Mouse Model Of Multiple Sclerosis Research Articles

Autotaxin in encephalitogenic CD4 T cells as a therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the CNS. A defining characteristic of MS is the ability of autoreactive T lymphocytes to cross the blood-brain barrier and mediate inflammation within the CNS. Previous work from our lab found the gene Enpp2 to be highly upregulated in murine encephalitogenic T cells. Enpp2 encodes for the protein autotaxin, a secreted glycoprotein that catalyzes the production of lysophosphatidic acid and promotes transendothelial migration of T cells from the bloodstream into the lymphatic system. The present study sought to characterize autotaxin expression in T cells during CNS autoimmune disease and determine its potential therapeutic value. Myelin-activated CD4 T cells upregulated expression of autotaxin in vitro, and ex vivo analysis of CNS-infiltrating CD4 T cells showed significantly higher autotaxin expression compared with cells from healthy mice. In addition, inhibiting autotaxin in myelin-specific T cells reduced their encephalitogenicity in adoptive transfer studies and decreased in vitro cell motility. Importantly, using two mouse models of MS, treatment with an autotaxin inhibitor ameliorated EAE severity, decreased the number of CNS infiltrating T and B cells, and suppressed relapses, suggesting autotaxin may be a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of MS.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via modifying expression patterns of miRNAs.

Clinical and experimental studies highlighted the significant therapeutic role of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in neurodegenerative diseases. MSCs possess potent immunomodulatory properties by releasing exosomes, which generate a suitable microenvironment. microRNAs (miRNAs), as one of several effective bioactive molecules of exosomes, influence cellular communication and activities in recipient cells. Recent studies revealed that miRNAs could control the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) via differentiation and function of T helper cells (Th). Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects of syngeneic-derived BM-MSC in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS by evaluating expression profile of miRNAs, pro- and anti-inflammatory in serum and brain tissues. Three-time scheme groups (6th day, 6th & 12th days, and 12th day, of post-EAE induction) were applied to determine the therapeutic effects of intraperitoneally received 1*106 of BM-MSCs. The expression levels of mature isoforms of miR-193, miR-146a, miR-155, miR-21, and miR-326 showed that BM-MSCs treatment attenuated the EAE clinical score and reduced clinical inflammation as well as demyelination. The improved neurological functional outcome associated with enhanced expression of miR-193 and miR-146a, but decreased expression levels of miR-155, miR-21, and miR-326 were followed by suppressing effects on Th1/Th17 immune responses (reduced levels of IFN-γand IL-17 cytokine expression) and induction of Treg cells, immunoregulatory responses (increase of IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-4) in treatment groups. Our findings suggest that BM-MSCs administration might change expression patterns of miRNAs and downstream interactions followed by immune system modulation. However, there is a need to carry out future human clinical trials and complementary experiments.

Structure-Activity Relationship and Biological Investigation of a REV-ERBα-Selective Agonist SR-29065 (34) for Autoimmune Disorders.

Autoimmune diseases affect 50 million Americans, predominantly women, and are thought to be one of the top 10 leading causes of death among women in age groups up to 65 years. A central role for TH17 cells has been highlighted by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) linking genes preferentially expressed in TH17 cells to several human autoimmune diseases. We and others have reported that the nuclear receptors REV-ERBα and β are cell-intrinsic repressors of TH17 cell development and pathogenicity and might therefore be therapeutic targets for intervention. Herein, we describe detailed SAR studies of a novel REV-ERBα-selective scaffold. Metabolic stability of the ligands was optimized allowing for in vivo interrogation of the receptor in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (EAE) with a ligand (34). Reduction in frequency and number of T-cells in the CNS as well as key REV-ERB target genes is a measure of target engagement in vivo.

