4-Octyl Itaconate Attenuates Neuroinflammation in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Via Regulating Microglia

Abnormal activation of microglia, the resident macrophages in the central nervous system, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The immune responsive gene 1(IRG1)/itaconate axis is involved in regulating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. 4-Octyl itaconate (4-OI), a derivative of itaconate, plays a crucial immunomodulatory role in macrophages. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of 4-OI on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and inflammatory BV2 microglia. In an EAE mouse model, clinical evaluation was conducted during the disease course. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess inflammatory infiltration and Luxol Fast Blue was used to visualize pathological damage. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate inflammatory response and microglial function status in EAE mice. BV2 microglia were used to further investigate the effects and mechanisms of action of 4-OI in vitro. 4-OI significantly alleviated the clinical symptoms of EAE, the inflammatory infiltration, and demyelination; reduced the levels of inflammatory factors; and inhibited the classical activation of microglia in the spinal cord. 4-OI successfully suppressed the classical activation of BV2 microglia and decreased the levels of inflammatory factors by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, 4-OI downregulated IRG1 expression in both EAE mice and inflammatory BV2 microglia. 4-OI attenuates the microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and has promising therapeutic effects in MS.