Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Recovery Research Articles

Oligodendrocyte precursor cell-derived exosomes combined with cell therapy promote clinical recovery by immunomodulation and gliosis attenuation.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by autoimmune destruction of the myelin sheath, leading to irreversible and progressive functional deficits in patients. Pre-clinical studies involving the use of neural stem cells (NSCs) have already demonstrated their potential in neuronal regeneration and remyelination. However, the exclusive application of cell therapy has not proved sufficient to achieve satisfactory therapeutic levels. Recognizing these limitations, there is a need to combine cell therapy with other adjuvant protocols. In this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) can contribute to intercellular communication, stimulating the production of proteins and lipids associated with remyelination and providing trophic support to axons. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the combination of NSCs and EVs derived from oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. OPCs were differentiated from NSCs and had their identity confirmed by gene expression analysis and immunocytochemistry. Exosomes were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation and characterized by Western, transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Experimental therapy of C57BL/6 mice induced with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) were grouped in control, treated with NSCs, treated with OPC-derived EVs and treated with a combination of both. The treatments were evaluated clinically using scores and body weight, microscopically using immunohistochemistry and immunological profile by flow cytometry. The animals showed significant clinical improvement and weight gain with the treatments. However, only the treatments involving EVs led to immune modulation, changing the profile from Th1 to Th2 lymphocytes. Fifteen days after treatment revealed a reduction in reactive microgliosis and astrogliosis in the groups treated with EVs. However, there was no reduction in demyelination. The results indicate the potential therapeutic use of OPC-derived EVs to attenuate inflammation and promote recovery in EAE, especially when combined with cell therapy.

Transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells optimized with IFN-γ is a potential procedure for modification of motor impairment in multiple sclerosis cases: a preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis study.

Stem cells transplantation (SCT) is known as a newfound strategy for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) contain various regenerative features. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a laboratory model of MS. This meta-analysis study was conducted to assess the overall therapeutic effects of hUCMSCs on reduction of clinical score (CS) and restoration of active movement in EAE-induced animals. For comprehensive searching (in various English and Persian databases until May 1, 2024), the main keywords of "Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis", "Multiple Sclerosis", "Human", "Umbilical Cord", "Mesenchymal", and "Stem Cell" were hired. Collected data were transferred to the citation manager software (EndNote x8) and duplicate papers were merged. Primary and secondary screenings were applied (according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria) and eligible studies were prepared for data collection. CS of two phases of peak and recovery of EAE were extracted as the difference in means and various analyses including heterogeneity, publication bias, funnel plot, and sensitivity index were reported. Meta-analysis was applied by CMA software (v.2), P<0.05 was considered a significant level, and the confidence interval (CI) was determined 95% (95% CI). Six eligible high-quality (approved by ARRIVE checklist) papers were gathered. The difference in means of peak and recovery phases were -0.775 (-1.325 to -0.225; P=0.006; I2=90.417%) and -1.230 (-1.759 to -0.700; P<0.001; I2=93.402%), respectively. The overall therapeutic effects of SCT of hUCMSCs on the EAE cases was -1.011 (95% CI=-1.392 to -0.629; P=0.001). hUCMSCs transplantation through the intravenous route to the animal MS model (EAE) seems a considerably effective procedure for the alleviation of motor defects in both phases of peak and recovery.

Fibulin-2 is an extracellular matrix inhibitor of oligodendrocytes relevant to multiple sclerosis.

Impairment of oligodendrocytes and myelin contributes to neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. Regeneration of myelin (remyelination) decreases the vulnerability of demyelinated axons, but this repair process commonly fails with disease progression. A contributor to inefficient remyelination is the altered extracellular matrix (ECM) in lesions, which remains to be better defined. We have identified fibulin-2 (FBLN2) as a highly upregulated ECM component in lesions of MS and stroke and in proteome databases of Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury. Focusing on MS, the inhibitory role of FBLN2 was suggested in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model, in which genetic FBLN2 deficiency improved behavioral recovery by promoting the maturation of oligodendrocytes and enhancing remyelination. Mechanistically, when oligodendrocyte progenitors were cultured in differentiation medium, FBLN2 impeded their maturation into oligodendrocytes by engaging the Notch pathway, leading to cell death. Adeno-associated virus deletion of FBLN2 in astrocytes improved oligodendrocyte numbers and functional recovery in EAE and generated new myelin profiles after lysolecithin-induced demyelination. Collectively, our findings implicate FBLN2 as a hitherto unrecognized injury-elevated ECM, and a therapeutic target, that impairs oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin repair.