Metformin treatment reduces inflammation, dysmyelination and disease severity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, death or damage of oligodendrocytes, and axonal degeneration. Current MS treatments are non-curative, associated with undesired side-effects, and expensive, highlighting the need for expanded therapeutic options for patients. There is great interest in developing interventions using drugs or therapeutics to reduce symptom onset and protect pre-existing myelin. Metformin is a well-tolerated drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes that has pleiotropic effects in the central nervous system (CNS), including reducing inflammation, enhancing oligodendrogenesis, increasing the survival/proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs), and increasing myelination. Here, we investigated whether metformin administration could improve functional outcomes, modulate oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), and reduce inflammation in a well-established mouse model of MS- experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Male and female mice received metformin treatment at the time of EAE induction (“acute”) or upon presentation of disease symptoms (“delayed”). We found that acute metformin treatment improved functional outcomes, concomitant with reduced microglia numbers and decreased dysmyelination. Conversely, delayed metformin treatment did not improve functional outcomes. Our findings reveal that metformin administration can improve EAE outcomes when administered before symptom onset in both sexes.

Biological aging in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is most likely to adopt a progressive clinical course during middle age or beyond, and the number of older adults with MS is steadily increasing. Developing new strategies to manage progressive forms of MS, which do not respond to currently available disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), will require a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which biological aging interacts with pathogenic pathways to propel disability accumulation. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a widely used preclinical mouse model of MS, middle-aged animals experience a more severe and protracted clinical course than their younger counterparts. This exacerbated disease course is accompanied by persistent neuroinflammation. Clinical studies of age-related biomarkers, such as telomere length, senescence markers, and DNA methylation, suggest that biological aging is accelerated in people with MS compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Furthermore, distinguishing biological age from chronological may afford more precision in determining aging effects in MS. Here we review the current literature on aging biology and its impact on MS pathogenesis. Future research on this topic may lead to the development of novel biomarkers and senotherapy agents that slow neurological decline in people with progressive MS by targeting relevant aging-related pathways.

MAP kinase inhibitor PD98059 regulates Th1, Th9, Th17, and natural T regulatory cells in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of multiple sclerosis

Experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), provides significant insights into the mechanisms that initiate and drive autoimmunity. MS is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, characterized by inflammatory infiltration associated with demyelination. T lymphocyte cells play a crucial role in MS, whereas natural T regulatory (nTreg) cells prevent autoimmune inflammation by suppressing lymphocyte activity. This study sought to investigate the role of PD98059, a selective MAP kinase inhibitor, in Th1, Th9, Th17, and nTreg cells using the SJL/J mouse model of EAE. Following EAE development, the mice were intraperitoneally administered PD98059 (5 mg/kg for two weeks) daily. We evaluated the effects of PD98059 on Th1 (IFN-γ and T-bet), Th9 (IL-9 and IRF4), Th17 (IL-17A and RORγT), and nTreg (FoxP3 and Helios) cells in the spleen using flow cytometry. Moreover, we explored the effects of PD98059 on the IFN-γ, T-bet, IL-9, IRF4, IL-17A, RORγT, FoxP3, and Helios mRNA and protein levels in brain tissues using qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. PD98059 treatment significantly decreased the proportion of CD4+IFN-γ+, CD4+T-bet+, CD4+IL-9+, CD4+IRF4+, CD4+IL-17A+, CD4+RORγT+, CD4+IL-17A+, and CD4+RORγT+ cells while increasing that of CD4+FoxP3+ and CD4+Helios+ cells. In addition, PD98059 administration decreased the mRNA and protein levels of IFN-γ, T-bet, IL-9, IRF4, IL-17A, and RORγT but increased those of FoxP3 and Helios in the brain tissue of EAE mice. Our findings suggest that PD98059 corrects immune dysfunction in EAE mice, which is concurrent with the modulation of multiple signaling pathways.

