Abbadessa, G. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2026

Age-related loss of brain demyelinating and remyelinating potential is overcome by microglia renewal

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease, with progressive neurodegeneration that is refractory to current therapies. Here, we identify microglia aging as a major factor responsible for age-related loss of beneficial demyelinating and remyelinating brain functions. Brain transcriptomics and in situ spatial gene transcription analysis revealed significant oligodendrocyte loss in both young and aged mice during cuprizone-induced experimental demyelination, but impaired microglial activation in aged mice. Age-related defects in microglial activation were associated with reduced clearance of dead myelin and accumulation of lipid droplets, and impaired remyelination, implying exhaustion of microglial function in the aged mouse brain. Transcriptomic analysis of human brain samples from MS donors with matched disease course and severity and with chronic active and inactive lesions, validated that microglial activation is strongly reduced with increasing age. To investigate microglial responses after repeated demyelinating insults and their direct impact on myelin integrity, we established an experimental model of repeated demyelinating episodes in young and aged mice to recapitulate MS features. Notably, aged mice developed a progressive neuroinflammatory response following sequential demyelinating episodes, in contrast to the alternating cycles of demyelination and remyelination reminiscent of relapsing-remitting MS that were observed in young mice. Microglia depletion and repopulation using a CSF1R antagonist recovered demyelination-remyelination capacity in aged mice. The results indicate that microglia aging is a major determinant in the pathogenesis of progressive MS, and that microglia replacement represents a promising therapeutic approach.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2023

CD8 T-cell dysfunction is linked with CAR T-cell failure and can be mitigated by a non-alpha IL-2 agonist, pegenzileukin

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has been a breakthrough for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (rrLBCL). However, suboptimal CAR T-cell activity can lead to therapeutic failure and dismal outcome. Using single cell RNA-sequencing of rrLBCL tumors, we identify a prominent population of clonally expanded dysfunctional CAR+ CD8 T-cells indicative of ongoing tumor cell engagement, proliferation, and dysfunction at the time of progression from CAR T-cell therapy. Furthermore, we show that rrLBCL patient-derived CAR T-cells are more prone to dysfunction and loss of cytotoxicity compared to healthy donor-derived CAR T-cells. Using both antigen-driven and CAR-driven models of T-cell dysfunction, we show that pegenzileukin, a non-alpha IL2 agonist, can prevent T-cell dysfunction. In both in vitro and in vivo CAR T-cell models, pegenzileukin improved T-cell expansion and tumor control. This provides pre-clinical rational for use of pegenzileukin in combatting T-cell dysfunction, a central mechanism of CAR T-cell failure. HIGHLIGHTSO_LITumor-infiltrating CD8 CAR T-cells show clonal expansion and dysfunction at the time of progression. C_LIO_LIrrLBCL patient-derived CAR T-cells are more prone to dysfunction compared to healthy-donor-derived CAR T-cells. C_LIO_LIPegenzileukin, a non-alpha IL2 agonist, rescues antigen- and CAR-driven CD8 T-cell dysfunction and improves CAR T-cell responses in vivo. C_LI

immunology↗