Intranasal Delivery of TGFα – A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Lesion Resolution in Multiple Sclerosis? (P7-3.001)

<h3>Objective:</h3> We here evaluate the therapeutic potential of tissue-protective TGFα for the resolution of CNS inflammation. <h3>Background:</h3> After acute lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) such as in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the interaction of microglia, astrocytes and infiltrating immune cells defines the inflammatory microenvironment in the CNS which can either induce resolution of inflammation or lead to its chronification. However, the interaction between microglia, astrocytes and infiltrating immune cells and their respective contribution to the resolution of tissue damage is poorly characterized. In this context, we have recently identified microglia-derived TGFα as a novel driver of recovery in MS and its preclinical animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here, we describe its regulation over the course of the disease and investigate its translational potential during acute inflammation in the CNS. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We here use CRISPR–Cas9-based genetic perturbation models, high-dimensional flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as fine-tuned <i>in vitro</i> assays to investigate cellular targets, net effects and therapeutic potential of microglia-derived TGFα for recovery in MS and its preclinical animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). <h3>Results:</h3> During acute CNS inflammation, microglia secrete TGFα in a highly regulated temporospatial manner. We show that microglial TGFα is required for EAE recovery by decreasing the number of infiltrating T cells and pro-inflammatory myeloid cells, as well as reducing oligodendrocyte loss, axonal damage, and demyelination. In a therapeutic approach, intranasally delivered TGFα diminishes the pro-inflammatory profile of astrocytes and CNS infiltrating immune cells, while promoting neuronal survival and lesion resolution, therefore promoting clinical recovery. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Together, we show that TGFα acts on glial and infiltrating cells to promote the resolution of CNS inflammation. TGFα signaling might represent a novel checkpoint of CNS recovery, which offers therapeutic potential to promote recovery in acute and chronic stages of MS. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mrs. Loesslein has nothing to disclose. Mr. Linnerbauer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tsaktanis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Quintana has nothing to disclose. Prof. Rothhammer has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Novartis. Prof. Rothhammer has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Merck. The institution of Prof. Rothhammer has received research support from German Research Foundation. The institution of Prof. Rothhammer has received research support from European Research Council.

High K+ intake alleviates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and increases T regulatory cells

Multiple sclerosis is believed to be triggered by the interplay between the environmental and genetic factors. In contrast to the Paleolithic diet, the modern Western diet is high in Na+ and low in K+. The present study was undertaken to determine whether high K+ intake alleviated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis. Treatment of C57BL/6 or SJL mice for 7 days with a 5 % K+ diet prior to induction of EAE and maintaining mice on the diet until the end of experiments delayed the onset, reduced the peak, and accelerated the recovery of EAE in both strains compared with mice on a control diet (0.7 % K+), whereas feeding C57BL/6 mice with a 0.1 % K+ diet did the opposite. High K+ intake increased the splenic Treg cell frequency in the pretreatment and peak EAE. Thus, high K+ intake attenuates EAE, possibly by increasing the Treg cells.

Transplantation of human adipose-derived stem cells overexpressing LIF/IFN-β promotes recovery in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease with inflammatory demyelination in the central nerve system. Besides the defect in the myelin repair process, the balance change in inflammatory and anti- inflammatory cytokines is one of the most significant factors in MS pathogenesis. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of co-overexpressing beta interferon (IFN-β) and Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in human adipose-derived stem cells (IFN-β/LIF-hADSCs) on the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). 12 days after the induction of EAE on female mice C57Bl/6 with MOG35-55 and the emergence of primary clinical signs, the IFN-β/LIF-hADSCs were injected into the mice tail vein of the EAE mice. The mice were sacrificed after 32 days and the spinal cords of the experimental groups were dissected out for the histopathologic and real-time RT-PCR studies. Here, we showed that the clinical scores and infiltration of mononuclear cells of treated mice with IFN-β/LIF-hADSCs were decreased significantly. Demyelination and the number of Olig2+ and MBP+ cells were significantly increased in the test (IFN-β/LIF-hADSCs) group. The findings revealed that the pattern of inflammatory and anti- inflammatory cytokines gene expression in the IFN-β/LIF-hADSCs group was reversed compared to the control group. Overexpression of LIF as a neurotrophic and IFN-β as an anti-inflammatory cytokine in hADSCs increases the immunomodulatory effect of hADSCs reduces the extent of demyelination, improves the number of Olig2+ cells, and also increases the amount of MBP protein which can increase the production of myelin in EAE model. This, besides hADSCs capacity for proliferation and differentiation, might enhance the treatment efficacy and provide a promising candidate for stem cell-based gene therapy of MS therapy in the future.

