scholarly journals Molecular Interventions towards Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 299
Author(s):  
Athanasios Metaxakis ◽  
Dionysia Petratou ◽  
Nektarios Tavernarakis
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Autoimmune Response ◽  
Th2 Cells ◽  
Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽  
T Helper 2 ◽  
Cellular Factors ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment ◽  
Molecular Interventions

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune life-threatening disease, afflicting millions of people worldwide. Although the disease is non-curable, considerable therapeutic advances have been achieved through molecular immunotherapeutic approaches, such as peptides vaccination, administration of monoclonal antibodies, and immunogenic copolymers. The main aims of these therapeutic strategies are to shift the MS-related autoimmune response towards a non-inflammatory T helper 2 (Th2) cells response, inactivate or ameliorate cytotoxic autoreactive T cells, induce secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibit recruitment of autoreactive lymphocytes to the central nervous system (CNS). These approaches can efficiently treat autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an essential system to study MS in animals, but they can only partially inhibit disease progress in humans. Nevertheless, modern immunotherapeutic techniques remain the most promising tools for the development of safe MS treatments, specifically targeting the cellular factors that trigger the initiation of the disease.

AIM2 inflammasome activation in astrocytes occurs during the late phase of EAE

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
William E. Barclay ◽  
M. Elizabeth Deerhake ◽  
Makoto Inoue ◽  
Toshiaki Nonaka ◽  
Kengo Nozaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Animal Model ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Experimental Autoimmune

ABSTRACTInflammasomes are a class of innate immune signaling platforms that activate in response to an array of cellular damage and pathogens. Inflammasomes promote inflammation under many circumstances to enhance immunity against pathogens and inflammatory responses through their effector cytokines, IL-1β and IL-18. Multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), are such autoimmune conditions influenced by inflammasomes. Despite work investigating inflammasomes during EAE, little remains known concerning the role of inflammasomes in the central nervous system (CNS) during the disease. Here we use multiple genetically modified mouse models to monitor activated inflammasomes in situ based on ASC oligomerization in the spinal cord. Using inflammasome reporter mice, we found heightened inflammasome activation in astrocytes after the disease peak. In contrast, microglia and CNS-infiltrated myeloid cells had few activated inflammasomes in the CNS during EAE. Astrocyte inflammasome activation was dependent on AIM2, but low IL-1β expression and no significant signs of cell death were found in astrocytes during EAE. Thus, the AIM2 inflammasome activation in astrocytes may have a distinct role from traditional inflammasome-mediated inflammation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTInflammasome activation in the peripheral immune system is pathogenic in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, inflammasome activity in the central nervous system (CNS) is largely unexplored. Here, we used genetically modified mice to determine inflammasome activation in the CNS during EAE. Our data indicated heightened AIM2 inflammasome activation in astrocytes after the disease peak. Unexpectedly, neither CNS-infiltrated myeloid cells nor microglia were the primary cells with activated inflammasomes in SC during EAE. Despite AIM2 inflammasome activation, astrocytes did not undergo apparent cell death and produced little of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, during EAE. This study showed that CNS inflammasome activation occurs during EAE without associating with IL-1β-mediated inflammation.

scholarly journals GDP-l-fucose synthase is a CD4+ T cell–specific autoantigen in DRB3*02:02 patients with multiple sclerosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (462) ◽  
pp. eaat4301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Planas ◽  
Radleigh Santos ◽  
Paula Tomas-Ojer ◽  
Carolina Cruciani ◽  
Andreas Lutterotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Clone ◽  
Autoimmune Response ◽  
Guanosine Diphosphate ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
T Cell Clone ◽  
Positional Scanning ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that develops in genetically susceptible individuals and likely requires environmental triggers. The autoantigens and molecular mimics triggering the autoimmune response in multiple sclerosis remain incompletely understood. By using a brain-infiltrating CD4+ T cell clone that is clonally expanded in multiple sclerosis brain lesions and a systematic approach for the identification of its target antigens, positional scanning peptide libraries in combination with biometrical analysis, we have identified guanosine diphosphate (GDP)–l-fucose synthase as an autoantigen that is recognized by cerebrospinal fluid–infiltrating CD4+ T cells from HLA-DRB3*–positive patients. Significant associations were found between reactivity to GDP-l-fucose synthase peptides and DRB3*02:02 expression, along with reactivity against an immunodominant myelin basic protein peptide. These results, coupled with the cross-recognition of homologous peptides from gut microbiota, suggest a possible role of this antigen as an inducer or driver of pathogenic autoimmune responses in multiple sclerosis.

