B7H4在间充质干细胞C3H10 T1/2移植治疗小鼠实验性变态反应性脑脊髓炎中的作用研究

目的 探讨B7-H4分子在C3H10 T1/2细胞(C3H10)移植治疗小鼠实验性变态反应性脑脊髓炎(EAE)中的作用.方法 ①用慢病毒将B7-H4靶向shRNA转染至C3H10细胞(C3H10-shRNA)并观察其对小鼠脾脏细胞活化增殖的调节作用;②利用MOG35-55和完全弗氏佐剂制备小鼠EAE模型,将50只小鼠分为正常对照组、EAE模型组、C3H10细胞组、C3H10-NC细胞组、C3H10-shRNA细胞组,通过HE染色、Fast-blue染色观察病理学改变,用免疫组化法检测B7-H4表达,结合神经功能评分观察不同干预方式对EAE损伤组织结构和功能的影响.结果 ①下调表达B7-H4的C3H10细胞可使其对小鼠脾细胞的免疫抑制作用减弱;②C3H10移植于EAE小鼠可减少、延缓发病,而移植C3 H 10-shRNA细胞的EAE小鼠发病时间、神经缺损评分和炎性细胞浸润、脱髓鞘改变及B7-H4的阳性细胞数均介于EAE组与其他对照组之间.结论 C3H10细胞移植治疗EAE的安全、有效,B7-H4分子可能通过影响C3H10的免疫调节作用等生物学行为而影响移植疗效.     

促吞噬肽(Tuftsin)在实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎小鼠中的神经功能改善作用

目的:探索促吞噬肽(Tuftsin)在实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,EAE)小鼠模型中的神经功能改善作用。方法:用髓鞘少突胶质细胞糖蛋白35-55(MOG35-55)免疫C57BL/6小鼠,应用微量注射泵皮下缓慢注射500μmol/L Tuftsin。每天对各组小鼠进行神经功能评分,免疫后28 d处死各组小鼠并取其脑和脊髓组织,观察并比较各组炎性细胞浸润部位及程度、有无脱髓鞘及脱失程度,以及比较各组IL-10和TNF-α的表达情况。结果:1Tuftsin干预组小鼠发病率比EAE模型组低,平均神经功能评分小于EAE模型组(P0.05)。2Tuftsin干预组较EAE模型组炎性细胞的浸润程度和髓鞘的脱失程度及范围减轻(P0.05)。3Tuftsin干预组的IL-10的表达量比EAE模型组高(P0.05),TNF-α的表达比EAE模型组低。结论:Tuftsin通过降低炎性反应、增强抗炎作用在中枢神经系统中发挥保护功能,降低EAE模型小鼠的炎性细胞浸润及脱髓鞘程度,减缓EAE小鼠的症状、促进其神经功能的恢复。     

二甲双胍抑制实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)小鼠NLRP3炎性体相关蛋白表达并减轻其炎症

目的探讨二甲双胍(MET)对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)小鼠含pyrin结构域寡核苷酸结合结构域样受体家族蛋白3(NLRP3)炎性体的调节作用。方法建立EAE小鼠模型同时设正常阴性对照组,在免疫的第14天(小鼠开始出现神经功能缺损),将建模小鼠随机分成EAE组和MET处理组,MET处理组腹腔注射MET,剂量为200 mg/kg,持续给药11 d,模型组及正常阴性对照组腹腔注射等体积PBS。观察小鼠药物干预前后临床评分,免疫组织化学染色观察脊髓病变部位NLRP3、胱天蛋白酶1(caspase-1)、含胱天蛋白酶激活和募集结构域凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)的表达情况;HE染色观察脊髓炎症细胞浸润、固蓝(FB)染色观察髓鞘脱失的情况;ELISA检测血清中促炎因子白细胞介素18(IL-18)和抑炎因子IL-10的水平。结果与EAE组相比,MET处理组临床评分显著降低,脊髓组织浸润的炎细胞减少,脱髓鞘明显改善;NLRP3、caspase-1、 ASC蛋白表达显著减少;与正常组相比,EAE组IL-18表达明显增加,IL-10表达量下降;而MET处理组IL-18表达量下降,IL-10表达量增加。结论 MET抑制NLRP3炎性体相关蛋白的表达,抑制炎症因子的释放,减轻EAE小鼠的炎症反应。     