Retinal transcriptome profiling identifies novel candidate genes associated with visual impairment in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT Visual impairment is occasionally observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Although uveitis and optic neuritis have been reported in MS and EAE, the precise mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of these visual impairments remain poorly understood. This study aims to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the retinas of mice with EAE to identify genes that may be implicated in EAE-induced visual impairment. Fourteen adult mice were injected with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein35–55 to induce the EAE model. Transcriptomes of retinas with EAE were analyzed by RNA-sequencing. Gene expression analysis revealed 347 DEGs in the retinas of mice with EAE: 345 were upregulated, and 2 were downregulated (adjusted p-value < 0.05 and absolute log2 fold change > 1). Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that the upregulated genes in the retinas of mice with EAE were primarily related to immune responses, responses to external biotic stimuli, defense responses, and leukocyte-mediated immunity in the GO biological process. The expression of six upregulated hub genes (c1qb, ctss, itgam, itgb2, syk, and tyrobp) from the STRING analysis and the two significantly downregulated DEGs (hapln1 and ndst4) were validated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis showed that the negatively enriched gene sets in EAE-affected retinas were associated with the neuronal system and phototransduction cascade. This study provides novel molecular evidence for visual impairments in EAE and indicates directions for further research to elucidate the mechanisms of these visual impairments in MS.

215.5: Human Amnion Epithelial Cells reduce disease progression in a mouse model for multiple sclerosis

215.5: Human Amnion Epithelial Cells reduce disease progression in a mouse model for multiple sclerosis

Carnosine synthase deficiency aggravates neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology features autoimmune-driven neuroinflammation, demyelination, and failed remyelination. Carnosine is a histidine-containing dipeptide (HCD) with pluripotent homeostatic properties that is able to improve outcomes in an animal MS model (EAE) when supplied exogenously. To uncover if endogenous carnosine is involved in, and protects against, MS-related neuroinflammation, demyelination or remyelination failure, we here studied the HCD-synthesizing enzyme carnosine synthase (CARNS1) in human MS lesions and two preclinical mouse MS models (EAE, cuprizone). We demonstrate that due to its presence in oligodendrocytes, CARNS1 expression is diminished in demyelinated MS lesions and mouse models mimicking demyelination/inflammation, but returns upon remyelination. Carns1-KO mice that are devoid of endogenous HCDs display exaggerated neuroinflammation and clinical symptoms during EAE, which could be partially rescued by exogenous carnosine treatment. Worsening of the disease appears to be driven by a central, not peripheral immune-modulatory, mechanism possibly linked to impaired clearance of the reactive carbonyl acrolein in Carns1-KO mice. In contrast, CARNS1 is not required for normal oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and (re)myelin to occur, and neither endogenous nor exogenous HCDs protect against cuprizone-induced demyelination. In conclusion, the loss of CARNS1 from demyelinated MS lesions can aggravate disease progression through weakening the endogenous protection against neuroinflammation.

Retraction Note: Magnolol prevented brain injury through the modulation of Nrf2-dependent oxidative stress and apoptosis in PLP-induced mouse model of multiple sclerosis.

Retraction Note: Magnolol prevented brain injury through the modulation of Nrf2-dependent oxidative stress and apoptosis in PLP-induced mouse model of multiple sclerosis.

Astrocyte lipocalin-2 modestly effects disease severity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis while reducing mature oligodendrocyte protein and mRNA expression

Roles for lipocalin-2 (LCN2, also referred to as neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin, NGAL) in the progression of disease in multiple sclerosis and its animal models have been reported; however, the importance of astrocyte-derived LCN2, a major source of LCN2, have not been defined. We found that clinical scores in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) were modestly delayed in mice with conditional knockout of LCN2 from astrocytes, associated with a small decrease in astrocyte GFAP expression. Immunostaining and qPCR of spinal cord samples showed decreased oligodendrocyte proteolipid protein and transcription factor Olig2 expression, but no changes in PDGFRα expression. These results suggest astrocyte LCN2 contributes to early events in EAE and reduces damage to mature oligodendrocytes at later times.

