Salivary gland epithelial cells from patients with Sjögren's syndrome induce B-lymphocyte survival and activation.

OBJECTIVE: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is characterised by chronic hyperactivation of B lymphocytes. Salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) could play a role in promoting B-lymphocyte activation within the target tissue. We aimed to study the interactions between SGECs from patients with pSS or controls and B lymphocytes. METHODS: Patients had pSS according to 2016 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology criteria. Gene expression analysis of SGECs and B lymphocytes from pSS and controls isolated from salivary gland biopsies and blood was performed by RNA-seq. SGECs from pSS and controls were cocultured with B-lymphocytes sorted from healthy donor blood and were stimulated. Transwell and inhibition experiments were performed. RESULTS: Gene expression analysis of SGECs identified an upregulation of interferon signalling pathway and genes involved in immune responses (HLA-DRA, IL-7 and B-cell activating factor receptor) in pSS. Activation genes CD40 and CD48 were upregulated in salivary gland sorted B lymphocytes from patients with pSS. SGECs induced an increase in B-lymphocyte survival, which was higher for SGECs from patients with pSS than controls. Moreover, when stimulated with poly(I:C), SGECs from patients with pSS induced higher activation of B-lymphocytes than those from controls. This effect depended on soluble factors. Inhibition with anti-B-cell activating factor, anti-A proliferation-inducing ligand, anti-interleukin-6-R antibodies, JAK1/3 inhibitor or hydroxychloroquine had no effect, conversely to leflunomide, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) or phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: SGECs from patients with pSS had better ability than those from controls to induce survival and activation of B lymphocytes. Targeting a single cytokine did not inhibit this effect, whereas leflunomide, BTK or PI3K inhibitors partially decreased B-lymphocyte viability in this model. This gives indications for future therapeutic options in pSS.

Cx3cr1-deficient microglia exhibit a premature aging transcriptome.

CX3CR1, one of the highest expressed genes in microglia in mice and humans, is implicated in numerous microglial functions. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Cx3cr1 signaling are not well understood. Here, we analyzed transcriptomes of Cx3cr1-deficient microglia under varying conditions by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). In 2-mo-old mice, Cx3cr1 deletion resulted in the down-regulation of a subset of immune-related genes, without substantial epigenetic changes in markers of active chromatin. Surprisingly, Cx3cr1-deficient microglia from young mice exhibited a transcriptome consistent with that of aged Cx3cr1-sufficient animals, suggesting a premature aging transcriptomic signature. Immunohistochemical analysis of microglia in young and aged mice revealed that loss of Cx3cr1 modulates microglial morphology in a comparable fashion. Our results suggest that CX3CR1 may regulate microglial function in part by modulating the expression levels of a subset of inflammatory genes during chronological aging, making Cx3cr1-deficient mice useful for studying aged microglia.

Association between changes in gene signatures expression and disease activity among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the stability of BAFF, interferon, plasma cell and LDG neutrophil gene expression signatures over time, and whether changes in expression coincided with changes in SLE disease activity. METHODS: Two hundred forty-three patients with SLE were evaluated for disease activity, serological parameters and peripheral blood gene signatures in clinic visits (2 or more per patient) that occurred between 2009 and 2012. Levels of the BAFF gene transcript, plasma cell signature, Interferon (IFN) signature and the low density granulocytes (LDG)-associated neutrophil gene signature were assessed in PAX-gene-preserved peripheral blood by global microarray. The stability of repeated measures of gene expression was quantified using intra-class correlation coefficients. SLE disease activity was measured using the Physicians Global Assessment and the SELENA-SLEDAI index and its components. Using a mixed effects regression model we assessed: 1) the association between a patient's average gene signature expression over time and disease activity, and 2) the association between a patient's changes in gene expression over time and changes in disease activity. RESULTS: Gene expression signatures showed more within-person stability than systolic blood pressure. The IFN signature exhibited the most stability. Patients with high levels of BAFF and IFN transcripts tended to have significantly higher levels of musculoskeletal disease, skin disease, anti-dsDNA, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and lower levels of complement. However, changes in BAFF or IFN gene signatures were not associated with changes in disease activity. Similar associations were seen between the LDG gene signature and disease activity. However, when LDG increased, complement tended to increase. Patients with high levels of plasma cell gene signature tended to have higher levels of anti-dsDNA and lower levels of complement. However, unlike the other gene signatures, changes in plasma cell gene signature significantly coincided with changes in anti-dsDNA and complement. CONCLUSIONS: The gene expression signatures were relatively stable within patients over time. BAFF and interferon gene expression were markers of patients with generally higher disease activity, but changes in these gene signatures did not coincide with changes in disease activity. Plasma Cell gene signature expression tracked with the traditional SLE serologic markers of anti-dsDNA and complement.

