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S L Hauser

Publications and source records attributed to S L Hauser.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (gelatinase B) is selectively elevated in CSF during relapses and stable phases of multiple sclerosis.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases capable of enzymatic digestion of subendothelial basement membrane and other components of the extracellular matrix. Expression of MMP-2, -3, -7 and -9 is increased around multiple sclerosis plaques and in brain tissue in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. To measure quantitatively the expression of these MMPs and their endogenous inhibitors (TIMP-1 and -2), we analysed samples from 52 patients with relapsing-remitting and primary progressive multiple sclerosis by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and substrate-gel electrophoresis (zymography). MMP-9 was increased over controls in 100% of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis cases, with similar levels detected in relapses and clinically stable phases of disease. In primary progressive multiple sclerosis, MMP-9 was increased in 57% of CSF samples, but concentrations were below those encountered in the relapsing-remitting form. The selective upregulation of MMP-9 suggests that T-cells and macrophages invading the brain parenchyma and the CSF space are the predominant source of MMP-9 in multiple sclerosis. TIMPs and other MMPs (MMP-2 and -3) were not upregulated or not detectable (MMP-7) in CSF of patients with relapsing-remitting and primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The sustained increase of MMP-9 in clinically stable multiple sclerosis supports the concept that multiple sclerosis is associated with ongoing proteolysis that may result in progressive tissue damage. The selective inhibition of MMP-9 could be a useful approach for the prevention of disease progression in multiple sclerosis.

Cerebrospinal Fluid↗

Linkage of the MHC to familial multiple sclerosis suggests genetic heterogeneity. The Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Group.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. While its etiology is not well understood, genetic factors are clearly involved. Until recently, most genetic studies in MS have been association studies using the case-control design testing specific candidate genes and studying only sporadic cases. The only consistently replicated finding has been an association with the HLA-DR2 allele within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6. Using the genetic linkage design, however, evidence for and against linkage of the MHC to MS has been found, fostering suggestions that sporadic and familial MS have different etiologies. Most recently, two of four genomic screens demonstrated linkage to the MHC, although specific allelic associations were not tested. Here, a dataset of 98 multiplex families was studied to test for an association to the HLA-DR2 allele in familial MS and to determine if genetic linkage to the MHC was due solely to such an association. Three highly polymorphic markers (HLA-DR, D6S273 and TNFbeta) in the MHC demonstrated strong genetic linkage (parametric lod scores of 4.60, 2.20 and 1.24, respectively) and a specific association with the HLA-DR2 allele was confirmed (TDT; P < 0.001). Stratifying the results by HLA-DR2 status showed that the linkage results were limited to families segregating HLA-DR2 alleles. These results demonstrate that genetic linkage to the MHC can be explained by the HLA-DR2 allelic association. They also indicate that sporadic and familial MS share a common genetic susceptibility. In addition, preliminary calculations suggest that the MHC explains between 17 and 62% of the genetic etiology of MS. This heterogeneity is also supported by the minority of families showing no linkage or association with loci within the MHC.

Alleles↗

Characterization of the AD7C-NTP cDNA expression in Alzheimer's disease and measurement of a 41-kD protein in cerebrospinal fluid.

We have isolated a novel Alu sequence-containing cDNA, designated AD7c-NTP, that is expressed in neurons, and overexpressed in brains with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The 1,442-nucleotide AD7c-NTP cDNA encodes an approximately 41-kD protein. Expression of AD7c-NTP was confirmed by nucleic acid sequencing of reverse transcriptase PCR products isolated from brain. AD7c-NTP cDNA probes hybridized with 1. 4 kB mRNA transcripts by Northern blot analysis, and monoclonal antibodies generated with the recombinant protein were immunoreactive with approximately 41-45-kD and approximately 18-21-kD molecules by Western blot analysis. In situ hybridization and immunostaining studies localized AD7c-NTP gene expression in neurons. Using a quantitative enzyme-linked sandwich immunoassay (Ghanbari, K., I. Beheshti, and H. Ghanbari, manuscript submitted for publication) constructed with antibodies to the recombinant protein, AD7c-NTP levels were measured under code in 323 clinical and postmortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from AD, age-matched control, Parkinson's disease, and neurological disease control patients. The molecular mass of the AD7c-NTP detected in CSF was approximately 41 kD. In postmortem CSF, the mean concentration of AD7c-NTP in cases of definite AD (9.2+/-8.2 ng/ml) was higher than in the aged control group (1.6+/-0.9; P < 0.0001). In CSF samples from individuals with early possible or probable AD, the mean concentration of AD7c-NTP (4.6+/-3.4) was also elevated relative to the levels in CSF from age-matched (1.2+/-0.7) and neurological disease (1.0+/-0.9) controls, and ambulatory patients with Parkinson's disease (1.8+/-1.1) (all P < 0.001). CSF levels of AD7c-NTP were correlated with Blessed dementia scale scores (r = 0. 66; P = 0.0001) rather than age (r = -0.06; P > 0.1). In vitro studies demonstrated that overexpression of AD7c-NTP in transfected neuronal cells promotes neuritic sprouting and cell death, the two principal neuroanatomical lesions correlated with dementia in AD. The results suggest that abnormal AD7c-NTP expression is associated with AD neurodegeneration, and during the early stages of disease, CSF levels correlate with the severity of dementia.