Emerging role of neuregulin-1beta1 in pathogenesis and progression of multiple sclerosis

Emerging role of neuregulin-1beta1 in pathogenesis and progression of multiple sclerosis

Transplantation of Human Adipose Derived Stem Cells with Co-Overexpressed&amp;nbsp;Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Beta Interferon Promote Recovery in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE)

Transplantation of Human Adipose Derived Stem Cells with Co-Overexpressed&amp;nbsp;Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Beta Interferon Promote Recovery in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE)

CD47 antibody blockade suppresses microglia-dependent phagocytosis and monocyte transition to macrophages, impairing recovery in EAE.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a well-characterized animal model of multiple sclerosis. During the early phase of EAE, infiltrating monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages contribute to T cell recruitment, especially CD4+ T cells, into the CNS, resulting in neuronal demyelination; however, in later stages, they promote remyelination and recovery by removal of myelin debris by phagocytosis. Signal regulatory protein α and CD47 are abundantly expressed in the CNS, and deletion of either molecule is protective in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein–induced EAE because of failed effector T cell expansion and trafficking. Here we report that treatment with the function blocking CD47 Ab Miap410 substantially reduced the infiltration of pathogenic immune cells but impaired recovery from paresis. The underlying mechanism was by blocking the emergence of CD11chiMHCIIhi microglia at peak disease that expressed receptors for phagocytosis, scavenging, and lipid catabolism, which mediated clearance of myelin debris and the transition of monocytes to macrophages in the CNS. In the recovery phase of EAE, Miap410 Ab–treated mice had worsening paresis with sustained inflammation and limited remyelination as compared with control Ab–treated mice. In summary, Ab blockade of CD47 impaired resolution of CNS inflammation, thus worsening EAE.

Enhanced expression of complement and microglial-specific genes prior to clinical progression in the MOG-experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis

Understanding the biological changes responsible for failures in repair and the development of progressive MS is paramount for therapeutic intervention. In a well characterized experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS the clinical phenotype features an acute attack with partial recovery followed by a chronic or progressive disease phase. Neuropathology-focused gene expression profiles were generated from spinal cord, hindbrain and forebrain of mice 25 days after the induction of EAE, the time when recovery plateaus and transitions to a chronic or worsening phase. Differences in gene expression were most pronounced in the spinal cord of EAE mice compared to sham-immunized animals, with a subset of genes also found to be differentially expressed in the hindbrain and the forebrain, albeit with smaller fold-changes in expression. Our data suggests that changes in complement components, chemoattractant cytokines and especially enrichment in microglial cells may be the primary drivers of processes that limit recovery in EAE.

Corrigendum] Promotion of microglial phagocytosis by tuftsin stimulates remyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Following the publication of this article, the authors have realized that an error was made with the description of the first and fourth listed affiliation addresses: "North China University of Science and of Technology", should have been written as "North China University of Science and Technology". This error also affected the Correspondence box information. Therefore, the author affiliations and addresses, and the Corresponding author information, in this paper should have appeared as follows: Zheng Bao1,2, Jinqi Hao3, Yuhong li1 and Fumin Feng1,4; 1School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei063210; 2Child Health Division, Tongzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Beijing, Beijing101101; 3School of Public Health, BaoTou Medical College, Baotou, Neimenggu014040; 4Center‑Laboratory, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei063210, P.R.China. Correspondence to: DrFumin Feng, Center‑Laboratory, North China University of Science and Technology, 21Bohai Road, Tangshan, Hebei063210, P.R.China. E‑mail: hblgffm@126.com; The authors regret this error in the presentation of these addresses, and apologize for any inconvenience caused. [the original article was published in Molecular Medicine Reports 20: 5190‑5196, 2019; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10788].

