ALS-associated TDP-43 aggregates drive innate and adaptive immune cell activation

ABSTRACT: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is the most common and fatal motor neuron disease. Approximately 90% of ALS patients exhibit pathology of the master RNA regulator, Transactive Response DNA Binding protein (TDP-43). Despite the prevalence TDP-43 pathology in ALS motor neurons, recent findings suggest immune dysfunction is a determinant of disease progression in patients. Whether TDP-43 aggregates elicit immune responses remains underexplored. In this study, we demonstrate that TDP-43 aggregates are internalized by antigen presenting cell populations, cause vesicle rupture, and drive innate and adaptive immune cell activation by way of antigen presentation. Using a multiplex imaging platform, we observed enrichment of activated microglia/macrophages in ALS white matter that correlated with phosphorylated TDP-43 accumulation, CD8 T-cell infiltration, and major histocompatibility complex expression. Taken together, this study sheds light on a novel cellular response to TDP43 aggregates through an immunological lens.

INSTRUMENT(S):

ORGANISM(S): Homo Sapiens (human)

TISSUE(S): Macrophage

SUBMITTER: Ling Xie  

LAB HEAD: Todd J. Cohen

PROVIDER: PXD062260 | Pride | 2025-04-08

REPOSITORIES: Pride