Aged↗

Characterization of the TCRB chain repertoire in the New World monkey Callithrix jacchus.

Callithrix jacchus is an outbred New World primate characterized by a naturally occurring bone marrow chimerism, restricted polymorphism at many MHC loci, and unusual susceptibility to viral pathogens, adenocarcinoma, colitis, and, following immunization with myelin antigens, a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system closely resembling human multiple sclerosis. Here we characterize the TCRB repertoire in this species, representing the first such analysis in a New World monkey. Two TCRBC, 13 BJ, 2 BD, and 15 BV genes were identified. Overall, a high degree of similarity with human TCRBV-D-J-C gene sequences was observed, indicating a close phylogenetic relationship. Biased usage in favor of genes from the TCRBC1-BJ1 cluster was present in 77% of sequences, in contrast to preferential usage of BC2-BJ2 genes known to occur in humans and mice. Complementarity-determining region 3 averaged 10 amino acids in length and were diverse. Framework regions of TCRBV genes were extensively conserved. Phylogenetic analysis of TCRBV sequences from different species indicated that TCR genes are highly stable across primates. Thus, a diverse TCRB repertoire is generated in C. jacchus despite the limited polymorphism of class I MHC loci. Extensive homology to human TCR genes, natural chimerism, and susceptibility to inflammatory disorders are characteristics of C. jacchus that create a useful model system for the study of human autoimmunity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Local-clonal expansion of infiltrating T lymphocytes in chronic encephalitis of Rasmussen.

Rasmussen's syndrome is a progressive and intractable form of epilepsy characterized pathologically by focal brain inflammation with large numbers of infiltrating T lymphocytes. To better understand the nature of the T cell response in this disease, we analyzed TCR expression in the brain lesions using PCR for quantitative assessment of TCRBV gene transcripts, together with size and sequence analysis of the third complementarity-determining region (CDR3) of the dominant TCR rearrangements. Restricted (oligoclonal) BV family usage was not observed, as all of the 22 BV PCR products were usually detected at levels exceeding the background. However, significant individual biases in the frequencies of different TCR families was evident. The distinct pattern of BV expression by infiltrating lymphocytes detected in the original PCR screening suggested a specific immune response. The primary structure of the rearranged CDR3 sequences for the BV family expressed at highest level in each sample was studied by size and sequence analysis. The data showed that predominant TCR BV families expressed in diseased brain tissue displayed limited size heterogeneity and extensive repetition of in-frame CDR3 nucleotide motifs. These findings demonstrate that the local immune response in Rasmussen's syndrome includes restricted T cell populations that have likely expanded from a few precursor T cells responding to discrete antigenic epitopes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Creation of a model for multiple sclerosis in Callithrix jacchus marmosets.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the CNS white matter characterized pathologically by the accumulation of perivascular and parenchymal T lymphocytes (T cells), and macrophage infiltration associated with myelin destruction. MS lesions are also characterized by the death of oligodendrocytes (the myelin-producing cells) and proliferation and hypertrophy of astrocytes with scar tissue (gliosis) replacing normal myelin. These changes result in the loss of axonal conduction for neurons of the CNS and in clinical disability. MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease, in particular because of its analogy with the disease model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Despite extensive research and the availability of various EAE models in laboratory rodents the etiology of human MS has not been identified, and to date no effective treatment exists. Phylogenetic differences may limit the usefulness of existing EAE models, and indeed no single form of rodent EAE recapitulates all the clinical and pathological features of MS. Here we describe a novel form of EAE created in a nonhuman primate, the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus. Active immunization of these monkeys with whole myelin produces a primary demyelinating disease with a chronic relapsing-remitting course, characterized pathologically by moderate inflammation with prominent and early demyelination and gliosis reminiscent of human MS. Adoptive and passive transfer experiments have permitted definition of the mechanisms responsible for the MS-like pathology. Production of the fully demyelinated lesion requires synergism between encephalitogenic (e.g., disease-inducing) T cells and pathogenic antibody. The antigens of myelin that promote encephalitogenic T cell and antibody responses in this system have been identified. Because of the similarity between the two conditions and the high degree of conservation in immune and nervous system genes between nonhuman primates and humans, future studies of marmoset EAE will likely accelerate the development of therapies for human MS.