Promotion of microglial phagocytosis by tuftsin stimulates remyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Microglia were once thought to serve a pathogenic role in demyelinating diseases, particularly in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it has recently been shown that in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, microglia could serve a protective role by promoting remyelination via the efficient removal of apoptotic cells, the phagocytosis of debris and the support of myelinating oligodendrocytes. The aim of the present study was to determine if the effect of microglia could promote the recovery of EAE and attenuate symptoms in EAE. The severity of EAE was assessed by clinical scores, pathologic changes revealed by luxol fast blue staining and immunohistochemical techniques. The results suggested that microglia reduced clinical scores in mice, suppressed ongoing severe EAE and promoted remyelination and recovery in EAE mice. In addition, following induction with tuftsin, the M1/M2 cytokine balance was shifted, downregulating the proinflammatory M1 response and upregulating the anti-inflammatory M2 response. Generally, microglia can stimulate remyelination, which serves a protective role in different phases of EAE and may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MS.

Amantadine regulates the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

AbstractBackgroundAmantadine has been reported to have a neuroprotective effect, and it is therefore expected to have further clinical application.AimIn this study, we examined the therapeutic effect of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist amantadine on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsExperimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice. Amantadine was administered at doses of 40 mg/kg dissolved in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) by feeding cannula every other day. The control group received PBS only. The immunized mice were examined and scored daily until day 35. T‐cell proliferation assay, pathological analysis, and analysis of regulatory cells were performed.ResultsAlthough amantadine did not significantly suppress the incidence or severity of EAE, it significantly reduced clinical symptoms in the recovery phase. There was also a significant increase in CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells in response to amantadine treatment. These results suggest that amantadine promotes symptom recovery in EAE by acting in an immunosuppressive manner.ConclusionAmantadine may be an effective therapy for inflammatory neurological diseases such as MS.

Re-examining the potential of targeting ABHD6 in multiple sclerosis: Efficacy of systemic and peripherally restricted inhibitors in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

α/β-Hydrolase domain-containing 6 (ABHD6) contributes to the hydrolysis of the major endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the central nervous system (CNS) and in the periphery. ABHD6 blockade has been proposed as novel strategy to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), based on the observation that the inhibitor WWL70 exerts protective anti-inflammatory effects in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). According to recent data, WWL70 exhibits off-target anti-inflammatory activity in microglial cells and the potential of ABHD6 as drug target in MS remains controversial. Here we further investigated the role of ABHD6 during autoimmune demyelination by comparing the efficacy of two novel inhibitors with different CNS permeability in vivo. Preventive treatment with the systemically active inhibitor KT182 ameliorated the neurological signs of EAE during the time-course of disease. By contrast, administration of the peripherally restricted compound KT203 was ineffective in attenuating EAE symptomatology. Both inhibitors failed to improve corticospinal tract conduction latency and to attenuate inflammation at EAE recovery phase, despite being equally active at targeting brain ABHD6. Chronic administration of KT182 was associated to a partial loss of brain CB1 receptor coupling ability, suggesting the engagement of CB1 receptor-mediated mechanisms during the EAE disease progression. In cultured neurons, KT182 attenuated NMDA-stimulated excitotoxicity and mitochondrial calcium overload. However, these protective effects were not attributable to ABHD6, as they were not mimicked by the alternative inhibitors KT203, KT195 and WWL70. These results indicate that ABHD6 blockade exerts only modest therapeutic effects against autoimmune demyelination and call into question its utility as novel drug target in MS.

Transcriptional Profiling of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Identifies Distinct Neuroimmune Pathways Altered by CNS Disease.