Immunobiology of lymphotoxin: role in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis

Complex immunobiology of lymphotoxin (LTα) is due to multiple modalities of signal transduction, involving a soluble homotrimer and membrane-bound heterotrimers that engage at least three different receptors. While LTα is crucial for the formation and maintenance of secondary lymphoid organs, its overproduction is observed in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Initially, LTα was considered pathogenic in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, as demonstrated by the resistance of mice with genetic LTα inactivation to EAE induction. However, conflicting observations arose when EAE was induced in RAG1-deficient mice that underwent adoptive bone marrow transfer from LTα-deficient mice, thereby calling into question previous conclusions about the role of LTα in EAE development.&#x0D; This study aimed to investigate the role of LTα in MOG35-55-induced EAE using mice deficient in LTα or its membrane receptor, LTβR. LTα knockout mice used here were designed to avoid the artifact involving TNF gene downregulation in myeloid cells, which occurred in the conventional LTα knockout mice.&#x0D; Surprisingly, LTα-deficient mice with normal TNF expression developed EAE clinically comparable to wild-type mice. Conversely, genetic inactivation of LTβR delayed EAE onset. However, during the later stages of the disease, LTβR deletion exacerbated clinical symptoms of EAE.&#x0D; These findings demonstrate that the involvement of LTα in EAE development is more complex than previously estimated, and that LTβR exhibits diverse functions depending on the disease stage: pathogenic at the early stage and protective at the later stages of EAE.

Auranofin Modulates Thioredoxin Reductase/Nrf2 Signaling in Peripheral Immune Cells and the CNS in a Mouse Model of Relapsing-Remitting EAE.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. It causes the demyelination of neurons and the subsequent degeneration of the central nervous system (CNS). The infiltration of leukocytes of both myeloid and lymphoid origins from the systemic circulation into the CNS triggers autoimmune reactions through the release of multiple mediators. These mediators include oxidants, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines which ultimately cause the characteristic plaques observed in MS. Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling plays a crucial role in the regulation of inflammation by modulating the transcription of antioxidants and the suppression of inflammatory cytokines. The gold compound auranofin (AFN) is known to activate Nrf2 through the inhibition of TrxR; however, the effects of this compound have not been explored in a mouse model of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Therefore, this study explored the influence of AFN on clinical features, TrxR/Nrf2 signaling [heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1)] and oxidative/inflammatory mediators [IL-6, IL-17A, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitrotyrosine] in peripheral immune cells and the CNS of mice with the RR type of EAE. Our results showed an increase in TrxR activity and a decrease in Nrf2 signaling in SJL/J mice with RR-EAE. The treatment with AFN caused the amelioration of the clinical features of RR-EAE through the elevation of Nrf2 signaling and the subsequent upregulation of the levels of antioxidants as well as the downregulation of oxidative/pro-inflammatory mediators in peripheral immune cells and the CNS. These data suggest that AFN may be beneficial in the treatment of RRMS.

Curcumin's spice-infused therapeutic promise: disease severity alleviation in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis via modulation of immune responses.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune central nervous system (CNS) disorder indicated by demyelination, chronic inflammation, and neuronal destruction. Regional demyelination, inflammation responses, scar development, and various axonal damage are pathological characteristics of MS. Curcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of the turmeric plant. In addition to anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial therapeutic effects such as antioxidant, anti-cancer and nerve protection have also been seen from this compound. The purpose of the current investigation was to provide light on the potential benefits of Curcumin in treating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS. in Female C57BL/6 mice were used to induce EAE through myelin oligodendroglial glycoprotein (MOG). Curcumin doses of 100 and 200mg/kg were administered orally in the treatment groups starting on the first day of EAE induction. Brains and splenocytes were extracted from euthanized animals on day 25 following EAE induction. Demyelination and leukocyte infiltration, proliferation, cytokine, and gene expression profiles were assessed. Our findings demonstrate that both low and high doses of Curcumin decreased the progression of EAE. Histological analyses revealed low infiltration of leukocytes into the CNS. Curcumin therapy enhanced Th2 and Treg cell secretion of IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β although considerably decreasing IFN-γ and TNF-α. Curcumin-induced Th2 and Treg cell cytokine production and transcription factor gene expression (IL-13, GATA3, STAT6 and IL-35, CTLA4, Foxp3) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-27, IL-33). Overall, these findings provide additional evidence that Curcumin can slow disease development and alleviate symptoms in EAE through stimulating Treg and Th2 cell polarization. They support Curcumin's potential therapeutic role in MS.

Novel therapeutic for multiple sclerosis protects white matter function in EAE mouse model.