Adoptive Transfer↗

Inhibition of allergic encephalomyelitis in marmosets by vaccination with recombinant vaccinia virus encoding for myelin basic protein.

A primary demyelinating form of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) resembling human multiple sclerosis (MS) occurs in Callithrix jacchus marmosets following immunization with human white matter. Participation of a T-cell immune response against myelin basic protein (MBP) in this disease model is supported by observations of increased reactivity against MBP in PBMC and of adoptive transfer of an inflammatory form of EAE by MBP-reactive T-cells. To evaluate the effects of ectopic presentation of MBP on marmoset EAE, animals were vaccinated prior to induction of EAE by subcutaneous injection of attenuated strains of vaccinia virus genetically engineered to contain either the entire coding sequence for human MBP (vT15) or the equine herpes virus glycoprotein gH gene (vAbT249). Vaccination with vT15 was followed by transient cytoplasmic and surface membrane expression of MBP in circulating PBMC (15-45 days). The onset of clinical EAE after immunization (pi) was markedly delayed in vT15-vaccinated animals (37-97 days pi, n = 4) compared to vAbT249-vaccinated controls (14-18 days pi, n = 3). Proliferative responses against MBP but not against vaccinia antigens or phytohemagglutinin were suppressed in protected animals. Thus, development of attenuated live viruses carrying genes for myelin antigens could be useful for induction of immunologic tolerance and for modulation of autoimmune demyelination.

Animals↗

New insights into the immunogenetics of multiple sclerosis.

The genetic analysis of multiple sclerosis has been based mainly on candidate gene association studies in selected populations. However, the candidate gene approach, although straightforward, is problematic in diseases of unknown or partially known etiology. With the advent of genomic screening and novel statistical approaches, it is possible now to perform an efficient screen of the entire human genome to identify the genetic components of multiple sclerosis.

Humans↗

Late complications of immune deviation therapy in a nonhuman primate.

The administration of antigens in soluble form can induce antigen-specific immune tolerance and suppress experimental autoimmune diseases. In a marmoset model of multiple sclerosis induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), marmosets tolerized to MOG were protected against acute disease, but after tolerization treatment a lethal demyelinating disorder emerged. In these animals, MOG-specific T cell proliferative responses were transiently suppressed, cytokine production was shifted from a T helper type 1 (TH1) to a TH2 pattern, and titers of autoantibodies to MOG were enhanced. Thus, immune deviation can increase concentrations of pathogenic autoantibodies and in some circumstances exacerbate autoimmune disease.

Animals↗

Biased expression of T cell receptor genes characterizes activated T cells in multiple sclerosis cerebrospinal fluid.

To better characterize the inflammatory response that occurs in the nervous system in multiple sclerosis (MS), T-cell receptor (TCR) gene expression was quantified from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cells of 21 patients with active disease. Unstimulated CSF cells expressed each of 22 different TCR beta chain variable region (V beta) gene families in proportion to their expression in simultaneously sampled peripheral blood. When CSF cells from individuals with MS were expanded by in vitro culture in T-cell growth factor/interleukin 2 and 4-containing medium (TCGF/IL2/IL4), restricted numbers of V beta genes were expressed. In many subjects, expanded CSF cells expressed predominantly V beta 2. In contrast to CSF, expansion of corresponding peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in TCGF/IL2/IL4 resulted in persistent expression of all V beta gene families. Within individuals, different V beta genes were overexpressed by PBMC compared with CSF cells. No effect of the HLA haplotype of the individual on CSF V beta gene expression was observed. Expanded CSF cells retained their capacity to respond to mitogen stimulation, but the proliferative response to myelin basic protein (MBP) was not enhanced. Finally, freshly obtained CSF cells stimulated directly with MBP also expressed a limited number of V beta genes, although these were generally different from patterns observed following stimulation with TCGF/IL2/IL4. Thus, restricted populations of T cells capable of responding to TCGF/IL2/IL4, presumably reflecting in vivo activated cells, are compartmentalized in the nervous system in MS.

