scholarly journals Interferon β-Mediated Protective Functions of Microglia in Central Nervous System Autoimmunity

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Scheu ◽  
Shafaqat Ali ◽  
Ritu Mann-Nüttel ◽  
Lisa Richter ◽  
Volker Arolt ◽  
...  

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) leading to demyelination and axonal damage. It often affects young adults and can lead to neurological disability. Interferon β (IFNβ) preparations represent widely used treatment regimens for patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) with therapeutic efficacy in reducing disease progression and frequency of acute exacerbations. In mice, IFNβ therapy has been shown to ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS while genetic deletion of IFNβ or its receptor augments clinical severity of disease. However, the complex mechanism of action of IFNβ in CNS autoimmunity has not been fully elucidated. Here, we review our current understanding of the origin, phenotype, and function of microglia and CNS immigrating macrophages in the pathogenesis of MS and EAE. In addition, we highlight the emerging roles of microglia as IFNβ-producing cells and vice versa the impact of IFNβ on microglia in CNS autoimmunity. We finally discuss recent progress in unraveling the underlying molecular mechanisms of IFNβ-mediated effects in EAE.

2015 ◽  
Vol 9s2 ◽  
pp. JEN.S25480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Ana Maria ◽  
Moreno-Ramos Oscar Andréas ◽  
Neena B. Haider

The nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) superfamily is composed of a wide range of receptors involved in a myriad of important biological processes, including development, growth, metabolism, and maintenance. Regulation of such wide variety of functions requires a complex system of gene regulation that includes interaction with transcription factors, chromatin-modifying complex, and the proper recognition of ligands. NHRs are able to coordinate the expression of genes in numerous pathways simultaneously. This review focuses on the role of nuclear receptors in the central nervous system and, in particular, their role in regulating the proper development and function of the brain and the eye. In addition, the review highlights the impact of mutations in NHRs on a spectrum of human diseases from autism to retinal degeneration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haofuzi Zhang ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Dan Liao ◽  
Peng Luo ◽  
Xiaofan Jiang

Endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling plays an important role in the central nervous system (CNS). α/β-Hydrolase domain-containing 6 (ABHD6) is a transmembrane serine hydrolase that hydrolyzes monoacylglycerol (MAG) lipids such as endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG). ABHD6 participates in neurotransmission, inflammation, brain energy metabolism, tumorigenesis and other biological processes and is a potential therapeutic target for various neurological diseases, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy, mental illness, and pain. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of action and biological functions of ABHD6, particularly its mechanism of action in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, and provides a theoretical basis for new pharmacological interventions via targeting of ABHD6.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéssica Silva dos Santos ◽  
João Pedro Gonçalves Cirino ◽  
Patrícia de Oliveira Carvalho ◽  
Manoela Marques Ortega

Kaempferol (KPF) is a flavonoid antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables. Many studies have described the beneficial effects of dietary KPF in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, especially cancer. Nevertheless, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying KPF actions in the central nervous system (CNS). Also, the relationship between KPF structural properties and their glycosylation and the biological benefits of these compounds is unclear. The aim of this study was to review studies published in the PubMed database during the last 10 years (2010–2020), considering only experimental articles that addressed the isolated cell effect of KPF (C15H10O6) and its derivatives in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson, ischemia stroke, epilepsy, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, neuropathic pain, and glioblastoma. 27 publications were included in the present review, which presented recent advances in the effects of KPF on the nervous system. KPF has presented a multipotential neuroprotective action through the modulation of several proinflammatory signaling pathways such as the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38MAPK), serine/threonine kinase (AKT), and β-catenin cascade. In addition, there are different biological benefits and pharmacokinetic behaviors between KPF aglycone and its glycosides. The antioxidant nature of KPF was observed in all neurological diseases through MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9 metalloproteinase inhibition; reactive oxygen species generation inhibition; endogenous antioxidants modulation as superoxide dismutase and glutathione; formation and aggregation of beta-amyloid (β-A) protein inhibition; and brain protective action through the modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), important for neural plasticity. In conclusion, we suggest that KPF and some glycosylated derivatives (KPF-3-O-rhamnoside, KPF-3-O-glucoside, KPF-7-O-rutinoside, and KPF-4′-methyl ether) have a multipotential neuroprotective action in CNS diseases, and further studies may make the KPF effect mechanisms in those pathologies clearer. Future in vivo studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of KPF action in CNS diseases as well as the impact of glycosylation on KPF bioactivity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 5475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Pennisi ◽  
Giuseppe Lanza ◽  
Luca Falzone ◽  
Francesco Fisicaro ◽  
Raffaele Ferri ◽  
...  