scholarly journals The STING-IFN-β-Dependent Axis Is Markedly Low in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 9249
Author(s):  
Lars Masanneck ◽  
Susann Eichler ◽  
Anna Vogelsang ◽  
Melanie Korsen ◽  
Heinz Wiendl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Type I ◽  
Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Endogenous Production ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Peripheral Lymphoid Tissue ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Peripheral Immune Cells ◽  
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Cyclic GMP-AMP-synthase is a sensor of endogenous nucleic acids, which subsequently elicits a stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-dependent type I interferon (IFN) response defending us against viruses and other intracellular pathogens. This pathway can drive pathological inflammation, as documented for type I interferonopathies. In contrast, specific STING activation and subsequent IFN-β release have shown beneficial effects on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as a model for multiple sclerosis (MS). Although less severe cases of relapse-remitting MS (RRMS) are treated with IFN-β, there is little information correlating aberrant type I IFN signaling and the pathologic conditions of MS. We hypothesized that there is a link between STING activation and the endogenous production of IFN-β during neuroinflammation. Gene expression analysis in EAE mice showed that Sting level decreased in the peripheral lymphoid tissue, while its level increased within the central nervous system over the course of the disease. Similar patterns could be verified in peripheral immune cells during the acute phases of RRMS in comparison to remitting phases and appropriately matched healthy controls. Our study is the first to provide evidence that the STING/IFN-β-axis is downregulated in RRMS patients, meriting further intensified research to understand its role in the pathophysiology of MS and potential translational applications.

scholarly journals TGF-β in Mice Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Regulating NK Cell Activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 1155-1160 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Xu ◽  
Y. Wang ◽  
H. Jiang ◽  
M. Sun ◽  
J. Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Experimental Autoimmune

Multiple sclerosis is a disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination located in the central nervous system. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the most common animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the roles of T cells in MS/EAE have been well investigated, little is known about the functions of other immune cells in the neuroinflammation model. Here we found that an essential cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) which could mediate the differentiation of Th17/regulatory T cells was implicated in the natural killer (NK) cells’ activity in EAE. In EAE mice, TGF-β expression was first increased at the onset and then decreased at the peak, but the expressions of TGF-β receptors and downstream molecules were not affected in EAE. When we immunized the mice with MOG antigen, it was revealed that TGF-β treatment reduced susceptibility to EAE with a lower clinical score than the control mice without TGF-β. Consistently, inflammatory cytokine production was reduced in the TGF-β treated group, especially with downregulated pathogenic interleukin-17 in the central nervous system tissue. Furthermore, TGF-β could increase the transcription level of NK cell marker NCR1 both in the spleen and in the CNS without changing other T cell markers. Meanwhile TGF-β promoted the proliferation of NK cell proliferation. Taken together, our data demonstrated that TGF-β could confer protection against EAE model in mice through NK cells, which would be useful for the clinical therapy of MS.

Immunology of Multiple Sclerosis

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Piccio ◽  
Anne H. Cross
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
B Lymphocytes ◽  
Autoimmune Disorder ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Immune Systems ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered to be an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that targets myelin but affects both white matter and gray matter. Multiple sclerosis is thought to be mediated by cells of the adaptive and innate immune systems. CD4+ T lymphocytes of the Th1 and Th17 subtypes are believed to be critical for the initiation of multiple sclerosis. Treatment with monoclonal antibodies that deplete B lymphocytes has proven that B cells are critical to relapse development in multiple sclerosis. While immunopathophysiology is clearly important in MS, whether multiple sclerosis is truly an autoimmune disorder and the target or targets of the autoimmunity remain unknown.