Adult↗

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) microsatellite haplotypes in relation to extended haplotypes, susceptibility to diseases associated with the major histocompatibility complex and TNF secretion.

TNFabc microsatellite haplotypes were determined on normal, type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis Caucasian MHC haplotypes in family studies. Although independent examples of conserved extended haplotypes usually had the same TNFabc haplotypes, there were a number of exceptions, suggesting that these loci are more mutable than most loci in the human MHC. Some TNFabc haplotypes were characteristic of only one extended haplotype, whereas others were shared by several different extended haplotypes. From the analysis of TNFabc on extended haplotype fragments, and assuming that the fragments arose by ancient homologous crossing over, it was possible to "map" TNF and how that it was somewhat closer to HLA-B than the complement region, corresponding to the physical map of this region. TNF haplotype associations with type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis were attributable to the known extended haplotype associations of these diseases. There was also a trend for higher TNF-alpha secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals homozygous for [HLA-B8, SC01, DR3] than from individuals homozygous for [HLA-B7, SC31, DR2].

Alleles↗

Stimulus specificity of matrix metalloproteinase dependence of human T cell migration through a model basement membrane.

Chemotaxis of human T lymphoblastoma cells of the Tsup-1 line, which migrate similarly to blood T cells, through a layer of basement membrane-like Matrigel on a polycarbonate micropore filter was evoked by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP; concentration for a maximal response, 10(-7)M), IL-2 (10(-9)M), and the chemokines RANTES (10(-10)M) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (10(-10)M). Chemotactic concentrations of each factor increased Tsup-1 cell secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), with significant responses by 4 h for VIP, IL-2, and IL-4, but only after 24 h for macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha and RANTES, as quantified by Western blots and zymography. 3H-Labeled type IV human collagen incorporated in the Matrigel layer was degraded by migrating Tsup-1 cells, as assessed by release of radioactive fragments of the collagen. The in situ degradation of type IV collagen in Matrigel by migrating Tsup-1 cells was enhanced most significantly by VIP, IL-2, and IL-4 after 4 h at concentrations that increased the secretion of MMP-9 optimally, but only after 24 h by macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha and RANTES. The specific MMP inhibitor GM6001 suppressed Tsup-1 cell MMP activity evoked by all stimuli, as determined by zymography and in situ degradation of 3H-Labeled type IV human collagen. The chemotactic migration of Tsup-1 cells through Matrigel, but not through a filter alone, in response to optimal concentrations of VIP, IL-2, and IL-4, but not the chemokines, was inhibited by GM6001, with a concentration dependence similar to that for suppression of MMP activity. Thus elicitation of T cell chemotactic migration through a model basement membrane by stimuli that increase MMP activity early in the response depends on degradation of matrix proteins by MMP, whereas stimuli that recruit MMP late may rely on early activation of other proteases.

Basement Membrane↗

Interferon beta-1b inhibits gelatinase secretion and in vitro migration of human T cells: a possible mechanism for treatment efficacy in multiple sclerosis.