Background and ObjectivesBone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are an attractive cell based therapy in the treatment of CNS demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Preclinical studies demonstrate that BM-MSCs can effectively reduce clinical burden and enhance recovery in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a commonly used animal model of MS. However, a number of recent clinical trials have not shown significant functional benefit following BM-MSC infusion into MS patients. One possibility for the discrepancy between animal and human studies is the source of the cells, as recent studies suggest BM-MSCs from MS patients or animals with EAE lack reparative efficacy compared to naïve cells. We sought to define important transcriptional and functional differences between diseased and naïve MSCs.Methods and ResultsWe utilized RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) to assess changes in gene expression between BM-MSCs derived from EAE animals and those derived from healthy controls. We show that EAE alters the expression of a large number of genes in BM-MSCs and changes in gene expression are more pronounced in chronic versus acute disease. Bioinformatic analysis revealed extensive perturbations in BM-MSCs in pathways related to inflammation and the regulation of neural cell development. These changes suggest that signals from EAE derived BM-MSCs inhibit rather than enhance remyelination, and in-vitro studies showed that conditioned medium from EAE MSCs fails to support the development of mature oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the CNS.ConclusionsThese data provide insight into the failure of autologous BM-MSCs to promote recovery in MS and support the concept of utilizing non-autologous MSCs in future clinical trials.

Melatonin exacerbates acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by enhancing the serum levels of lactate: A potential biomarker of multiple sclerosis progression.

Melatonin has a beneficial role in adult rat models of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, melatonin treatment (10mg/kg/d) was investigated in young age (5-6weeks old) Lewis rat model of acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) followed by assessing serum levels of lactate and melatonin. Results showed that clinical outcomes were exacerbated in melatonin- (neurological score=6) vs PBS-treated EAE rats (score=5). Melatonin caused a significant increase in serum IFN-γ, in comparison to PBS-treated EAE rats whereas no considerable change in IL-4 levels were found, although they were significantly lower than those of controls. The ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4, an indicator of Th-1/Th-2, was significantly higher in PBS- and melatonin- treated EAE rats, in comparison to controls. Moreover, results showed increased lymphocyte infiltration, activated astrocytes (GFAP+ cells) but also higher demyelinated plaques (MBP-deficient areas) in the lumbar spinal cord of melatonin-treated EAE rats. Finally, serum levels of lactate, but not melatonin, significantly increased in the melatonin group, compared to untreated EAE and normal rats. In conclusion, our results indicated a relationship between age and the development of EAE since a negative impact was found for melatonin on EAE recovery of young rats by enhancing IFN-γ, the ratio of Th1/Th2 cells, and astrocyte activation, which seems to delay the remyelination process. While melatonin levels decline in MS patients, lactate might be a potential diagnostic biomarker for prediction of disease progression. Early administration of melatonin in the acute phase of MS might be harmful and needs further investigations.

Lingo-1 inhibited by RNA interference promotes functional recovery of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Lingo-1 is a negative regulator of myelination. Repairment of demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS)/experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), requires activation of the myelination program. In this study, we observed the effect of RNA interference on Lingo-1 expression, and the impact of Lingo-1 suppression on functional recovery and myelination/remyelination in EAE mice. Lentiviral vectors encoding Lingo-1 short hairpin RNA (LV/Lingo-1-shRNA) were constructed to inhibit Lingo-1 expression. LV/Lingo-1-shRNA of different titers were transferred into myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced EAE mice by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection. Meanwhile, lentiviral vectors carrying nonsense gene sequence (LVCON053) were used as negative control. The Lingo-1 expression was detected and locomotor function was evaluated at different time points (on days 1,3,7,14,21, and 30 after ICV injection). Myelination was investigated by luxol fast blue (LFB) staining.LV/Lingo-1-shRNA administration via ICV injection could efficiently down-regulate the Lingo-1 mRNA and protein expression in EAE mice on days 7,14,21, and 30 (P < 0.01), especially in the 5 × 10(8) TU/mL and 5 × 10(9) TU/mL LV/Lingo-1-shRNA groups. The locomotor function score in the LV/Lingo-1-shRNA treated groups were significantly lower than the untreated or LVCON053 group from day 7 on. The 5 × 10(8) TU/mL LV/Lingo-1-shRNA group achieved the best functional improvement (0.87 ± 0.11 vs. 3.05 ± 0.13, P < 0.001). Enhanced myelination/remyelination was observed in the 5 × 10(7) , 5 × 10(8) , 5 × 10(9) TU/mL LV/Lingo-1-shRNA groups by LFB staining (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.05).The data showed that administering LV/Lingo-1-shRNA by ICV injection could efficiently knockdown Lingo-1 expression in vivo, improve functional recovery and enhance myelination/remyelination. Antagonism of Lingo-1 by RNA interference is, therefore, a promising approach for the treatment of demyelinating diseases, such as MS/EAE.