IgG受体FcγRⅡB调节实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎致神经元损伤及Th17/Treg免疫平衡的作用研究

目的：探究IgG受体FcγRⅡB对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎（EAE）模型小鼠神经元损伤与Th17/Treg失衡的作用。方法：C57BL/6小鼠随机分组为对照组、EAE组、FcγRⅡB组、EAE+FcγRⅡB组,每组15只,皮下注射MOG35-55肽诱导EAE模型,并给予FcγRⅡB慢病毒液处理;造模后每日称量小鼠体质量,进行神经功能评分,持续30 d;30 d后处死小鼠,HE染色观察脑组织病理形态学变化,LFB染色评估脊髓髓鞘结构变化,免疫荧光染色检测脊髓大脑皮质神经元核抗原（NeuN）和Caspase-3表达,TUNEL染色检测神经元细胞凋亡,ELISA检测血清IL-6、IL-17、IL-10及TGF-β水平,流式细胞术分析脾脏Th17、Treg细胞比例分布,Western blot测定脊髓组织维甲酸相关孤儿受体γt(RORγt)与Forkhead家族转录因子3(Foxp3)蛋白表达。结果：与对照组比较,EAE组小鼠体质量下降,神经功能评分升高,脑组织内炎症细胞浸润明显,脊髓中出现脱髓鞘迹象,NeuN荧光表达强度减弱而Caspase-3荧光表达强度增强,TUNEL阳性着色细胞多,细胞...     

大黄活性成分对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎相关基因蛋白表达以及炎性因子的影响

目的:探究大黄酸对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)小鼠模型中炎症因子以及Foxp3 转录因子(Foxp3) 表达量的影响。方法:通过髓鞘少突胶质细胞糖蛋白35鄄55(MOG35鄄55 )抗原乳剂免疫C57BL/6 小鼠制备EAE 模型,实验小鼠随 机分为对照组、模型组、给药组1、给药组2、给药组3;免疫当天腹腔注射大黄酸5、10、20 mg/ kg,对照组和模型组给予等量的 生理盐水,连续给药30 d;观察小鼠的发病率、死亡率,并进行临床评分。分别在免疫后第14、20、30 天取各组小鼠脑和脊髓组 织,酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测白细胞介素2(IL鄄2)的水平,蛋白质印迹法(Western blot)测定Foxp3 蛋白的含量。结果:给 予EAE 模型小鼠不同剂量的大黄酸给药组较模型组发病率显著降低(P<0.05);模型组小鼠在第20 天、第30 天脑和脊髓组 织中分泌的IL鄄2 较对照组显著增加(P<0.05),脑组织中Foxp3 表达量显著降低(P<0.05);给予不同剂量的大黄酸给药组较 模型组可显著降低EAE 小鼠脑、脊髓组织中的IL鄄2 水平(P<0.05),上调Foxp3 表达量(P<0.05),其中5 mg/ kg 剂量的作用效 果相对显著(P<0.05)。结论:小剂量大黄酸可能通过抑制IL-2 水平和促进Foxp3 表达量,调控炎症反应和免疫功能,从而在 EAE 中发挥治疗作用。     

口服烟酰胺核糖抑制实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎的初步研究

目的：探讨口服烟酰胺核糖(nicotinamide riboside, NR)对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, EAE)的治疗效果和作用机制。方法：采用髓鞘少突胶质细胞糖蛋白35-55(myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55, MOG35-55)免疫C57BL/6雌性小鼠制备EAE模型,随机分为EAE组和NR组。从免疫后第3天开始,EAE组小鼠灌胃给予生理盐水,NR组小鼠灌胃给予NR,每天1次至免疫后第27天。免疫当天至免疫后第28天,观察并记录各组小鼠临床评分和体重。免疫后第28天处死小鼠,制备脾细胞悬液和脊髓组织冰冻切片。HE染色和髓鞘染色分别检测脊髓炎性细胞浸润和髓鞘脱失,Western blot和免疫荧光染色分别检测脊髓组织中ROCK-II、TLR4、p-NF-κB、iNOS表达及相应的阳性细胞数量,ELISA检测脾细胞培养液中TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6的含量。结果：口服NR可推迟EAE发病时间,减轻EAE临床症状,缓解小鼠体重丢失,减少外周炎性细胞...     

