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Review
. 2024 Jul 4;25(13):7354.
doi: 10.3390/ijms25137354.

Macrophages and HLA-Class II Alleles in Multiple Sclerosis: Insights in Therapeutic Dynamics

Affiliations
Review

Macrophages and HLA-Class II Alleles in Multiple Sclerosis: Insights in Therapeutic Dynamics

Petros Prapas et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Antigen presentation is a crucial mechanism that drives the T cell-mediated immune response and the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Genetic alterations within the highly variable Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II (MHC II) have been proven to result in significant changes in the molecular basis of antigen presentation and the clinical course of patients with both Adult-Onset MS (AOMS) and Pediatric-Onset MS (POMS). Among the numerous polymorphisms of the Human Leucocyte Antigens (HLA), within MHC II complex, HLA-DRB1*15:01 has been labeled, in Caucasian ethnic groups, as a high-risk allele for MS due to the ability of its structure to increase affinity to Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) epitopes. This characteristic, among others, in the context of the trimolecular complex or immunological synapsis, provides the foundation for autoimmunity triggered by environmental or endogenous factors. As with all professional antigen presenting cells, macrophages are characterized by the expression of MHC II and are often implicated in the formation of MS lesions. Increased presence of M1 macrophages in MS patients has been associated both with progression and onset of the disease, each involving separate but similar mechanisms. In this critical narrative review, we focus on macrophages, discussing how HLA genetic alterations can promote dysregulation of this population's homeostasis in the periphery and the Central Nervous System (CNS). We also explore the potential interconnection in observed pathological macrophage mechanisms and the function of the diverse structure of HLA alleles in neurodegenerative CNS, seen in MS, by comparing available clinical with molecular data through the prism of HLA-immunogenetics. Finally, we discuss available and experimental pharmacological approaches for MS targeting the trimolecular complex that are based on cell phenotype modulation and HLA genotype involvement and try to reveal fertile ground for the potential development of novel drugs.

Keywords: HLA; HLA-immunogenetics; T cells; immune response; macrophages; microglia; multiple sclerosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

We declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Macrophage subsets in MS and presence of MHC II. Summarization of the distinct features of the 4 basic macrophage-like populations in the CNS including surface antigens used experimentally for FACS analysis and cell-shorting techniques, MHC II and HLA-DR surface presence along with relevant antigen presenting properties as well as basic functional characteristics of each population regarding involvement in inflammation, replenishment, plasticity, and tissue distribution. (Created with www.biorender.com, accessed on 14 June 2024).
Figure 2
Figure 2
APC infiltration and recruitment through the BBB in MS. This figure displays the functional pathways of the inflammatory CNS as follows. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) structure and leak. The BBB is displayed with its main components namely endothelial cells, tight junctions, and perivascular space. Disrupted endothelial borders and astrocyte integrity allow immune cells to infiltrate the CNS parenchyma. The choroid plexus is depicted with its epithelial barrier and associated macrophages as well as the leakage points. Infiltration patterns are focused on the axis of macrophage overactivation and possible feedback reactions within them. CP-CNS and BBB-CNS leak is illustratively displayed with different colors, symbols, and annotations. (Created with www.biorender.com/, accessed on 14 June 2024).

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This research received no external funding.