A Female-Specific Role for Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) in Rodent Pain Models.

We aimed to investigate a sexually dimorphic role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in rodent models of pain. Based on findings in migraine where CGRP has a preferential pain-promoting effect in female rodents, we hypothesized that CGRP antagonists and antibodies would attenuate pain sensitization more efficaciously in female than male mice and rats. In hyperalgesic priming induced by activation of interleukin 6 signaling, CGRP receptor antagonists olcegepant and CGRP8-37 both given intrathecally, blocked, and reversed hyperalgesic priming only in females. A monoclonal antibody against CGRP, given systemically, blocked priming specifically in female rodents but failed to reverse it. In the spared nerve injury model, there was a transient effect of both CGRP antagonists, given intrathecally, on mechanical hypersensitivity in female mice only. Consistent with these findings, intrathecally applied CGRP caused a long-lasting, dose-dependent mechanical hypersensitivity in female mice but more transient effects in males. This CGRP-induced mechanical hypersensitivity was reversed by olcegepant and the KCC2 enhancer CLP257, suggesting a role for anionic plasticity in the dorsal horn in the pain-promoting effects of CGRP in females. In spinal dorsal horn slices, CGRP shifted GABAA reversal potentials to significantly more positive values, but, again, only in female mice. Therefore, CGRP may regulate KCC2 expression and/or activity downstream of CGRP receptors specifically in females. However, KCC2 hypofunction promotes mechanical pain hypersensitivity in both sexes because CLP257 alleviated hyperalgesic priming in male and female mice. We conclude that CGRP promotes pain plasticity in female rodents but has a limited impact in males.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The majority of patients impacted by chronic pain are women. Mechanistic studies in rodents are creating a clear picture that molecular events promoting chronic pain are different in male and female animals. We sought to build on evidence showing that CGRP is a more potent and efficacious promoter of headache in female than in male rodents. To test this, we used hyperalgesic priming and the spared nerve injury neuropathic pain models in mice. Our findings show a clear sex dimorphism wherein CGRP promotes pain in female but not male mice, likely via a centrally mediated mechanism of action. Our work suggests that CGRP receptor antagonists could be tested for efficacy in women for a broader variety of pain conditions.

PACAP Induces Light Aversion in Mice by an Inheritable Mechanism Independent of CGRP.

The neuropeptides CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) and PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide) have emerged as mediators of migraine, yet the potential overlap of their mechanisms remains unknown. Infusion of PACAP, like CGRP, can cause migraine in people, and both peptides share similar vasodilatory and nociceptive functions. In this study, we have used light aversion in mice as a surrogate for migraine-like photophobia to compare CGRP and PACAP and ask whether CGRP or PACAP actions were dependent on each other. Similar to CGRP, PACAP induced light aversion in outbred CD-1 mice. The light aversion was accompanied by increased resting in the dark, but not anxiety in a light-independent open field assay. Unexpectedly, about one-third of the CD-1 mice did not respond to PACAP, which was not seen with CGRP. The responder and nonresponder phenotypes were stable, inheritable, and not sex linked, although there was a trend for greater responses among male mice. RNA-sequencing analysis of trigeminal ganglia yielded hierarchical clustering of responder and nonresponder mice and revealed a number of candidate genes, including greater expression of the Trpc5 and Kcnk12 ion channels and glycoprotein hormones and receptors in a subset of male responder mice. Importantly, an anti-PACAP monoclonal antibody could block PACAP-induced light aversion but not CGRP-induced light aversion. Conversely, an anti-CGRP antibody could not block PACAP-induced light aversion. Thus, we propose that CGRP and PACAP act by independent convergent pathways that cause a migraine-like symptom in mice.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The relationship between the neuropeptides CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) and PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide) in migraine is relevant given that both peptides can induce migraine in people, yet to date only drugs that target CGRP are available. Using an outbred strain of mice, we were able to show that most, but not all, mice respond to PACAP in a preclinical photophobia assay. Our finding that CGRP and PACAP monoclonal antibodies do not cross-inhibit the other peptide indicates that CGRP and PACAP actions are independent and suggests that PACAP-targeted drugs may be effective in patients who do not respond to CGRP-based therapeutics.

Pharmacologic Characterization of ALD403, a Potent Neutralizing Humanized Monoclonal Antibody Against the Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide.

