小胶质细胞的神经递质受体在阿尔茨海默病中的作用

阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer’s disease,AD)是一种因蛋白错误折叠、聚积影响神经细胞功能,从而导致认知功能下降、行为异常的神经退行性疾病。小胶质细胞是中枢神经系统(central nervous system,CNS)中重要的免疫细胞之一,在AD病理过程中,根据其激活状态的不同小胶质细胞发挥神经保护或神经毒性作用。小胶质细胞上表达各类神经递质受体,这些受体参与介导小胶质细胞与神经细胞的双向沟通,在AD的病理进程中起到了不同的作用。该文重点介绍了小胶质细胞表面的γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)能、谷氨酸能、大麻素、胆碱能和肾上腺素能受体,以及它们与AD之间的关系,即小胶质细胞上的神经递质受体可以介导或影响小胶质细胞产生的神经保护或毒性作用,从而影响AD病理。阐明小胶质细胞上的神经递质受体在AD中的作用机制将会为探索合适的AD治疗靶点提供重要思路。     

The role of microglia in synaptic stripping and synaptic degeneration: a revised perspective

Chronic neurodegenerative diseases of the CNS (central nervous system) are characterized by the loss of neurons. There is, however, growing evidence to show that an early stage of this process involves degeneration of presynaptic terminals prior to the loss of the cell body. Synaptic plasticity in CNS pathology has been associated with microglia and the phenomenon of synaptic stripping. We review here the evidence for the involvement of microglia in synaptic stripping and synapse degeneration and we conclude that this is a case of guilt by association. In disease models of chronic neurodegeneration, there is no evidence that microglia play an active role in either synaptic stripping or synapse degeneration, but the degeneration of the synapse and the envelopment of a degenerating terminal appears to be a neuron autonomous event. We highlight here some of the gaps in our understanding of synapse degeneration in chronic neurodegenerative disease.     

In Vivo imaging reveals distinct inflammatory activity of CNS microglia versus PNS macrophages in a mouse model for ALS

Mutations in the enzyme superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) cause hereditary variants of the fatal motor neuronal disease Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Pathophysiology of the disease is non-cell-autonomous: neurotoxicity is derived not only from mutant motor neurons but also from mutant neighbouring non-neuronal cells. In vivo imaging by two-photon laser-scanning microscopy was used to compare the role of microglia/macrophage-related neuroinflammation in the CNS and PNS using ALS-linked transgenic SOD1(G93A) mice. These mice contained labeled projection neurons and labeled microglia/macrophages. In the affected lateral spinal cord (in contrast to non-affected dorsal columns), different phases of microglia-mediated inflammation were observed: highly reactive microglial cells in preclinical stages (in 60-day-old mice the reaction to axonal transection was ～180% of control) and morphologically transformed microglia that have lost their function of tissue surveillance and injury-directed response in clinical stages (reaction to axonal transection was lower than 50% of control). Furthermore, unlike CNS microglia, macrophages of the PNS lack any substantial morphological reaction while preclinical degeneration of peripheral motor axons and neuromuscular junctions was observed. We present in vivo evidence for a different inflammatory activity of microglia and macrophages: an aberrant neuroinflammatory response of microglia in the CNS and an apparently mainly neurodegenerative process in the PNS.     

Neural Stem Cells as Engraftable Packaging Lines Can Mediate Gene Delivery to Microglia: Evidence from Studying Retroviral env-Related Neurodegeneration

The induction of spongiform myeloencephalopathy by murine leukemia viruses is mediated primarily by infection of central nervous system (CNS) microglia. In this regard, we have previously shown that CasBrE-induced disease requires late, rather than early, virus replication events in microglial cells (W. P. Lynch et al., J. Virol. 70:8896-8907, 1996). Furthermore, neurodegeneration requires the presence of unique sequences within the viral env gene. Thus, the neurodegeneration-inducing events could result from microglial expression of retroviral envelope protein alone or from the interaction of envelope protein with other viral structural proteins in the virus assembly and maturation process. To distinguish between these possible mechanisms of disease induction, we engineered the engraftable neural stem cell line C17-2 into packaging/producer cells in order to deliver the neurovirulent CasBrE env gene to endogenous CNS cells. This strategy resulted in significant CasBrE env expression within CNS microglia without the appearance of replication competent virus. CasBrE envelope expression within microglia was accompanied by increased expression of activation markers F4/80 and Mac-1 (CD11b) but failed to induce spongiform neurodegenerative changes. These results suggest that envelope expression alone within microglia is not sufficient to induce neurodegeneration. Rather, microglia-mediated disease appears to require neurovirulent Env protein interaction with other viral proteins during assembly or maturation. More broadly, the results presented here prove the efficacy of a novel method by which neural stem cell biology may be harnessed for genetically manipulating the CNS, not only for studying neurodegeneration but also as a paradigm for the disseminated distribution of retroviral vector-transduced genes.     