CDK12-mediated transcriptional regulation of noncanonical NF-κB components is essential for signaling.

Members of the family of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) transcription factors are critical for multiple cellular processes, including regulating innate and adaptive immune responses, cell proliferation, and cell survival. Canonical NF-κB complexes are retained in the cytoplasm by the inhibitory protein IκBα, whereas noncanonical NF-κB complexes are retained by p100. Although activation of canonical NF-κB signaling through the IκBα kinase complex is well studied, few regulators of the NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK)-dependent processing of noncanonical p100 to p52 and the subsequent nuclear translocation of p52 have been identified. We discovered a role for cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) in transcriptionally regulating the noncanonical NF-κB pathway. High-content phenotypic screening identified the compound 919278 as a specific inhibitor of the lymphotoxin ß receptor (LTßR), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member 12A (FN14)-dependent nuclear translocation of p52, but not of the TNF-α receptor-mediated nuclear translocation of p65. Chemoproteomics identified CDK12 as the target of 919278. CDK12 inhibition by 919278, the CDK inhibitor THZ1, or siRNA-mediated knockdown resulted in similar global transcriptional changes and prevented the LTßR- and FN14-dependent expression of MAP3K14 (which encodes NIK) as well as NIK accumulation by reducing phosphorylation of the carboxyl-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II. By coupling a phenotypic screen with chemoproteomics, we identified a pathway for the activation of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway that could serve as a therapeutic target in autoimmunity and cancer.

Antisense-mediated reduction of EphA4 in the adult CNS does not improve the function of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal adult onset motor neuron disease characterized by progressive denervation and subsequent motor impairment. EphA4, a negative regulator of axonal growth, was recently identified as a genetic modifier in fish and rodent models of ALS. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of EphA4 for ALS, we examined the effect of CNS-directed EphA4 reduction in preclinical mouse models of ALS, and assessed if the levels of EPHA4 mRNA in blood correlate with disease onset and progression in human ALS patients. We developed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to specifically reduce the expression of EphA4 in the central nervous system (CNS) of adult mice. Intracerebroventricular administration of an Epha4-ASO in wild-type mice inhibited Epha4 mRNA and protein in the brain and spinal cord, and promoted re-innervation and functional recovery after sciatic nerve crush. In contrast, lowering of EphA4 in the CNS of two mouse models of ALS (SOD1G93A and PFN1G118V) did not improve their motor function or survival. Furthermore, the level of EPHA4 mRNA in human blood correlated weakly with age of disease onset, and it was not a significant predictor of disease progression as measured by ALS Functional Rating Scores (ALSFRS). Our data demonstrates that lowering EphA4 in the adult CNS may not be a stand-alone viable strategy for treating ALS.