ALD403 is a genetically engineered, humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that inhibits the action of human calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Clinical trial data indicate that ALD403 is effective as a preventive therapy for migraine and has an acceptable safety profile. For preclinical characterization of ALD403, rabbit antibodies targeting α-CGRP were humanized and modified to eliminate fragment crystallizable (Fc) γ receptor (FcγR) and complement interactions. The ability of ALD403 to inhibit CGRP-induced cAMP production was assessed using a cAMP bioassay (Meso Scale Discovery). The IC50 for inhibition of cAMP release was 434 and 288 pM with the rabbit-human chimera antibody and the humanized ALD403, respectively. ALD403 inhibited α-CGRP binding with an IC50 of 4.7 × 10-11 and 1.2 × 10-10 M for the α-CGRP and AMY1 receptors, respectively. ALD403 did not induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or complement-dependent cytotoxicity and did not stably interact with any of the FcγR mediating these functions, exhibiting only weak binding to FcγRI. ALD403 significantly lowered capsaicin-induced blood flow responses in rodents at all time points starting at 5 minutes postapplication in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, ALD403 is a potent functional ligand inhibitor of α-CGRP‒driven pharmacology. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: α-Calcitonin gene-related peptide blockade by ALD403 was assessed via radiolabeled ligand displacement, in vitro inhibition of cell signaling, and in vivo inhibition of capsaicin-induced vasodilation. Lack of engagement of fragment crystallizable-mediated immune-effector functions by ALD403 was shown.

Pharmacologic Characterization of ALD1910, a Potent Humanized Monoclonal Antibody against the Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Peptide.

Migraine is a debilitating disease that affects almost 15% of the population worldwide and is the first cause of disability in people under 50 years of age, yet its etiology and pathophysiology remain incompletely understood. Recently, small molecules and therapeutic antibodies that block the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling pathway have reduced migraine occurrence and aborted acute attacks of migraine in clinical trials and provided prevention in patients with episodic and chronic migraine. Heterogeneity is present within each diagnosis and patient's response to treatment, suggesting migraine as a final common pathway potentially activated by multiple mechanisms, e.g., not all migraine attacks respond to or are prevented by anti-CGRP pharmacological interventions. Consequently, other unique mechanisms central to migraine pathogenesis may present new targets for drug development. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) is an attractive novel target for treatment of migraines. We generated a specific, high-affinity, neutralizing monoclonal antibody (ALD1910) with reactivity to both PACAP38 and PACAP27. In vitro, ALD1910 effectively antagonizes PACAP38 signaling through the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide type I receptor, vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1, and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2. ALD1910 recognizes a nonlinear epitope within PACAP and blocks its binding to the cell surface. To test ALD1910 antagonistic properties directed against endogenous PACAP, we developed an umbellulone-induced rat model of neurogenic vasodilation and parasympathetic lacrimation. In vivo, this model demonstrates that the antagonistic activity of ALD1910 is dose-dependent, retaining efficacy at doses as low as 0.3 mg/kg. These results indicate that ALD1910 represents a potential therapeutic antibody to address PACAP-mediated migraine.

Induction of Migraine-Like Photophobic Behavior in Mice by Both Peripheral and Central CGRP Mechanisms.

The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a key player in migraine. Although migraine can be treated using CGRP antagonists that act peripherally, the relevant sites of CGRP action remain unknown. To address the role of CGRP both within and outside the CNS, we used CGRP-induced light-aversive behavior in mice as a measure of migraine-associated photophobia. Peripheral (intraperitoneal) injection of CGRP resulted in light-aversive behavior in wild-type CD1 mice similar to aversion seen previously after central (intracerebroventricular) injection. The phenotype was also observed in C57BL/6J mice, although to a lesser degree and with more variability. After intraperitoneal CGRP, motility was decreased in the dark only, similar to motility changes after intracerebroventricular CGRP. In addition, as with intracerebroventricular CGRP, there was no general increase in anxiety as measured in an open-field assay after intraperitoneal CGRP. Importantly, two clinically effective migraine drugs, the 5-HT1B/D agonist sumatriptan and a CGRP-blocking monoclonal antibody, attenuated the peripheral CGRP-induced light aversion and motility behaviors. To begin to address the mechanism of peripheral CGRP action, we used transgenic CGRP-sensitized mice that have elevated levels of the CGRP receptor hRAMP1 subunit in nervous tissue (nestin/hRAMP1). Surprisingly, sensitivity to low light was not seen after intraperitoneal CGRP injection, but was seen after intracerebroventricular CGRP injection. These results suggest that CGRP can act in both the periphery and the brain by distinct mechanisms and that CGRP actions may be transmitted to the CNS via indirect sensitization of peripheral nerves. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a central player in migraine pathogenesis, yet its site(s) of action remains unknown. Some preclinical studies have pointed to central sites in the brain and brainstem. However, a peripheral site of action is indicated by the ability of intravenous CGRP to trigger migraine in humans and the efficacy of CGRP receptor antagonists that evidently do no penetrate the CNS in effective amounts. Resolving this issue is particularly important given recent clinical trials showing that anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies can reduce and even prevent migraine attacks. In this study, we report that CGRP can act in both the brain and the periphery of the mouse to cause migraine-like photophobia by apparently distinct mechanisms.

Repetitive stress in mice causes migraine-like behaviors and calcitonin gene-related peptide-dependent hyperalgesic priming to a migraine trigger.

Migraine is one of the most disabling disorders worldwide but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Stress is consistently reported as a common trigger of migraine attacks. Here, we show that repeated stress in mice causes migraine-like behaviors that are responsive to a migraine therapeutic. Adult female and male mice were exposed to 2 hours of restraint stress for 3 consecutive days, after which they demonstrated facial mechanical hypersensitivity and facial grimace responses that were resolved by 14 days after stress. Hypersensitivity or grimace was not observed in either control animals or those stressed for only 1 day. After return to baseline, the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 0.1 mg/kg) elicited mechanical hypersensitivity in stressed but not in control animals, demonstrating the presence of hyperalgesic priming. This suggests the presence of a migraine-like state, because nitric oxide donors are reliable triggers of attacks in migraine patients but not controls. The stress paradigm also caused priming responses to dural pH 7.0 treatment. The presence of this primed state after stress is not permanent because it was no longer present at 35 days after stress. Finally, mice received either the calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibody ALD405 (10 mg/kg) 24 hours before SNP or a coinjection of sumatriptan (0.6 mg/kg). ALD405, but not sumatriptan, blocked the facial hypersensitivity due to SNP. This stress paradigm in mice and the subsequent primed state caused by stress allow further preclinical investigation of mechanisms contributing to migraine, particularly those caused by common triggers of attacks.

CD11c/CD18: novel ligands and a role in delayed-type hypersensitivity.

CD11c, a member of the leukointegrin family, is expressed prominently on tissue macrophages and dendritic cells and binds to complement fragment (iC3b), provisional matrix molecules (fibrinogen), and the Ig superfamily cell adhesion molecule, ICAM-1. CD11c has been proposed to function in phagocytosis, cell migration, and cytokine production by monocytes/macrophages as well as induction of T cell proliferation by Langerhans cells. Using assays to quantify CD11c-mediated cell adhesion, we demonstrate that CD11c recognizes ICAM-2 and VCAM-1. The CD11c-binding site on VCAM-1 appears to be different from that used by the integrin alpha4. CD11c and alpha4beta1 contributed to monocyte capture and transmigration on inflamed human aortic endothelial cells. We discovered that the anti-mouse CD11c mAb N418 blocks CD11c binding to iC3b, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1. Treatment of mice with N418 reduced SRBC-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity significantly. CD11c appeared to contribute predominantly to the sensitization phase and somewhat less to the response to SRBC challenge. This suggests a novel role for CD11c during leukocyte recruitment, antigen uptake, and the survival of APC.

Peripherally administered calcitonin gene-related peptide induces spontaneous pain in mice: implications for migraine.