MOG诱导小鼠实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎及其对CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的影响

目的： 探讨采用分子克隆技术诱导表达出的含硫氧还蛋白基团的髓鞘少突胶质细胞糖蛋白细胞外Ig样结构域(MOGIgd-TrxA)融合蛋白免疫C57BL/6小鼠,建立多发性硬化的动物模型实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎的可行性;通过检测模型小鼠脾脏中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的数量,初步探讨CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞在实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎发病机制中的作用。方法: (1)分子克隆技术合成MOGIgd-TrxA融合蛋白,纯化、超滤浓缩后Bradford法测定蛋白浓度。(2)动物实验:C57BL/6小鼠,随机分为4组：MOGIgd-TrxA组（MOG组）、豚鼠脊髓匀浆组、硫氧还蛋白（TrxA）组及生理盐水正常对照组,每组动物12只,各组以相应抗原乳剂免疫小鼠制作EAE模型后评估其临床神经功能、组织病理(HE染色和髓鞘luxol fast blue染色)并评价模型质量。(3)流式细胞仪(FACS)检测小鼠脾脏中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的百分比。结果:(1)纯化浓缩后MOGIgd-TrxA蛋白纯度达98%左右,浓度约2.3 g/L。(2)MOG组小鼠与豚鼠脊髓匀浆组小鼠在临床神经功能评分等方面无显著差异(P>0.05)。2组发病动物组织切片HE染色和髓鞘染色均有不同程度的病理改变。(3)CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞占CD4+T细胞比例MOG组为(4.71±1.61)％,豚鼠脊髓匀浆组为(1.44±0.65)％,均明显低于生理盐水正常对照组（9.22±1.24）％和硫氧还蛋白（TrxA）组（8.97±1.20）％(P<0.01)。结论: (1)分子克隆技术合成的MOGIgd蛋白免疫C57BL/6小鼠能够成功诱导出EAE模型,且模型稳定、发病率高,为进一步研究MS免疫发病机制并采取有效治疗措施奠定基础;(2)CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞数量减少可能与EAE小鼠临床表现相关。     

甲状腺激素诱导的神经干细胞移植对慢性实验性变态反应性脑脊髓炎的神经保护作用

目的探讨甲状腺激素诱导的神经干细胞(NSCs)是否比单纯NSCs移植对慢性实验性变态反应性脑脊髓炎(EAE)有更好的神经保护作用。方法体外培养新生大鼠NSCs和三碘甲腺原氨酸(T3)诱导的NSCs(T3/NSCs),诱导其分化7d后,免疫细胞化学或免疫荧光染色分别检测半乳糖脑苷脂阳性(Gal C+)和GFAP阳性(GFAP+)细胞。用豚鼠脊髓匀浆诱导慢性EAE大鼠模型。在免疫后10d,脑立体定位仪分别移植T3/NSCs、NSCs和生理盐水入EAE大鼠侧脑室,T3/NSCs和NSCs移植前用5-溴脱氧尿嘧啶核苷(Brd U)标记。实验分为T3/NSCs组、NSCs组和对照组,每组10只。每天对大鼠临床症状评分评估神经功能。大鼠免疫60d后处死,HE和LFB染色分别观察脑的炎症侵润和脱髓鞘;免疫荧光双标染色检测脑的Gal C+/Brd U+和GFAP+/Brd U+比例;RT-PCR法检测脑组织血小板源性生长因子α受体(PDGFαR)、Gal C和髓鞘碱性蛋白(MBP)mRNA的表达。结果 T3/NSCs体外分化为Gal C+和GFAP+细胞的比例分别高于和低于NSCs的分化。T3/NSCs组和NSCs组神经功能恢复较对照组好。T3/NSCs组较NSCs组更明显改善脑的炎症侵润和脱髓鞘,其脑内Gal C+/Brd U+及GFAP+/Brd U+的比例分别高于和低于NSCs组,脑组织的PDGFαR、Gal C和MBP mRNA的表达也较NSCs组高。结论 T3/NSCs比NSCs对EAE有更好的神经保护作用。     