scholarly journals A Pathogenic Role for Myelin-Specific Cd8+ T Cells in a Model for Multiple Sclerosis

2001 ◽  
Vol 194 (5) ◽  
pp. 669-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric S. Huseby ◽  
Denny Liggitt ◽  
Thea Brabb ◽  
Bryan Schnabel ◽  
Claes Öhlén ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Demyelinating Disease ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Effector Cells ◽  
Cns Autoimmunity ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by plaques of infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Studies of MS and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, focus on the contribution of CD4+ myelin-specific T cells. The role of CD8+ myelin-specific T cells in mediating EAE or MS has not been described previously. Here, we demonstrate that myelin-specific CD8+ T cells induce severe CNS autoimmunity in mice. The pathology and clinical symptoms in CD8+ T cell–mediated CNS autoimmunity demonstrate similarities to MS not seen in myelin-specific CD4+ T cell–mediated EAE. These data suggest that myelin-specific CD8+ T cells could function as effector cells in the pathogenesis of MS.

IFN-β treatment modulates the CD28/CTLA-4-mediated pathway for IL-2 production in patients with relapsing -remitting multiple sclerosis

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 630-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Espejo ◽  
L Brieva ◽  
G Ruggiero ◽  
J Río ◽  
X Montalban ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Autoimmune Response ◽  
T Cell Proliferation ◽  
Immunomodulatory Effects ◽  
Cd25 Expression ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system probably mediated by Th1 lymphocytes. IFN-b is an established therapy for relapsing MS patients, although the mechanisms underlying its efficacy are yet to be well characterized. We determined IL-2 production, CD25 expression and T-cell proliferation from relapsing -remitting MS patients before and three months after starting therapy. A decrease in the percentage of CD80-induced IL-2-producing cells was observed after in vivo IFN-b treatment. These data support that one of the immunomodulatory effects of IFN-b treatment in MS may be a limitation of the autoimmune response modifying the CD80:CD28/CTLA-4 pathway.

scholarly journals Role of Immune Cells in Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Dhaiban ◽  
Mena Al-Ani ◽  
Noha Mousaad Elemam ◽  
Mahmood H Al-Aawad ◽  
Zeinab Al-Rawi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
T Regulatory Cells ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Chronic Autoimmune Disease ◽  
Experimental Autoimmune

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by varying degrees of demyelination of uncertain etiology, and is associated with specific environmental and genetic factors. Upon recognition of CNS antigens, the immune cells initiate an inflammatory process which leads to destruction and deterioration of the neurons. Innate immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells and natural killer cells are known to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of MS. Also, the activation of peripheral CD4+ T cells by CNS antigens leads to their extravasation into the CNS causing damages that exacerbates the disease. This could be accompanied by dysregulation of T regulatory cells and other cell types functions. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a mouse model used to study the pathophysiology of MS disease. In this review, we highlight the roles of innate and adaptive immune players in the pathogenesis of MS and EAE.

Role of Gut Microbiota in Multiple Sclerosis and Potential Therapeutic Implications

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Wang ◽  
Zhen Liang ◽  
Shengnan Wang ◽  
Di Ma ◽  
Mingqin Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Demyelinating Disease ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Autoimmune Response ◽  
Therapeutic Implications ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

: The role of gut microbiota in health and diseases has been receiving increased attention recently. Emerging evidence from previous studies on the gut-microbiota-brain axis highlighted the importance of gut microbiota in neurological disorders. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from T-cell-driven, myelin-directed autoimmunity. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota in MS patients has been reported in published research studies, indicating that gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MS. Gut microbiota has also been reported to influence the initiation of disease and severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, which is the animal model of MS. However, the underlying mechanisms of gut microbiota involvement in the pathogenesis of MS remain unclear. Therefore, in this review, we summerized the potential mechanisms for gut microbiota involvement in the pathogenesis of MS, including increasing the permeability of the intestinal barrier, initiating an autoimmune response, disrupting the blood-brain barrier integrity, and contributing to chronic inflammation. The possibility for gut microbiota as a target for MS therapy has also been discussed. This review provides new insight into understanding the role of gut microbiota in neurological and inflammatory diseases.

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