Targeting repulsive guidance molecule A to promote regeneration and neuroprotection in multiple sclerosis

Cell Rep. 2015 Mar 24;10(11):1887-98. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.02.048.

Abstract

Repulsive guidance molecule A (RGMa) is a potent inhibitor of neuronal regeneration and a regulator of cell death, and it plays a role in multiple sclerosis (MS). In autopsy material from progressive MS patients, RGMa was found in active and chronic lesions, as well as in normal-appearing gray and white matter, and was expressed by cellular meningeal infiltrates. Levels of soluble RGMa in the cerebrospinal fluid were decreased in progressive MS patients successfully treated with intrathecal corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide (TCA), showing functional improvements. In vitro, RGMa monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) reversed RGMa-mediated neurite outgrowth inhibition and chemorepulsion. In animal models of CNS damage and MS, RGMa antibody stimulated regeneration and remyelination of damaged nerve fibers, accelerated functional recovery, and protected the retinal nerve fiber layer as measured by clinically relevant optic coherence tomography. These data suggest that targeting RGMa is a promising strategy to improve functional recovery in MS patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / metabolism
  • Myelin Sheath / drug effects
  • Myelin Sheath / metabolism
  • Nerve Regeneration*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / immunology
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neurites / drug effects
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Optic Nerve / drug effects
  • Optic Nerve / metabolism
  • Optic Nerve / physiology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • RGM protein, rat