ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only drug approved for the acute treatment of ischemic stroke but with two faces in the disease: beneficial fibrinolysis in the vasculature and damaging effects on the neurovascular unit and brain parenchyma. To improve this profile, we developed a novel strategy, relying on antibodies targeting the proneurotoxic effects of tPA. METHODS: After production and characterization of antibodies (αATD-NR1) that specifically prevent the interaction of tPA with the ATD-NR1 of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, we have evaluated their efficacy in a model of murine thromboembolic stroke with or without recombinant tPA-induced reperfusion, coupled to MRI, near-infrared fluorescence imaging, and behavior assessments. RESULTS: In vitro, αATD-NR1 prevented the proexcitotoxic effect of tPA without altering N-methyl-d-aspartate-induced neurotransmission. In vivo, after a single administration alone or with late recombinant tPA-induced thrombolysis, antibodies dramatically reduced brain injuries and blood-brain barrier leakage, thus improving long-term neurological outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our strategy limits ischemic damages and extends the therapeutic window of tPA-driven thrombolysis. Thus, the prospect of this immunotherapy is an extension of the range of treatable patients.