes. We found that YKL40 displaced extracellular matrix-bound basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as well as inhibited the mitogenic activity of both fibroblast growth factor receptor 1-expressing BaF3 cells and bFGF-induced axonal branching in hippocampal cultures. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that during lentiviral encephalitis, YKL-40 may interfere with the biological activity of bFGF and potentially of other heparin-binding growth factors and chemokines that can affect neuronal function or survival.

Longitudinal in vivo positron emission tomography imaging of infected and activated brain macrophages in a macaque model of human immunodeficiency virus encephalitis correlates with central and peripheral markers of encephalitis and areas of synaptic degeneration

Human immunodeficiency virus encephalitis is characterized by infiltration of the brain with infected and activated macrophages; however, it is not known why disease occurs after variable lengths of infection in 25% of immunosuppressed acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients. We determined in vivo correlates (in peripheral blood and the central nervous system) for the development and progression of lentiviral encephalitis by longitudinally following infected and activated macrophages in the brain using positron emission tomography (PET). Using human postmortem brain tissues from both lentivirus-infected encephalitic patients and cell culture systems, we showed that the PET ligand [(3)H](R)-PK11195 bound specifically to virus-infected and activated macrophages. We longitudinally imaged infected and activated brain macrophages in a cohort of macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus using [(11)C](R)-PK11195. [(11)C](R)-PK11195 retention in vivo in the brain correlated with viral burden in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid, and with regions of both presynaptic and postsynaptic damage. Finally, longitudinal changes in [(11)C](R)-PK11195 retention in the brain in vivo correlated with changes in circulating monocytes as well as in both natural killer and memory CD4(+) T cells in the periphery. Our results suggest that development and progression of simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis in vivo correlates with changes in specific cell subtypes in the periphery. A combination of PET imaging and the assessment of these peripheral immune parameters may facilitate longitudinal assessment of lentiviral encephalitis in living patients as well as evaluation of therapeutic efficacies.

Longitudinal analysis of monocyte/macrophage infection in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected, CD8+ T-cell-depleted macaques that develop lentiviral encephalitis

The histopathological hallmark of lentiviral-associated encephalitis is an abundance of infected and activated macrophages. Why a subset of infected hosts develops lentiviral encephalitis and others do not is unknown. Using a CD8(+) T-cell depletion model of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaques, we examined the relationship between peripheral SIV infection of monocytes/macrophages and the development of encephalitis. At the same time that cerebral spinal fluid viral load increased in macaques that developed encephalitis, we observed that monocyte-derived macrophages from these macaques produced more virus than those from macaques that did not develop encephalitis. However, during the course of infection, the number of blood monocyte-associated SIV DNA copies did not distinguish macaques that developed simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis from macaques that did not develop encephalitis. Paradoxically, in this model, macaques that developed encephalitis had fewer SIV-infected macrophages in lungs and thymus at postmortem than macaques that did not develop encephalitis. These findings suggest that inherent differences in host monocyte viral production are related to development of encephalitis.

Longitudinal analysis of activation markers on monocyte subsets during the development of simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis

Lentiviral encephalitis has been hypothesized to be associated with altered monocyte migration into the brain. CD14(hi)/CD16(lo) and CD14(lo)/CD16(hi) monocytes were expanded during acute infection; however, this expansion was not unique or greater in macaques that developed encephalitis. The proportion of monocytes that expressed CD62L, HLA-DR, CD16, CD64, and CD40 varied during the course of infection in macaques that eventually developed encephalitis. Taken together, these results suggest that changes in the proportion of circulating activated monocytes are not predictive of development of encephalitis, but this does not rule out the importance of activated monocytes in the development of encephalitis.

Destruction of extracellular matrix proteoglycans is pervasive in simian retroviral neuroinfection

Disruption of the perineuronal matrix has been reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encephalitis. To better understand the extent of matrix disruption during lentiviral encephalitis, we characterized the extracellular matrix (ECM) damage in brains of 12 macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Matrix integrity was assessed by Wisteria floribunda lectin histochemistry. Confocal microscopy was used to quantify matrix loss, macrophage infiltration, and synaptic damage. Disruption of brain ECM was present shortly after retroviral infection, preceding parenchymal macrophage infiltration. In agreement with previous observations, reduced staining of presynaptic and postsynaptic proteins in SIV encephalitis occurred concurrently with matrix abnormalities. Lentiviral infection induced microglial and macrophage expression of two disintegrins and metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-4), with high substrate specificity for matrix proteoglycans. Matrix damage is pervasive during SIV neuroinfection, which suggests interventions to conserve brain matrix proteoglycans might avert or delay retroviral-induced neurodegeneration.

PET imaging of brain macrophages using the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor in a macaque model of neuroAIDS

HIV infection in humans and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in macaques result in encephalitis in approximately one-quarter of infected individuals and is characterized by infiltration of the brain with infected and activated macrophages. 1-(2-chlorphenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinoline-carboxamide (PK11195) is a ligand specific for the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor abundant on macrophages and is expressed in low levels in the noninfected brain. We hypothesized that positron-emission tomography (PET) with the carbon-11-labeled, R-enantiomer form of PK11195 ([(11)C](R)-PK11195) could image brain macrophages and hence the development of encephalitis in vivo. [(11)C](R)-PK11195 binding was assessed in the brain using PET in 11 SIV infected macaques, six of which showed increased binding in vivo. Postmortem examination of the brain in these six macaques demonstrated encephalitis, while macaques that did not show an increase in [(11)C](R)-PK11195 binding did not develop SIV encephalitis. Brain tissue from SIV encephalitic macaques also showed increased [(3)H](R)-PK11195 binding compared with binding in nonencephalitic macaques. Increased PK11195 binding in vivo and in postmortem brain tissue correlated with abundance of macrophages but not astrocytes. Our results suggest that PET [(11)C](R)-PK11195 imaging can detect the presence of macrophages in SIV encephalitis in vivo and may be useful to predict the development of HIV encephalitis and in studies of the pathogenesis and treatment of HIV dementia.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection of the brain: pitfalls in evaluating infected/affected cell populations

Monocyte/macrophages and CD4 T-cells are the primary hematopoietic targets of productive HIV infection. In the brain, potential cellular targets for HIV infection include perivascular and parenchymal macrophages/microglia, oligodendrocytes, endothelia, neurons, and astrocytes. We examine evidence of productive and non-productive infection for each cell type in the brains of HIV-infected patients with and without HIV encephalitis. Despite the voluminous literature and substantial experimental effort over the past two decades, evidence for productive infection of any brain cell other than macrophages is left wanting.

Macrophages relate presynaptic and postsynaptic damage in simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis

Neurodegeneration observed in lentiviral-associated encephalitis has been linked to viral-infected and -activated central nervous system macrophages. We hypothesized that lentivirus, macrophages, or both lentivirus and macrophages within distinct microenvironments mediate synaptic damage. Using the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaque model, we assessed the relationship between virus, macrophages, and neurological damage in multiple brain regions using laser confocal microscopy. In SIV-infected macaques with SIV encephalitis (SIVE), brain tissue concentrations of SIV RNA were 5 orders of magnitude greater than that observed in nonencephalitic animals. In SIVE, staining for postsynaptic protein microtubule-associated protein-2 was significantly decreased in the caudate, hippocampus, and frontal cortical gray matter compared to nonencephalitic controls, whereas staining for presynaptic protein synaptophysin was decreased in SIV-infected macaques with and without encephalitis. These data suggest that presynaptic damage occurs independent of pathological changes associated with SIVE, whereas postsynaptic damage is more tightly linked to regional presence of both activated and infected macrophages.