Anti-LINGO-1 has no detectable immunomodulatory effects in preclinical and phase 1 studies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the anti-LINGO-1 antibody has immunomodulatory effects. METHODS: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs), rat splenocytes, and rat CD4+ T cells were assessed to determine whether LINGO-1 was expressed and was inducible. Anti-LINGO-1 Li81 (0.1-30 µg/mL) effect on proliferation/cytokine production was assessed in purified rat CD4+ T cells and hPBMCs stimulated with antibodies to CD3 +/- CD28. In humans, the effect of 2 opicinumab (anti-LINGO-1/BIIB033; 30, 60, and 100 mg/kg) or placebo IV administrations was evaluated in RNA from blood and CSF samples taken before and after administration in phase 1 clinical trials; paired samples were assessed for differentially expressed genes by microarray. RNA from human CSF cell pellets was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR for changes in transcripts representative of cell types, activation markers, and soluble proteins of the adaptive/innate immune systems. ELISA quantitated the levels of CXCL13 protein in human CSF supernatants. RESULTS: LINGO-1 is not expressed in hPBMCs, rat splenocytes, or rat CD4+ T cells; LINGO-1 blockade with Li81 did not affect T-cell proliferation or cytokine production from purified rat CD4+ T cells or hPBMCs. LINGO-1 blockade with opicinumab resulted in neither significant changes in immune system gene expression in blood and CSF, nor changes in CXCL13 CSF protein levels (clinical studies). CONCLUSIONS: These data support the hypothesis that LINGO-1 blockade does not affect immune function. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that in patients with MS, opicinumab does not have immunomodulatory effects detected by changes in immune gene transcript expression.

SMN deficiency in severe models of spinal muscular atrophy causes widespread intron retention and DNA damage.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease, is the leading monogenic cause of infant mortality. Homozygous loss of the gene survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) causes the selective degeneration of lower motor neurons and subsequent atrophy of proximal skeletal muscles. The SMN1 protein product, survival of motor neuron (SMN), is ubiquitously expressed and is a key factor in the assembly of the core splicing machinery. The molecular mechanisms by which disruption of the broad functions of SMN leads to neurodegeneration remain unclear. We used an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based inducible mouse model of SMA to investigate the SMN-specific transcriptome changes associated with neurodegeneration. We found evidence of widespread intron retention, particularly of minor U12 introns, in the spinal cord of mice 30 d after SMA induction, which was then rescued by a therapeutic ASO. Intron retention was concomitant with a strong induction of the p53 pathway and DNA damage response, manifesting as γ-H2A.X positivity in neurons of the spinal cord and brain. Widespread intron retention and markers of the DNA damage response were also observed with SMN depletion in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons. We also found that retained introns, high in GC content, served as substrates for the formation of transcriptional R-loops. We propose that defects in intron removal in SMA promote DNA damage in part through the formation of RNA:DNA hybrid structures, leading to motor neuron death.

Identification of Novel CD4+ T Cell Subsets in the Target Tissue of Sjögren's Syndrome and Their Differential Regulation by the Lymphotoxin/LIGHT Signaling Axis.

Despite being one of the most common rheumatologic diseases, there is still no disease-modifying drug for primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Advancing our knowledge of the target tissue has been limited by the low dimensionality of histology techniques and the small size of human salivary gland biopsies. In this study, we took advantage of a molecularly validated mouse model of pSS to characterize tissue-infiltrating CD4+ T cells and their regulation by the lymphotoxin/LIGHT signaling axis. Novel cell subsets were identified by combining highly dimensional flow and mass cytometry with transcriptomic analyses. Pharmacologic modulation of the LTßR signaling pathway was achieved by treating mice with LTßR-Ig, a therapeutic intervention currently being tested in pSS patients (Baminercept trial NCT01552681). Using these approaches, we identified two novel CD4+ T cell subsets characterized by high levels of PD1: Prdm1+ effector regulatory T cells expressing immunoregulatory factors, such as Il10, Areg, Fgl2, and Itgb8, and Il21+ effector conventional T cells expressing a pathogenic transcriptional signature. Mirroring these observations in mice, large numbers of CD4+PD1+ T cells were detected in salivary glands from Sjögren's patients but not in normal salivary glands or kidney biopsies from lupus nephritis patients. Unexpectedly, LTßR-Ig selectively halted the recruitment of PD1- naive, but not PD1+, effector T cells to the target tissue, leaving the cells with pathogenic potential unaffected. Altogether, this study revealed new cellular players in pSS pathogenesis, their transcriptional signatures, and differential dependency on the lymphotoxin/LIGHT signaling axis that help to interpret the negative results of the Baminercept trial and will guide future therapeutic interventions.