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.

Diphtheria toxin-derived, anti-PD-1 immunotoxin, a potent and practical tool to selectively deplete PD-1+ cells.

Programmed death-1 (PD-1), an immune checkpoint receptor, is expressed on activated lymphocytes, macrophages, and some types of tumor cells. While PD-1+ cells have been implicated in outcomes of cancer immunity, autoimmunity, and chronic infections, the exact roles of these cells in various physiological and pathological processes remain elusive. Molecules that target and deplete PD-1+ cells would be instrumental in defining the roles unambiguously. Previously, an immunotoxin has been generated for the depletion of PD-1+ cells though its usage is impeded by its low production yield. Thus, a more practical molecular tool is desired to deplete PD-1+ cells and to examine functions of these cells. We designed and generated a novel anti-PD1 diphtheria immunotoxin, termed PD-1 DIT, targeting PD-1+ cells. PD-1 DIT is comprised of two single chain variable fragments (scFv) derived from an anti-PD-1 antibody, coupled with the catalytic and translocation domains of the diphtheria toxin. PD-1 DIT was produced using a yeast expression system that has been engineered to efficiently produce protein toxins. The yield of PD-1 DIT reached 1~2 mg/L culture, which is ten times higher than the previously reported immunotoxin. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analyses confirmed that PD-1 DIT specifically binds to and enters PD-1+ cells. The binding avidities between PD-1 DIT and two PD-1+ cell lines are approximately 25 nM. Moreover, PD-1 DIT demonstrated potent cytotoxicity towards PD-1+ cells, with an EC50 value of 1 nM. In vivo experiments further showed that PD-1 DIT effectively depleted PD-1+ cells and enabled mice inoculated with PD-1+ tumor cells to survive throughout the study. Our findings using PD-1 DIT revealed the critical role of pancreatic PD-1+ T cells in the development of type-1 diabetes (T1D). Additionally, we observed that PD-1 DIT treatment ameliorated relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (RR-EAE), a mouse model of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS). Lastly, we did not observe significant hepatotoxicity in mice treated with PD-1 DIT, which had been reported for other immunotoxins derived from the diphtheria toxin. With its remarkable selective and potent cytotoxicity towards PD-1+ cells, coupled with its high production yield, PD-1 DIT emerges as a powerful biotechnological tool for elucidating the physiological roles of PD-1+ cells. Furthermore, the potential of PD-1 DIT to be developed into a novel therapeutic agent becomes evident. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effect of Siponimod on Brain and Spinal Cord Imaging Markers of Neurodegeneration in the Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus Model of Demyelination.

Siponimod (Sp) is a Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator, and it suppresses S1P- mediated autoimmune lymphocyte transport and inflammation. Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibits inflammation-driven acute and chronic phases, spinal cord lesions, brain and spinal cord atrophy, and white matter injury. The objective of the study was to investigate whether Sp treatment could attenuate inflammation-induced pathology in the TMEV model by inhibiting microglial activation and preventing the atrophy of central nervous tissue associated with neurodegeneration. Clinical disability score (CDS), body weight (BW), and rotarod retention time measures were used to assess Sp's impact on neurodegeneration and disease progression in 4 study groups of 102 animals, including 44 Sp-treated (SpT), 44 vehicle-treated, 6 saline-injected, and 8 age-matched healthy controls (HC). Next, 58 (22 SpT, 22 vehicle, 6 saline injected, and 8 HC) out of the 102 animals were further evaluated to assess the effect of Sp on brain region-specific and spinal cord volume changes, as well as microglial activation. Sp increased CDS and decreased BW and rotarod retention time in TMEV mice, but did not significantly affect most brain region volumes, except for lateral ventricle volume. Sp suppressed ventricular enlargement, suggesting reduced TMEV-induced inflammation in LV. No significant differences in spine volume changes were observed between Sp- and vehicle-treated animals, but there were differences between HC and TMEV groups, indicating TMEV-induced inflammation contributed to increased spine volume. Spine histology revealed no significant microglial density differences between groups in gray matter, but HC animals had higher type 1 morphology and lower type 2 morphology percentages in gray and white matter regions. This suggests that Sp did not significantly affect microglial density but may have modulated neuroinflammation in the spinal cord. Sp may have some effects on neuroinflammation and ventricular enlargement. However, it did not demonstrate a significant impact on neurodegeneration, spinal volume, or lesion volume in the TMEV mouse model. Further investigation is required to fully understand Sp's effect on microglial activation and its relevance to the pathophysiology of MS. The differences between the current study and previous research using other MS models, such as EAE, highlight the differences in pathological processes in these two disease models.

