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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination
Published on: September 12, 2016
Expression of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein in the immune system: possible functions and relevance to
Manjit Braitch1, Kiyokazu Kawabe, Mukanthu Nyirenda
1Division of Clinical Neurology, School of Clinical Sciences, Nottingham University, Nottingham, UK.
Background:
Activity-dependent neuroprotector (ADNP) is a neuroprotective molecule containing an 8-amino acid peptide, NAPVSIPQ (NAP), that is sufficient for its neuroprotective effects.
Objective:
To assess the expression of ADNP in the human immune system in normal subjects and multiple sclerosis patients. MaterialsandMethods: ADNP expression was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using staining with anti-ADNP (NAP) antibodies and markers for T cells, B cells, monocytes and natural killer cells. ADNP mRNA was determined in peripheral blood from MS patients (n = 24) and matched controls (n = 21). Expression of activation markers CD69 and CD154 and of IFN-gamma was assessed by flow cytometry in stimulated PBMCs. Effects of NAP on immune cell proliferation was assessed by tritiated thymidine incorporation.
Results:
Monocytes, B cells and T cells, but not regulatory (CD4+CD25+) T cells expressed ADNP. NAP peptide decreased the expression of CD69, CD154 and IFN-gamma in PBMC and caused suppressed anti-CD3-/anti-CD28-stimulated PBMC proliferation. ADNP mRNA was reduced in MS compared to control peripheral blood.
Conclusion:
ADNP is expressed in many immune system cells. ADNP mRNA is reduced in PBMCs in MS. The peptide NAP, which plays an important role in neuroprotection, has potential immunomodulatory properties.
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