补阳还五汤对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎单核巨噬细胞的免疫调控作用

目的:探讨补阳还五汤(BYHWD)治疗实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)的有效性及对单核巨噬细胞免疫调控的作用及机制。方法:雌性C57BL/6小鼠用小鼠髓鞘少突胶质细胞糖蛋白35-55肽段(MOG_(35-55))免疫制作慢性EAE模型,随机分为生理盐水处理组和BYHWD组。在免疫后第3天开始分别予以生理盐水和BYHWD灌胃,500μL/d,持续观察临床症状和体质量变化。免疫后17 d各组统一处死部分动物,HE染色观察炎性细胞浸润情况,髓鞘染色观察脊髓髓鞘脱失比例,流式细胞术检测脾细胞M1型和M2型巨噬细胞表型;免疫荧光组织化学染色和Western blotting检测脊髓巨噬细胞iNOS、TNF-α、arginase及IL-10的表达。结果:BYHWD推迟EAE起病,减轻EAE症状,抑制中枢神经系统脊髓的炎性浸润和髓鞘脱失,促进脊髓及脾组织中M1型巨噬细胞转化为M2型。结论:BYHWD干预可缓解EAE行为学和病理学的改变,其作用机制可能与其诱导巨噬细胞极性转化相关。     

骨髓间充质干细胞异体移植对小鼠实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎的治疗作用

目的探讨大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)异体移植对小鼠实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)的治疗作用。方法全骨髓贴壁培养法获得大鼠BMSCs,流式细胞术检测细胞免疫表型,并诱导成骨方向分化。取雌性C57BL/6小鼠,随机分为3组:正常对照组、PBS组和大鼠BMSCs组,用髓鞘少突胶质细胞糖蛋白(MOG)35~55联合完全弗氏佐剂诱导建立EAE模型。小鼠免疫后38d和48d腹腔注射PBS或大鼠BMSCs进行治疗,神经功能评分观察各组小鼠神经功能变化。二次治疗12d后取各组小鼠脊髓、脾脏和外周血。HE染色及Luxol fast blue染色观察脊髓炎性细胞浸润及髓鞘脱失情况;脾脏制成单细胞悬液,细胞CFSE标记后10mg/L刀豆球蛋白(Con A)和MOG_(35~55)刺激培养3d,观察脾细胞增殖情况。ELISA检测大鼠BMSCs移植后外周血细胞因子干扰素γ(IFN-γ)、白细胞介素17(IL-17)含量。结果流式细胞术显示,大鼠BMSCs第3代(P3)细胞表达抗原CD29、CD90、CD106,不表达CD45。体外诱导其能向成骨分化。小鼠发病后,大鼠BMSCs组小鼠神经功能缺损症状较PBS组减轻,评分降低。HE染色和Luxol fast blue染色结果显示,大鼠BMSCs组脊髓炎细胞浸润和脱髓鞘比同时间点PBS组减轻(P0.05)。Con A和MOG_(35~55)刺激培养后,PBS组和大鼠BMSCs组脾细胞增殖增加,而大鼠BMSCs组又较PBS组降低。与PBS组相比,大鼠BMSCs组血浆细胞因子IFN-γ、IL-17含量降低(P0.05)。结论全骨髓贴壁培养法能有效分离纯化BMSCs,大鼠BMSCs异体移植对小鼠EAE模型有治疗作用。     

The influence of uric acid treatments on liver glutathione system prevent oxidative damages in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice

Recently we reported that antioxidant system in brain and spinal cord in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice is mainly affected at early stages of the disease [M. Zargari, A. Allameh, M.H. Sanati, T. Tiraihi, S.H. Lavasani, O. Emadyan, Relationship between the clinical scoring and demyelination in central nervous system with total antioxidant capacity of plasma during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis development in mice, Neurosci. Lett. 412 (2007), 24–28]. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of uric acid (UA) on antioxidant system in liver and plasma of EAE mice. EAE was induced in C57/BL6 mice (n = 60), followed by i.p. administration of UA (10 mg/kg BW) in 30 mice at three distinct clinical stages (A: prior to onset, B: after onset, C: after development of EAE). Livers were removed and processed for measurement of lipid peroxidation products, reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and total antioxidant capacity of plasma (FRAP). The results showed that lipid peroxidation products in liver of EAE mice was increased significantly (∼85%) as compared to normal. UA administration to EAE mice caused a significant suppression of liver lipid peroxidation products (∼45%) at early stages (A and B). There was an inverse relationship between lipid peroxidation and cellular GSH in liver. GSH was significantly depleted in mice liver during the EAE progression, but it was recovered (∼29%) when UA was injected before the onset of the disease (groups A and B). Plasma total antioxidant capacity was significantly decreased during the development of EAE, however it was subsided in mice treated with UA as compared to the corresponding controls (21%) in groups A and B. Elevated liver GST as a result of EAE induction was reversed in mice treated with UA particularly in groups A and B. These results indicate that hepatic glutathione system, particularly GST plays a major role in modulation of oxidative damages to central nervous system (CNS) during EAE induction. The positive response of antioxidant system to UA administration in EAE mice was corroborated with improvement of clinical manifestation of the animals.     

Deletion of both ICAM-1 and C3 enhances severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis compared to C3-deficient mice

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and leukocyte infiltration, demyelination of neurons, and blood-brain barrier breakdown. The development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model for MS is dependent on a number of components of the immune system including complement and adhesion molecules. Previous studies in our lab have examined the role of C3, the central complement component, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) a key cell adhesion molecule involved in leukocyte trafficking to sites of inflammation including the CNS. In these studies we demonstrated that myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced EAE is markedly attenuated in both ICAM-1(-/-) and C3(-/-) mice. Given the pivotal role that these proteins play in EAE, we hypothesized that EAE in ICAM-1(-/-) and C3(-/-) double mutant mice would likely fail to develop. Unexpectedly, EAE in ICAM-1(-/-)xC3(-/-) mice was only modestly attenuated compared to wild type mice and significantly worse than C3(-/-) mice. Leukocyte infiltration was commensurate with disease severity between the three groups of mice. Spinal cord T cells from ICAM-1(-/-)xC3(-/-) mice produced the highest levels of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, despite reduced disease severity compared to wild type mice. The mechanisms behind the elevated EAE severity in ICAM-1(-/-)xC3(-/-) mice may relate to altered homing of leukocytes or processing of self-antigens in the double mutant background.     

Deletion of both the C3a and C5a receptors fails to protect against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which inflammation, leukocyte infiltration, and ultimately, demyelination occur as a result of innate and adaptive immune-mediated mechanisms. The pathophysiological role of the complement system, a major component of innate immunity, in the development and progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model for MS has been extensively examined. Previous studies from our lab have shown that the complement receptor for the anaphylatoxin C3a, but not for C5a plays an important role in EAE. Based on the important contributions of the complement anaphylatoxin receptors to other inflammatory conditions in the CNS, we reasoned that deletion of both receptors may reveal underlying interactions between them that are important to EAE pathology. We performed EAE in C3aR/C5aR double knockout mice (C3aR/C5aR^−/−) and observed delayed onset of disease but no attenuation of disease severity compared to wild type mice. Interestingly there was trend toward greater infiltration of CD4⁺, but not CD8⁺ T cells, in C3aR/C5aR^−/− mice with EAE, suggesting altered trafficking of these cells. Antigen-specific T cells isolated from C3aR/C5aR^−/− mice during acute EAE produced elevated levels of TNF-α, but markedly reduced levels of IFN-γ and IL-12 compared to wild type mice. It remains unclear how the changes in these disease parameters contribute to the loss of the protective effect seen in C3aR^−/− mice, however our data indicate a level of cross-modulation between the C3aR and C5aR during EAE.     

