The neutralizing antibody GNbAC1 abrogates HERV-W envelope protein-mediated oligodendroglial maturation blockade
David Kremer1, Moritz Förster1, Tanja Schichel2
1Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany/These authors contributed equally to this study.
Background:
The envelope protein (ENV) of the human endogenous retrovirus type W is implicated in inflammatory reactions in multiple sclerosis (MS) but also interferes with oligodendroglial maturation. A neutralizing antibody GNbAC1 has been developed and successfully been tested in clinical trials.
Objectives And Methods:
We stimulated primary oligodendroglial cells with ENV upon preincubation with GNbAC1 and assessed for nitrosative stress and myelin expression.
Results:
Neutralization of ENV by GNbAC1 reduces its ability to induce stress reactions resulting in a rescue of myelin expression.
Conclusions:
Beyond immune cell modulation, this monoclonal antibody may therefore help to overcome the oligodendroglial differentiation blockade in MS.