Increasing evidence suggests that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can also invade the central nervous system (CNS). However, findings available on its neurological manifestations and their pathogenic mechanisms have not yet been systematically addressed. A literature search on neurological complications reported in patients with COVID-19 until June 2020 produced a total of 23 studies. Overall, these papers report that patients may exhibit a wide range of neurological manifestations, including encephalopathy, encephalitis, seizures, cerebrovascular events, acute polyneuropathy, headache, hypogeusia, and hyposmia, as well as some non-specific symptoms. Whether these features can be an indirect and unspecific consequence of the pulmonary disease or a generalized inflammatory state on the CNS remains to be determined; also, they may rather reflect direct SARS-CoV-2-related neuronal damage. Hematogenous versus transsynaptic propagation, the role of the angiotensin II converting enzyme receptor-2, the spread across the blood-brain barrier, the impact of the hyperimmune response (the so-called “cytokine storm”), and the possibility of virus persistence within some CNS resident cells are still debated. The different levels and severity of neurotropism and neurovirulence in patients with COVID-19 might be explained by a combination of viral and host factors and by their interaction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii438-iii438
Author(s):  
Kathleen Dorris ◽  
Jessica Channell ◽  
Ashley Mettetal ◽  
Molly Hemenway ◽  
Natalie Briones ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are a class of compounds found in marijuana. Numerous studies in adults have examined cannabinoid use in management of cancer-related symptoms such as nausea, anorexia, and pain. Less is known about the use in the pediatric oncology population. METHODS A prospective observational study has been ongoing since 2016 at Children’s Hospital Colorado to evaluate cannabinoids’ impact using PedsQL™ modules on quality of life of pediatric patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors who are 2–18 years old. Laboratory assessments of T-cell activity and pharmacokinetics of CBD, THC and associated metabolites are in process. Diaries with exploratory information on cannabinoid use patterns are being collected. RESULTS Thirty-three patients (14:19; male:female) have been enrolled with a median age of 6.4 years (range, 2.9–17.7 years). The most common tumor type in enrolled patients is embryonal tumors (13/33; 39%). Nine (27%) patients have low-grade glial/glioneuronal tumors, and eight (24%) had high-grade/diffuse midline gliomas. The remaining patients had ependymoma or craniopharyngioma. The median time on cannabinoids is 9 months. Most (n=20) patients have used oral products with CBD and THC. One patient continues on cannabinoid therapy in follow up. Preliminary immune function analyses identified impaired neutrophil superoxide anion production and chemotaxis in patients taking cannabinoids at early time points on therapy. CONCLUSIONS Families of children with various CNS tumors are pursuing cannabinoid therapy for both antitumor and supportive care purposes. Analysis of the impact of cannabinoids on patients’ quality of life is ongoing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 3955
Author(s):  
László Bálint ◽  
Zoltán Jakus

Our understanding of the function and development of the lymphatic system is expanding rapidly due to the identification of specific molecular markers and the availability of novel genetic approaches. In connection, it has been demonstrated that mechanical forces contribute to the endothelial cell fate commitment and play a critical role in influencing lymphatic endothelial cell shape and alignment by promoting sprouting, development, maturation of the lymphatic network, and coordinating lymphatic valve morphogenesis and the stabilization of lymphatic valves. However, the mechanosignaling and mechanotransduction pathways involved in these processes are poorly understood. Here, we provide an overview of the impact of mechanical forces on lymphatics and summarize the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the mechanosensation and mechanotransduction by lymphatic endothelial cells. We also discuss how these mechanosensitive pathways affect endothelial cell fate and regulate lymphatic development and function. A better understanding of these mechanisms may provide a deeper insight into the pathophysiology of various diseases associated with impaired lymphatic function, such as lymphedema and may eventually lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for these conditions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii322-iii322
Author(s):  
Raoull Hoogendijk ◽  
Jasper van der Lugt ◽  
Dannis van Vuurden ◽  
Eelco Hoving ◽  
Leontien Kremer ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Variation in survival of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors is large between countries. Within Europe, the Netherlands had one of the worst reported survival rates of malignant CNS (mCNS) tumors during 2000–2007. METHODS Using the Netherlands Cancer Registry, we evaluated trends in incidence and survival of pediatric mCNS tumors (behavior /3, 5th digit in the morphology code) diagnosed between 1990–2017. RESULTS 839 newly-diagnosed mCNS tumor patients <18 years were registered between 1990–2017. Incidence of mCNS tumors remained stable (average incidence rate, 21.6 per million person-years). However, an increased incidence of malignant gliomas, NOS was found (Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) 11.6% p<0.001). This appears to be related to a registration shift between 1990–1999 and 2000–2009 as brainstem tumors increased (+25%, n=79) for astrocytomas and other gliomas but decreased (-31%, n=32) for unspecified intracranial and intraspinal neoplasms. Overall, 5-year observed survival (5Y-OS) of mCNS tumors increased from 51% in 1990–1999 to 61% in 2010–2017 (P-for-trend<0.001). This increase was not constant over time, as 5Y-OS for the period 2000–2009 was 47%. The only significant decrease in survival was found for malignant astrocytomas and other gliomas with a 5Y-OS of 56% in 1990–1999 decreasing to 48% in 2010–2017 (P-for-trend<0.001). CONCLUSION Between 1990–2017 incidence of mCNS tumors in the Netherlands remained stable and survival increased. However, a decrease in survival was seen for malignant astrocytomas and other gliomas, which is partially explained by the registration shift of brainstem tumors. The impact of this shift on survival for all mCNS tumors is subject to further research.


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