Complement in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis revisited: C3 is required for development of maximal disease

Complement per se has been shown to play an important role in demyelinating disease but controversy remains regarding the role of C3 in the development and progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model for multiple sclerosis. In this study, we used C3(-/-) mice to confirm previous findings that C3 is required for full development of EAE. Furthermore, C3(+/-) mice (with serum C3 levels 50% that of wild-type mice) developed EAE with a severity intermediate between wild-type and C3(-/-) mice. Importantly transfer of wild-type encephalitogenic T cells to C3(-/-) mice resulted in attenuated EAE. C3(-/-) mice with EAE had fewer CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the CNS and 50% fewer of these cells produced IFN-gamma compared to wild-type mice. When treated with anti-CD3 antibody, CD4(+) T cells from wild-type and C3(-/-) mice had similar activation profiles as judged by IFN-gamma production and CD25 and CD69 expression, indicating there is no gross or intrinsic defect in T cells from C3(-/-) mice. T cells from primed C3(-/-) mice proliferated comparably to that of control T cells on re-stimulation with MOG peptide. Our results confirm a requirement for C3 for maximal development of EAE and suggest that receptors for C3-derived activation fragments might be a viable therapeutic target for prevention and treatment demyelinating disease.     

In vivo administration of plasmid DNA encoding recombinant immunotoxin DT390-IP-10 attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune demyelinating disease. The expression of chemokine receptor CXCR3 on activated T cells is crucial to direct the migration of effector cells into the inflammatory sites and initiate EAE. In this study we tested the effect of a novel recombinant immunotoxin targeting CXCR3(+) cells for EAE prevention. The immunotoxin construct DT390-IP-10-SRalpha consisted of interferon gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), a ligand of CXCR3, as the targeting moiety, and a truncated diphtheria toxin (DT390) as the toxic moiety. In vitro transfection of DT390-IP-10-SRalpha into NIH3T3 cells resulted in expression of DT390-IP-10 which proved highly toxic to activated T cells. To evaluate the effect of DT390-IP-10-SRalpha on EAE prevention in vivo, cationic liposome-embedded DT390-IP-10-SRalpha was injected into the muscle of hind limbs of C57BL/6 mice immunized by myelin basic protein (MBP). DT390-IP-10-SRalpha-treated mice showed a delayed onset of EAE and milder symptoms compared to the mice treated with empty control plasmid or PBS alone. Immunohistochemical staining detected significantly reduced infiltrating CXCR3(+) cells in the inflammatory lesions of CNS from immunotoxin treated mice as compared to the controls. This study suggests that targeting CXCR3(+) T cells with recombinant immunotoxin could be achieved in vivo to delay and ameliorate murine EAE.     

Signals mediated by transforming growth factor-beta initiate autoimmune encephalomyelitis, but chronic inflammation is needed to sustain disease

It is unclear whether TGF-beta, a critical differentiation factor for T cells producing interleukin 17 (T(H)-17 cells), is required for the initiation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in vivo. Here we show that mice whose T cells cannot respond to TGF-beta signaling lack T(H)-17 cells and do not develop EAE despite the presence of T helper cell type 1 infiltrates in the spinal cord. Local but not systemic antibody blockade of TGF-beta prevented T(H)-17 cell differentiation and the onset of EAE. The pathogen stimulus zymosan, like mycobacterium, induced T(H)-17 cells and initiated EAE, but the disease was transient and correlated with reduced production of interleukin 23. These data show that TGF-beta is essential for the initiation of EAE and suggest that disease progression may require ongoing chronic inflammation and production of interleukin 23.     

Induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6 mice deficient in either the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha or its CCR5 receptor

Macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha is a chemokine that is associated with Th1 cytokine responses. Expression and antibody blocking studies have implicated MIP-1alpha in multiple sclerosis (MS) and in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We examined the role of MIP-1alpha and its CCR5 receptor in the induction of EAE by immunizing C57BL / 6 mice deficient in either MIP-1alpha or CCR5 with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). We found that MIP-1alpha-deficient mice were fully susceptible to MOG-induced EAE. These knockout animals were indistinguishable from wild-type mice in Th1 cytokine gene expression, the kinetics and severity of disease, and infiltration of the central nervous system by lymphocytes, macrophages and granulocytes. RNase protection assays showed comparable accumulation of mRNA for the chemokines interferon-inducible protein-10, RANTES, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, MIP-1beta, MIP-2, lymphotactin and T cell activation gene-3 during the course of the disease. CCR5-deficient mice were also susceptible to disease induction by MOG. The dispensability of MIP-1alpha and CCR5 for MOG-induced EAE in C57BL / 6 mice supports the idea that differential chemokine expression patterns represent differences in disease mechanism that underlie various models of EAE, and possibly distinct patterns of pathology seen in MS.     

Susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is associated with altered B-cell subsets distribution and decreased serum BAFF levels

B cells possess the ability to regulate either pathogenic or protective events in several autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and its experimental model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Given the extensive use of B-cell-targeting treatments, it appears crucial to more precisely define the dual role of B cells in the progression of the disease. In the present study, we explored the impact of EAE induction on the distribution of potential regulatory B-cell subsets (CD5(+) B1a, marginal zone and transitional 2 B cells) over critical time points in the relapsing-remitting EAE model, SJL/J (H2s). The same approach was carried out in B10.S mice that are resistant to EAE induction, (H2s). The comparative data obtained from these experiments showed that the homeostasis of the regulatory B-cell subsets is altered during the EAE preclinical and acute phases. These observations were associated with a distortion of the BAFF response. All these data suggest the existence of a close relationship between B-cell homeostasis, BAFF response and the susceptibility to develop EAE.     

Combinatorial roles for histamine H1-H2 and H3-H4 receptors in autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system in which histamine (HA) and its receptors have been implicated in disease pathogenesis. HA exerts its effects through four different G protein-coupled receptors designated H(1)-H(4). We previously examined the effects of traditional single HA receptor (HR) knockouts (KOs) in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), the autoimmune model of MS. Our results revealed that H(1) R and H(2) R are propathogenic, while H(3) R and H(4) R are antipathogenic. This suggests that combinatorial targeting of HRs may be an effective disease-modifying therapy (DMT) in MS. To test this hypothesis, we generated H(1) H(2) RKO and H(3) H(4) RKO mice and studied them for susceptibility to EAE. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, H(1) H(2) RKO mice developed a less severe clinical disease course, whereas the disease course of H(3) H(4) RKO mice was more severe. H(1) H(2) RKO mice also developed less neuropathology and disrupted blood brain barrier permeability compared with WT and H(3) H(4) RKO mice. Additionally, splenocytes from immunized H(1) H(2) RKO mice produced less interferon(IFN)-γ and interleukin(IL)-17. These findings support the concept that combined pharmacological targeting of HRs may be an appropriate ancillary DMT in MS and other immunopathologic diseases.     

L-Selectin-deficient SJL and C57BL/6 mice are not resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

L-selectin has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Here we demonstrate that L-selectin(-/-) SJL mice are susceptible to proteolipid protein (PLP)-induced EAE because the compromised antigen-specific T cell proliferation in peripheral lymph nodes is fully compensated by the T cell response raised in their spleen. Transfer of PLP-specific T cells into syngeneic recipients induced EAE independent of the presence or absence of L-selectin on PLP-specific T cells or in the recipient. Leukocyte infiltration into the central nervous system parenchyma was detectable independent of the mode of disease induction and the presence or absence of L-selectin. In addition, we found L-selectin(-/-) C57BL/6 mice to be susceptible to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced EAE. Taken together, we demonstrate that in SJL and C57BL/6 mice L-selectin is not required for EAE pathogenesis. The apparent discrepancy of our present observation to previous findings, demonstrating a role of L-selectin in EAE pathogenesis in C57BL/6 mice or myelin-basic protein (MBP)-specific TCR-transgenic B10.PL mice, may be attributed to background genes rather than L-selectin and to a unique role of L-selectin in EAE pathogenesis in MBP-TCR-transgenic mice.