Effects of Exercise Intensity in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Background: Research on muscle contractile properties and disease progression following experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and physical exercise remains conflicting. Objective: To investigate the effect of different exercise intensities on muscle contractile properties and hindquarter paralysis during EAE in Lewis rats. Methods: A control and EAE group were divided in sedentary, light, moderate and high intensity running subgroups. During EAE course, hind limb paralysis, body weight and food intake were registered. Following EAE recovery isokinetic foot extensor strength was measured during 115 maximal contractions and fiber characteristics of m. tibialis anterior (TA) and m. extensor digitorum longus (EDL) were analysed. Results: EAE reduced CSA of type IIb+x fibers of TA and EDL, while type I and IIa fibers CSA were not affected by EAE. Exercise did not change CSA of type I, IIa and IIb+x fibers of EDL nor TA, except for TA type IIa fibers CSA, which increased in EAE moderate and EAE high intensity groups. Muscle work peak was absent in all EAE animals during isokinetic muscle contractions. Intense exercise delayed onset of hindquarter paralysis in EAE, while disease peak and remission were not affected by exercise. Conclusion: This study suggests that EAE reduces CSA of type IIb+x fibers of TA and EDL. This possibly explains the absence of peak muscle work during the first of a series of isokinetic muscle contractions. Furthermore, exercise was not able to reduce muscle fiber atrophy, whereas high intensity exercise delayed onset of hindquarter paralysis.

Proteome analysis of post-transplantation recovery mechanisms of an EAE model of multiple sclerosis treated with embryonic stem cell-derived neural precursors

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and progressive disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), which ultimately causes demyelination and subsequent axonal injury. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a well-characterized animal model to study the etiology and pathogenesis of MS. This model can also be used to investigate various therapeutic approaches for MS. Herein; we have treated a score 3 EAE mouse model with an embryonic stem cell-derived neural precursor. Clinical analysis showed recovery of the EAE model of MS following transplantation. We analyzed the proteome of spinal cords of healthy and EAE samples before and after transplantation. Proteome analysis revealed that expressions of 86 spinal cord protein spots changed in the EAE or transplanted mouse compared to controls. Mass spectrometry resulted in identification of 72 proteins. Of these, the amounts of 27 differentially expressed proteins in EAE samples returned to sham levels after transplantation, suggesting a possible correlation between changes at the proteome level and clinical signs of EAE in transplanted mice. The recovered proteins belonged to various functional groups that included disturbances in ionic and neurotransmitter release, apoptosis, iron hemostasis, and signal transduction. Our results provided a proteomic view of the molecular mechanisms of EAE recovery after stem cell transplantation. In this study, we applied proteomics to analyze the changes in proteome pattern of EAE mouse model after embryonic stem cell-derived neural precursor transplantation. Our proteome results clearly showed that the expression levels of several differentially expressed proteins in EAE samples returned to sham levels after transplantation, which suggested a possible correlation between changes at the proteome level and decreased clinical signs of EAE in transplanted mice. These results will serve as a basis to address new questions and design new experiments to elucidate the biology of EAE and recovery after transplantation. A thorough understanding of stem cell-mediated therapeutic mechanisms might result in the development of more efficacious therapies for MS than are currently available.

Exogenous Schwann Cells Migrate, Remyelinate and Promote Clinical Recovery in Experimental Auto-Immune Encephalomyelitis

Schwann cell (SC) transplantation is currently being discussed as a strategy that may promote functional recovery in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). However this assumes they will not only survive but also remyelinate demyelinated axons in the chronically inflamed CNS. To address this question we investigated the fate of transplanted SCs in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the Dark Agouti rat; an animal model that reproduces the complex inflammatory demyelinating immunopathology of MS. We now report that SCs expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP-SCs) allografted after disease onset not only survive but also migrate to remyelinate lesions in the inflamed CNS. GFP-SCs were detected more frequently in the parenchyma after direct injection into the spinal cord, than via intra-thecal delivery into the cerebrospinal fluid. In both cases the transplanted cells intermingled with astrocytes in demyelinated lesions, aligned with axons and by twenty one days post transplantation had formed Pzero protein immunoreactive internodes. Strikingly, GFP-SCs transplantation was associated with marked decrease in clinical disease severity in terms of mortality; all GFP-SCs transplanted animals survived whilst 80% of controls died within 40 days of disease.