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Galectin-3/MAC-2 in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
Experimental Neurology
|January 5, 2000
Summary
Galectin-3/MAC-2 marks activated microglia and macrophages involved in myelin removal during central nervous system autoimmune disease. This activation state, along with myelin phagocytosis, is suppressed by Copolymer 1 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Phagocytosis of myelin is crucial for nervous system repair and disease pathogenesis.
- Galectin-3/MAC-2 is a marker for activated monocytes, macrophages, and microglia.
- Myelin phagocytosis in peripheral nerves involves MAC-1-expressing macrophages, unlike the slow degeneration in the central nervous system (CNS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of Galectin-3/MAC-2 activation in the CNS during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).
- To determine if Galectin-3/MAC-2 expression correlates with autoimmune-induced myelin degeneration and phagocytosis in EAE.
- To assess the effect of Copolymer 1 on EAE, demyelination, and Galectin-3/MAC-2 expression.
Main Methods:
- Induction of EAE in mice using mouse spinal cord homogenate.
- Assessment of demyelination via light microscopy.
- Immunocytochemical analysis of Galectin-3/MAC-2, MAC-1, and F4/80 expression in spinal cords and optic nerves.
Main Results:
- Galectin-3/MAC-2, MAC-1, and F4/80 expression were upregulated in demyelinated areas of the CNS in EAE mice.
- These markers were found on microglia and macrophages actively phagocytosing myelin.
- Copolymer 1 treatment reduced EAE severity, demyelination, and Galectin-3/MAC-2 expression.
Conclusions:
- EAE pathogenesis involves microglia and macrophage activation, characterized by Galectin-3/MAC-2 and MAC-1 expression, correlating with myelin degeneration and phagocytosis.
- CNS responses to injury and autoimmune challenges differ in microglia/macrophage activation patterns, specifically regarding Galectin-3/MAC-2 expression and myelin phagocytosis.
- Galectin-3/MAC-2 serves as a key marker for identifying activated phagocytic cells in the CNS during autoimmune demyelinating diseases.