CEACAM1 mediates B cell aggregation in central nervous system autoimmunity

Sci Rep. 2016 Jul 20:6:29847. doi: 10.1038/srep29847.

Abstract

B cell aggregates in the central nervous system (CNS) have been associated with rapid disease progression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we demonstrate a key role of carcinoembryogenic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule1 (CEACAM1) in B cell aggregate formation in MS patients and a B cell-dependent mouse model of MS. CEACAM1 expression was increased on peripheral blood B cells and CEACAM1(+) B cells were present in brain infiltrates of MS patients. Administration of the anti-CEACAM1 antibody T84.1 was efficient in blocking aggregation of B cells derived from MS patients. Along these lines, application of the monoclonal anti-CEACAM1 antibody mCC1 was able to inhibit CNS B cell aggregate formation and significantly attenuated established MS-like disease in mice in the absence of any adverse effects. CEACAM1 was co-expressed with the regulator molecule T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain -3 (TIM-3) on B cells, a novel molecule that has recently been described to induce anergy in T cells. Interestingly, elevated coexpression on B cells coincided with an autoreactive T helper cell phenotype in MS patients. Overall, these data identify CEACAM1 as a clinically highly interesting target in MS pathogenesis and open new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of the disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / administration & dosage
  • Antigens, CD / genetics*
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Autoimmunity / genetics
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Cell Adhesion / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion / immunology
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / immunology
  • Cell Aggregation / genetics
  • Cell Aggregation / immunology
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism
  • Central Nervous System / pathology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation / genetics
  • Mice
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Antigens, CD
  • CD66 antigens
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules