Modulação da genisteína sobre os receptores toll like e a imunidade adaptativa durante o desenvolvimento da encefalomielite autoimune experimental

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), its animal model, are both characterized by immune-mediated neuroinflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS). The treatments for MS, including IFN-β, are intended to reduce the number of relapses and slow the progression of the disease. However, these treatments are only partially effective, suggesting the need to develop new therapies. The toll-like receptors (TLRs) are patterns-recognition receptors, of the innate immune system, that play important roles in the initiation of inflammatory responses and induction of adaptive immunity. Its role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases have been demonstrated and it was also shown that TLR ligands can suppress EAE. Genistein is a phytoestrogen obtained from soybeans with anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies showed beneficial effects on EAE treatment, suggesting therapeutic potential in MS. However, the work done to date, used a treatment protocol after the onset of clinical signs of the disease and did not address the innate immune response. In this context, the present work aims to evaluate the modulation of innate immune response, and its influence in the adaptive immune response, through the TLRs, using a treatment protocol prior the onset of the clinical signs of the EAE, by evaluating the parameters in the beginning of the development of the disease. EAE was induced in C57BL/6 females with MOG35-55 peptide. The animals were treated or not with 200mg/kg/day of genistein, subcutaneously, in the period between 2 days before induction and until the day 6 after induction of EAE. Laboratory parameters were evaluated in the spinal cord in the day 7 after induction and clinical signs monitored until day 21 after induction. Treatment with genistein resulted in delayed onset and reduced score of disease, concomitant with reduced cellular infiltration and demyelination in the spinal cord, reinforcing its neuroprotective potential in autoimmune diseases. Additionally, it was observed an increase in the median fluorescence intensity of TLR3 and TLR9 in macrophages and dendritic cells and decrease of TLR2 in dendritic cells in the spinal cord. The signaling via TLR3 and TLR9 is related to increase the production of IFN-β. In fact, treatment with genistein increases mRNA expression for IFN-β in the spinal cord. The levels of IL-6, IL-12p40 and CCL5 were reduced. Furthermore, the expression of ROR-γT and T-bet were decreased, and, together with increased production of TGF-β, suggest the development of a regulatory environment. These results heighten the therapeutic potential of genistein in the treatment of EAE and MS, suggesting that its use, including as a supplement or soy-enriched diet, could preventing new outbreaks.