Apolipoprotein E and apolipoprotein D expression in a murine model of singlet oxygen-induced cerebral stroke

Apolipoprotein E (apoE)-deficient mice exhibit neuronal abnormalities similar to those in Alzheimer's disease and enhanced sensitivity to stroke-associated injuries. Here, we show that apoE deficiency results in impaired microglia/macrophage recruitment and accumulation after cerebral infarct. Astrogliosis and apolipoprotein D (apoD) expression are unaffected, suggesting that the neurological abnormalities of apoE-deficient mice could be due to impaired microglia/macrophage recruitment/accumulation, which is important for the clearance of neurodegenerative products via reverse cholesterol transport. To our knowledge, the results presented herein provide the first experimental evidence that brain microglia/macrophage recruitment/accumulation is affected by apoE deficiency. The insights gained from this study should facilitate the elucidation of the role of apoE in neurological disorders such as dementia with stroke and Alzheimer's disease.     

小胶质细胞在帕金森病病理进展中的作用

帕金森病是中老年人常见的中枢神经系统退行性疾病,研究表明小胶质细胞的活化及其介导的神经炎症在帕金森病的病程进展中发挥重要作用,适度干预小胶质细胞的活化有望延缓帕金森病的进程。小胶质细胞是中枢神经系统固有的巨噬细胞,Notch信号途径可以调控小鼠外周巨噬细胞的分化及功能。Notch通路也参与调控小胶质细胞的激活、细胞因子的表达、吞噬活性的变化等,而这与活化的小胶质细胞介导的帕金森病等神经退行性疾病的病情进展相关。因此,本文将综述Notch信号途径与小胶质细胞介导的相关疾病的研究进展。     

Gastrointestinal immune system and brain dialogue implicated in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases

A common characteristic of the central nervous system (CNS) neurodegenerative disorders is neuroinflammation, marked by augmented numbers of activated and primed microglia, increased inflammatory cytokines and decreased anti-inflammatory molecules. CNS neuroinflammation is a critical component in the progression of several neurodegenerative diseases which sensitize the brain to produce an exaggerated response to immune stimuli in the periphery. Neuroinflammation might initiate from the periphery and peripheral conditions through disrupted blood-brain barrier powerfully influence various brain pathologies. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) represents a vulnerable area through which pathogens influence the brain and induce CNS neuroinflammation. The pathogens may access the CNS through blood, the nasal olfactory pathways and the GIT. Potential GI pathogens, such as Helicobacter pylori, induce humoral and cellular immune responses that, owing to the sharing of homologous epitopes (molecular mimicry), cross-react with CNS components thereby contributing and possibly perpetuating neural tissue damage. GIT is strictly connected to the CNS and a bi-directional communication exists between them. The brain is involved in regulating the immune and gut system. Conversely, limited attention has been paid on the GIT role in the development and regulation of the CNS autoimmune diseases. The GIT is the primary immune organ with specialized immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory functions, represented by the gastrointestinal immune system (GIS). This review focuses on the potential GIS and brain dialogue implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Gaining a better understanding of the relationship between GIS and CNS could provide an insight on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of these disorders.     

Characterizing Newly Repopulated Microglia in the Adult Mouse: Impacts on Animal Behavior,Cell Morphology,and Neuroinflammation

Microglia are the primary immune cell in the brain and are postulated to play important roles outside of immunity. Administration of the dual colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R)/c-Kit kinase inhibitor, PLX3397, to adult mice results in the elimination of ~99% of microglia, which remain eliminated for as long as treatment continues. Upon removal of the inhibitor, microglia rapidly repopulate the entire adult brain, stemming from a central nervous system (CNS) resident progenitor cell. Using this method of microglial elimination and repopulation, the role of microglia in both healthy and diseased states can be explored. Here, we examine the responsiveness of newly repopulated microglia to an inflammatory stimulus, as well as determine the impact of these cells on behavior, cognition, and neuroinflammation. Two month-old wild-type mice were placed on either control or PLX3397 diet for 21 d to eliminate microglia. PLX3397 diet was then removed in a subset of animals to allow microglia to repopulate and behavioral testing conducted beginning at 14 d repopulation. Finally, inflammatory profiling of the microglia-repopulated brain in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.25 mg/kg) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was determined 21 d after inhibitor removal using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), as well as detailed analyses of microglial morphologies. We find mice with repopulated microglia to perform similarly to controls by measures of behavior, cognition, and motor function. Compared to control/resident microglia, repopulated microglia had larger cell bodies and less complex branching in their processes, which resolved over time after inhibitor removal. Inflammatory profiling revealed that the mRNA gene expression of repopulated microglia was similar to normal resident microglia and that these new cells appear functional and responsive to LPS. Overall, these data demonstrate that newly repopulated microglia function similarly to the original resident microglia without any apparent adverse effects in healthy adult mice.     