Stat1 is an inducible transcriptional repressor of neural stem cells self-renewal program during neuroinflammation.

A central issue in regenerative medicine is understanding the mechanisms that regulate the self-renewal of endogenous stem cells in response to injury and disease. Interferons increase hematopoietic stem cells during infection by activating STAT1, but the mechanisms by which STAT1 regulates intrinsic programs in neural stem cells (NSCs) during neuroinflammation is less known. Here we explored the role of STAT1 on NSC self-renewal. We show that overexpressing Stat1 in NSCs derived from the subventricular zone (SVZ) decreases NSC self-renewal capacity while Stat1 deletion increases NSC self-renewal, neurogenesis, and oligodendrogenesis in isolated NSCs. Importantly, we find upregulation of STAT1 in NSCs in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS) and an increase in pathological T cells expressing IFN-γ rather than interleukin 17 (IL-17) in the cerebrospinal fluid of affected mice. We find IFN-γ is superior to IL-17 in reducing proliferation and precipitating an abnormal NSC phenotype featuring increased STAT1 phosphorylation and Stat1 and p16ink4a gene expression. Notably, Stat1-/- NSCs were resistant to the effect of IFN-γ. Lastly, we identified a Stat1-dependent gene expression profile associated with an increase in the Sox9 transcription factor, a regulator of self-renewal. Stat1 binds and transcriptionally represses Sox9 in a transcriptional luciferase assay. We conclude that Stat1 serves as an inducible checkpoint for NSC self-renewal that is upregulated during chronic brain inflammation leading to decreased self-renewal. As such, Stat1 may be a potential target to modulate for next generation therapies to prevent progression and loss of repair function in NSCs/neural progenitors in MS.

Proteolipid Protein-Induced Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis Requires B Cell-Mediated Antigen Presentation.

The pathogenic role B cells play in multiple sclerosis is underscored by the success of B cell depletion therapies. Yet, it remains unclear how B cells contribute to disease, although it is increasingly accepted that mechanisms beyond Ab production are involved. Better understanding of pathogenic interactions between B cells and autoreactive CD4 T cells will be critical for novel therapeutics. To focus the investigation on B cell:CD4 T cell interactions invivo and invitro, we previously developed a B cell-dependent, Ab-independent experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model driven by a peptide encompassing the extracellular domains of myelin proteolipid protein (PLPECD). In this study, we demonstrate that B cell depletion significantly inhibited PLPECD-induced EAE disease, blunted PLPECD-elicited delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions invivo, and reduced CD4 T cell activation, proliferation, and proinflammatory cytokine production. Further, PLPECD-reactive CD4 T cells sourced from B cell-depleted donor mice failed to transfer EAE to naive recipients. Importantly, we identified B cell-mediated Ag presentation as the critical mechanism explaining B cell dependence in PLPECD-induced EAE, where bone marrow chimeric mice harboring a B cell-restricted MHC class II deficiency failed to develop EAE. B cells were ultimately observed to restimulate significantly higher Ag-specific proliferation from PLP178-191-reactive CD4 T cells compared with dendritic cells when provided PLPECD peptide in head-to-head cultures. We therefore conclude that PLPECD-induced EAE features a required pathogenic B cell-mediated Ag presentation function, providing for investigable B cell:CD4 T cell interactions in the context of autoimmune demyelinating disease.

Retraction Note: Protective effects of melatonin against mitochondrial injury in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.

Retraction Note: Protective effects of melatonin against mitochondrial injury in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.