Antineonatal Fc Receptor Antibody Treatment Ameliorates MOG-IgG-Associated Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disorder (MOGAD) is a rare, autoimmune demyelinating CNS disorder, distinct from multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Characterized by pathogenic immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against MOG, a potential treatment strategy for MOGAD is to reduce circulating IgG levels, e.g., by interference with the IgG recycling pathway mediated by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). Although the optic nerve is often detrimentally involved in MOGAD, the effect of FcRn blockade on the visual pathway has not been assessed. Our objective was to investigate effects of a monoclonal anti-FcRn antibody in murine MOG-IgG-associated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). METHODS We induced active MOG35-55 EAE in C57Bl/6 mice followed by the application of a monoclonal MOG-IgG (8-18C5) 10 days postimmunization (dpi). Animals were treated with either a specific monoclonal antibody against FcRn (α-FcRn, 4470) or an isotype-matched control IgG on 7, 10, and 13 dpi. Neurologic disability was scored daily on a 10-point scale. Visual acuity was assessed by optomotor reflex. Histopathologic hallmarks of disease were assessed in the spinal cord, optic nerve, and retina. Immune cell infiltration was visualized by immunohistochemistry, demyelination by Luxol fast blue staining and complement deposition and number of retinal ganglion cells by immunofluorescence. RESULTS In MOG-IgG-augmented MOG35-55 EAE, anti-FcRn treatment significantly attenuated neurologic disability over the course of disease (mean area under the curve and 95% confidence intervals (CIs): α-FcRn [n = 27], 46.02 [37.89-54.15]; isotype IgG [n = 24], 66.75 [59.54-73.96], 3 independent experiments), correlating with reduced amounts of demyelination and macrophage infiltration into the spinal cord. T- and B-cell infiltration and complement deposition remained unchanged. Compared with isotype, anti-FcRn treatment prevented reduction of visual acuity over the course of disease (median cycles/degree and interquartile range: α-FcRn [n = 16], 0.50 [0.48-0.55] to 0.50 [0.48-0.58]; isotype IgG [n = 17], 0.50 [0.49-0.54] to 0.45 [0.39-0.51]). DISCUSSION We show preserved optomotor response and ameliorated course of disease after anti-FcRn treatment in an experimental model using a monoclonal MOG-IgG to mimic MOGAD. Selectively targeting FcRn might represent a promising therapeutic approach in MOGAD

Hydrogen Bonding in Proton Transfer Compounds of 5 Sulfosalicylic Acid With Ortho-Substituted Moocyclic Heteroaromatic Lewis Bases

The crystal structures of the 1:1 proton-transfer compounds of 5-sulfosalicylic acid with the ortho-substituted monocyclic heteroaromatic Lewis bases, 2-aminopyridine, 2- hydroxypyridine and 2-aminopyrimidine, viz. 2-aminopyridinium 5-sulfosalicylate (1), 2-hydroxypyridinium 5-sulfosalicylate monohydrate (2) and 2-aminopyrimidinium 5- sulfosalicylatemonohydrate (3) have been determined and their hydrogen-bonding patterns described. All compounds are monoclinic, space group P21/c, with Z=4 in cells with dimensions a=7.898(5), b=11.159(11), c=14.912(7) A° , β =96.849(11)◦ (1);=7.260(2), b=15.292(3), c=12.615(2) A° , β =102.45(5)◦ (2) and a=7.0430(7), b=12.1871(16), c=16.2825(12) A° , β =101.364(7)◦ (3). All three compounds show some molecular disorder, in 1 within the cation species and with both 2 and 3, a similar rotational disorder in the anion sulfonate group. Hydrogen bonding in all three compounds together with significant cation-anion or cation-cation inter-ring π–π interactions generate three-dimensional layered polymer structures

Remediating Over-Produced and Contaminated Aquifers by Artificial Recharge from Surface Waters

Recharging from open-surface water resources is investigated as a method for remediation of over-produced and contaminated aquifers. The hydraulic and contaminant modeling using the Modflow-2000 and MT3DMS simulation software are resorted for evaluation of the available options. Methodology is developed and illustrated for reviewing the alternative remediation approaches for optimal selection of the best remediation approach to aquifer recharging from surface waters. The effectiveness of the present systematic approach is demonstrated by identifying the best choice among the multifunctional artificial recharge options available for the Great Forest Park in Debrecen, Hungary