Migraine is the third most common disease in the world (behind dental caries and tension-type headache) with an estimated global prevalence of 15%, yet its etiology remains poorly understood. Recent clinical trials have heralded the potential of therapeutic antibodies that block the actions of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor to prevent migraine. Calcitonin gene-related peptide is believed to contribute to trigeminal nerve hypersensitivity and photosensitivity in migraine, but a direct role in pain associated with migraine has not been established. In this study, we report that peripherally administered CGRP can act in a light-independent manner to produce spontaneous pain in mice that is manifested as a facial grimace. As an objective validation of the orbital tightening action unit of the grimace response, we developed a squint assay using a video-based measurement of the eyelid fissure, which confirmed a significant squint response after CGRP injection, both in complete darkness and very bright light. These indicators of discomfort were completely blocked by preadministration of a monoclonal anti-CGRP-blocking antibody. However, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam failed to block the effect of CGRP. Interestingly, an apparent sex-specific response to treatment was observed with the antimigraine drug sumatriptan partially blocking the CGRP response in male, but not female mice. These results demonstrate that CGRP can induce spontaneous pain, even in the absence of light, and that the squint response provides an objective biomarker for CGRP-induced pain that is translatable to humans.

Anti-CGRP antibodies block CGRP-induced diarrhea in mice.

The multifunctional neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its receptor are expressed throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Previous studies have shown that CGRP has roles in intestinal motility, water secretion, and inflammation. Furthermore, animal studies have demonstrated CGRP involvement in diarrhea secondary to C. difficile and food allergies. Diarrhea thus provides a convenient bioassay of CGRP activity in the GI system. In this proof of principle study, we report that prophylactic administration of an anti-CGRP antibody is able to block CGRP-induced diarrhea in mice. As a control, the CGRP-receptor antagonist olcegepant also attenuated the diarrhea response to CGRP. This preclinical study indicates that anti-CGRP antibodies may provide a new preventative therapy for gastrointestinal disorders involving CGRP.

ALD1613, a Novel Long-Acting Monoclonal Antibody to Control ACTH-Driven Pharmacology.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is the primary regulator of adrenal glucocorticoid production. Elevated levels of ACTH play a critical role in disease progression in several indications, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia and Cushing disease. We have generated a specific, high-affinity, neutralizing monoclonal antibody (ALD1613) to ACTH. In vitro, ALD1613 neutralizes ACTH-induced signaling via all 5 melanocortin receptors and inhibited ACTH-induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation in a mouse adrenal cell line (Y1). ALD1613 administration to wild-type rats significantly reduced plasma corticosterone levels in a dose-dependent manner. In rodent models with either chronic infusion of ACTH or acute restraint stress-induced ACTH, corticosterone levels were significantly reduced by ALD1613. Administration of ALD1613 to nonhuman primates on days 1 and 7 stably reduced plasma cortisol levels >50% for 57 days. ALD1613 demonstrates the potential of a monoclonal antibody to be an effective therapeutic for conditions with elevated ACTH levels.

In vitro high-throughput screening assay for modulators of transcription.

We developed a 96-well microtiter-plate high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for the detection of modulators of transcription. This HTS assay consists of three steps: (1) the in vitro transcription reaction; (2) modification and hybridization of RNA products; and (3) washing and quantification. During the first step, a DNA template containing the promoter of interest upstream of a cassette lacking guanosine residues in one of its strands (G-less cassette) is incubated with nuclear extract and the necessary cofactors/activators and substrates. During the second step, the in vitro synthesized transcripts are digested with RNase T1 and hybridized to two DNA oligonucleotides. One oligonucleotide is biotinylated for trapping of the RNA products to a streptavidin-coated plate, and the other is europium-labeled for detection by time-resolved fluorescence. We show that this assay is highly reproducible and robust, yielding results comparable to those obtained by standard methodologies employing radioactive nucleotide incorporation and gel electrophoresis while offering a very significant advantage in terms of throughput (>2000 assay points per operator per day). We demonstrate the usefulness of the assay for the discovery of small molecule inhibitors of transcription, and applications of this approach for the high-throughput discovery of transcriptional modulators are discussed.

A novel mutation in CD83 results in the development of a unique population of CD4+ T cells.

Using a mouse mutagenesis screen, we have identified CD83 as being critical for the development of CD4(+) T cells and for their function postactivation. CD11c(+) dendritic cells develop and function normally in mice with a mutated CD83 gene but CD4(+) T cell development is substantially reduced. Additionally, we now show that those CD4(+) cells that develop in a CD83 mutant animal fail to respond normally following allogeneic stimulation. This is at least in part due to an altered cytokine expression pattern characterized by an increased production of IL-4 and IL-10 and diminished IL-2 production. Thus, in addition to its role in selection of CD4(+) T cells, absence of CD83 results in the generation of cells with an altered activation and cytokine profile.