Th17 Cell Response in SOD1G93A Mice following Motor Nerve Injury

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Motor Neuron Disease Research
• T Cell Immunology

Background:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) risk is elevated in specific populations like athletes.
• Motor nerve injury is hypothesized to trigger immune responses that accelerate ALS progression.
• The precise immune cells involved in ALS pathogenesis remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of CD4(+) T cells in ALS development following motor nerve injury.
• To examine immune responses in a mouse model of ALS at a presymptomatic stage.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a transgenic mouse model (B6SJL SOD1(G93A)) of ALS.
• Performed facial motor nerve axotomy (FNA) on presymptomatic mice.
• Analyzed CD4(+) T cell activation and Th17 cell frequency.

Main Results:

• SOD1(G93A) mice exhibited heightened basal CD4(+) T cell activation compared to wild-type mice.
• A higher frequency of Th17 cells was observed in SOD1(G93A) mice.
• Facial motor nerve axotomy further enhanced Th17 cell responses in these mice.

Conclusions:

• Transgenic ALS mice show aberrant CD4(+) T cell activation and elevated Th17 cells before neurological symptoms appear.
• Motor nerve injury exacerbates Th17 cell responses, potentially contributing to ALS development in genetically susceptible individuals.