Treatment with interferon beta-1b has substantial clinical benefit in the demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis, yet the mechanism of action in the disease remains largely unknown. Gelatinase A (matrix metalloproteinase-2, 72-kd gelatinase) and B (matrix metalloproteinase-9, 92-kd gelatinase) are matrix metalloproteinases capable of enzymatic digestion of subendothelial basement membrane constituents. In human T cells, interleukin-2 induces gelatinase secretion and enhances gelatinase-dependent migration across an artificial basement membrane-like layer in vitro. Pretreatment of T cells with interferon beta-1b for 48 hours decreased interleukin-2-induced gelatinase production and secretion as determined by zymography. In parallel to the downregulation of gelatinase secretion, pretreatment with interferon beta-1b inhibited T-cell migration across the basement membrane in vitro by up to 90%, but had only a minor impact on cell locomotion per se. For both gelatinase secretion and T-cell migration, the inhibitory effect mediated by exposure to interferon beta-1b was dose dependent. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis also showed that interferon beta-1b downregulates the interleukin-2 receptor alpha-chain and lowered the affinity of interleukin-2 to the cell surface by 30%, which may represent an additional mechanism for the observed effects of interferon beta-1b. The dramatic effects of interferon beta-1b on gelatinase expression and migration raise the possibility that its beneficial effects in multiple sclerosis may result from interference with the capacity of activated T cells to traverse the basement membrane and migrate to the central nervous system.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

A complete genomic screen for multiple sclerosis underscores a role for the major histocompatability complex. The Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Group.

Multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, is the most common cause of acquired neurological dysfunction arising in the second to fourth decades of life. A genetic component to MS is indicated by an increased relative risk of 20-40 to siblings compared to the general population (lambda s), and an increased concordance rate in monozygotic compared to dizygotic twins. Association and/or linkage studies to candidate genes have produced many reports of significant genetic effects including those for the major histocompatability complex (MHC; particularly the HLA-DR2 allele), immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH), T-cell receptor (TCR) and myelin basic protein (MBP) loci. With the exception of the MHC, however, these results have been difficult to replicate and/or apply beyond isolated populations. We have therefore conducted a two-stage, multi-analytical genomic screen to identify genomic regions potentially harbouring MS susceptibility genes. We genotyped 443 markers and 19 such regions were identified. These included the MHC region on 6p, the only region with a consistently reported genetic effect. However, no single locus generated overwhelming evidence of linkage. Our results suggest that a multifactorial aetiology, including both environmental and multiple genetic factors of moderate effect, is more likely than an aetiology consisting of simple mendelian disease gene(s).

Chromosome Mapping↗

Genetics of demyelinating diseases.

Multiple sclerosis (MS), the prototypic demyelinating disease in humans, is the most common cause of acquired neurological dysfunction arising between early to mid adulthood. MS is an inflammatory disorder and is believed to result from an autoimmune response, directed against myelin proteins and perhaps other antigens, resulting in demyelination and dense astrogliosis. A genetic component in MS is indicated by an increased relative risk to siblings compared to the general population (lambda s) of 20-40, and an increased concordance rate in monozygotic compared to dizygotic twins. Association and/or linkage studies to candidate genes have yielded a considerable number of reports showing significant genetic effects for the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), immunoglobulin heavy chain, T cell antigen receptor, and myelin basic protein loci. With the exception of the MHC, however, these results have been difficult to replicate or apply beyond isolated populations. Recently, a multi-analytical genomic screen effort was completed to identify genomic regions potentially harboring MS susceptibility genes. Nineteen such regions were identified. The data confirm the reported genetic effect of the MHC region. However, no single locus generated overwhelming evidence of linkage. These results suggest a multifactorial etiology, including both environmental and multiple genetic factors of moderate effect.

Demyelinating Diseases↗

Side effect profile of interferon beta-1b in MS: results of an open label trial.

To determine which patients are prone to side effects from interferon beta-1b and which side effects are most troublesome, we studied 72 patients with clinically definite MS who were started on interferon beta-1b after its release and found that the side effects significantly associated with treatment included skin reactions, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, leukopenia, new or worsened depression, and new or worsened headache. Of these, only fatigue and depression were significantly associated with discontinuance of therapy. Moreover, the course of disease before initiation of treatment also had a significant impact on the likelihood of discontinuing medication. Thus, despite an apparently similar therapeutic benefit (as judged by the similarly reduced attack rate in each group), patients with a secondary chronic progressive course were more likely to discontinue treatment (63%) than patients with either a relapsing/progressive course (18%) or a remitting/relapsing course (7%). Indeed, in the final regression equation, the only factors significantly related (r = 0.875) to the discontinuance of therapy were fatigue (p < 0.0001), a fatigue-depression interaction (p < 0.0001), and a chronic progressive course of disease (p<0.0001). Thus, if future clinical trials are to provide useful information on the value of interferon beta-1b in progressive MS, the side effects of fatigue and depression will need to be ameliorated to limit the drop-out rate from such trials.

Analysis of Variance↗