Progranulin: normal function and role in neurodegeneration

Progranulin (PGRN) is a multifunctional protein that has attracted significant attention in the neuroscience community following the recent discovery of PGRN mutations in some cases of frontotemporal dementia. Most of the pathogenic mutations result in null alleles, and it is thought that frontotemporal dementia in these families results from PGRN haploinsufficiency. The neuropathology associated with PGRN mutations is characterized by the presence of tau-negative, ubiquitin-immunoreactive neuronal inclusions (frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitinated inclusions) that are also positive for the transactivation response DNA binding protein with M_r 43 kD. The clinical phenotype includes behavioral abnormalities, language disorders and parkinsonism but not motor neuron disease. There is significant clinical variation between families with different PGRN mutations and among members of individual families. The normal function of PGRN is complex, with the full-length form of the protein having trophic and anti-inflammatory activity, whereas proteolytic cleavage generates granulin peptides that promote inflammatory activity. In the periphery, PGRN functions in wound healing responses and modulates inflammatory events. In the CNS, PGRN is expressed by neurons and microglia; consequently, reduced levels of PGRN could affect both neuronal survival and CNS inflammatory processes. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of the molecular genetics, neuropathology, clinical phenotype and functional aspects of PGRN in the context of neurodegenerative disease.     

A Simplified Method for Isolating Highly Purified Neurons, Oligodendrocytes, Astrocytes, and Microglia from the Same Human Fetal Brain Tissue

Elucidation of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms leading to apoptosis of neurons and oligodendrocytes and activation of microglia and astrocytes in different neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders remains a challenge in neuroscience. In order to overcome the challenge and find out therapeutic remedies, it is important to study live and death processes in each and every cell type of the brain. Here we present a protocol of isolating highly purified microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons, all four major cell types of the CNS, from the same human fetal brain tissue. As found in vivo, these primary neurons and oligodendroglia underwent apoptosis and cell death in response to neurodegenerative challenges. On the other hand, astroglia, and microglia, cells that do not die in neurodegenerative brains, became activated after inflammatory challenge. The availability of highly purified human brain cells will increase the possibility of developing therapies for different neurodegenerative disorders. M. Jana and A. Jana have equal contribution to the work.     

Friend or Foe? Resident Microglia vs Bone Marrow-Derived Microglia and Their Roles in the Retinal Degeneration

Microglia are immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that originate from the yolk sac in an embryo. The renewal of the microglia pool in the adult eye consists of two components. In addition to the self-proliferation of resident cells, microglia in the CNS also derive from the bone marrow (BM). BM-derived cells pass through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) or blood–retina barrier (BRB) and differentiate into microglia under specific conditions which involves a complex mechanism. Recent studies have widely investigated the role of resident microglia and BM-derived microglia in the retinal degenerative disease. Both two cell types play dual roles and share many similar functions. However, resident microglia tend to polarize to the M1 phenotype which is pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic, whereas BM-derived microglia mainly polarize to the neuroprotective M2 phenotype in retinal degeneration. The molecular mechanism that underlines the invasion of peripheral cells has led to extensive discussions. In addition to the BBB and BRB disruption, many signaling pathways are involved in this process. Based on these studies, we discuss the roles of these two types of microglia in retinal degeneration disease and the potential clinical application of BM-derived microglia, which may benefit future therapies.     

小胶质细胞在帕金森病病理进展中的作用

帕金森病是中老年人常见的中枢神经系统退行性疾病,研究表明小胶质细胞的活化及其介导的神经炎症在帕金森病的病程进展中发挥重要作用,适度干预小胶质细胞的活化有望延缓帕金森病的进程。小胶质细胞是中枢神经系统固有的巨噬细胞,Notch信号途径可以调控小鼠外周巨噬细胞的分化及功能。Notch通路也参与调控小胶质细胞的激活、细胞因子的表达、吞噬活性的变化等,而这与活化的小胶质细胞介导的帕金森病等神经退行性疾病的病情进展相关。因此,本文将综述Notch信号途径与小胶质细胞介导的相关疾病的研究进展。     

Microglia in cell culture and in transplantation therapy for central nervous system disease

The central nervous system (CNS) is host to a significant population of macrophage-like cells known as microglia. In addition to these cells which reside within the parenchyma, a diverse array of macrophages are present in meningeal, perivascular, and other peripheral locations. The role that microglia and other CNS macrophages play in disease and injury is under intensive investigation, and functions in development and in the normal adult are just beginning to be explored. At present the biology of these cells represents one of the most fertile areas of CNS research. This article describes methodology for the isolation and maintenance of microglia in cell cultures prepared from murine and feline animals. Various approaches to identify microglia are provided, using antibody, lectin, or scavenger receptor ligand. Assays to confirm macrophage-like functional activity, including phagocytosis, lysosomal enzyme activity, and motility, are described. Findings regarding the origin and development of microglia and results of transplantation studies are reviewed. Based on these data, a strategy is presented that proposes to use the microglial cell lineage to effectively deliver therapeutic compounds to the CNS from the peripheral circulation.     

Cytokines as Mediators of Neuroinflammation in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Cytokines play a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis of the immune system and in regulation of the immune response. Cytokine dysregulation is often associated with development of various pathological conditions, including autoimmunity. Recent studies have provided insights into the cytokine signaling pathways that are involved not only in pathogenesis of autoimmune neuroinflammatory disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, but also in neurodegenerative states, for example, Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding the exact molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and evaluation of relevant experimental animal models are necessary for development of effective therapeutic approaches.