Dimethyl fumarate alters microglia phenotype and protects neurons against proinflammatory toxic microenvironments.

Delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an approved treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). Microglia are considered central to MS pathophysiology, however the effects of DMF and the primary metabolite monomethyl fumarate (MMF) on microglia are not well characterized. We demonstrated that DMF and MMF altered transcriptional responses in primary microglia related to the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 pathway. Additionally, through an NRF2 independent manner, DMF, but not MMF significantly reduced production of proinflammatory mediators in classically activated microglia, and further rescued mitochondrial respiratory deficits in primary cortical neurons that were induced by activated microglia. These data suggest the mechanism of action of DMF may involve modulation of microglia inflammatory responses and attenuation of neurotoxicity.

Clinical Application of a Modular Genomics Technique in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Progress towards Precision Medicine.

Monitoring disease activity in a complex, heterogeneous disease such as lupus is difficult. Both over- and undertreatment lead to damage. Current standard of care serologies are unreliable. Better measures of disease activity are necessary as we move into the era of precision medicine. We show here the use of a data-driven, modular approach to genomic biomarker development within lupus-specifically lupus nephritis.

Pharmacodynamics of Dimethyl Fumarate Are Tissue Specific and Involve NRF2-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms.

AIMS: Gastro-resistant dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an oral therapeutic indicated for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. Recent data suggest that a primary pharmacodynamic response to DMF treatment is activation of the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) pathway; however, the gene targets modulated downstream of NRF2 that contribute to DMF-dependent effects are poorly understood. RESULTS: Using wild-type and NRF2 knockout mice, we characterized DMF transcriptional responses throughout the brain and periphery to understand DMF effects in vivo and to explore the necessity of NRF2 in this process. Our findings identified tissue-specific expression of NRF2 target genes as well as NRF2-dependent and -independent gene regulation after DMF administration. Furthermore, using gene ontology, we identified common biological pathways that may be regulated by DMF and contribute to in vivo functional effects. INNOVATION: Together, these data suggest that DMF modulates transcription through multiple pathways, which has implications for the cytoprotective, immunomodulatory, and clinical properties of DMF. CONCLUSION: These findings provide further understanding of the DMF mechanism of action and propose potential therapeutic targets that warrant further investigation for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 24, 1058-1071.

Small molecule mediated inhibition of RORγ-dependent gene expression and autoimmune disease pathology in vivo.

Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor γ (RORγ) orchestrates a pro-inflammatory gene expression programme in multiple lymphocyte lineages including T helper type 17 (Th17) cells, γδ T cells, innate lymphoid cells and lymphoid tissue inducer cells. There is compelling evidence that RORγ-expressing cells are relevant targets for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Unlike Th17 cells, where RORγ expression is induced under specific pro-inflammatory conditions, γδ T cells and other innate-like immune cells express RORγ in the steady state. Small molecule mediated disruption of RORγ function in cells with pre-existing RORγ transcriptional complexes represents a significant and challenging pharmacological hurdle. We present data demonstrating that a novel, selective and potent small molecule RORγ inhibitor can block the RORγ-dependent gene expression programme in both Th17 cells and RORγ-expressing γδ T cells as well as a disease-relevant subset of human RORγ-expressing memory T cells. Importantly, systemic administration of this inhibitor in vivo limits pathology in an innate lymphocyte-driven mouse model of psoriasis.

BAFF (B cell activating factor) transcript level in peripheral blood of patients with SLE is associated with same-day disease activity as well as global activity over the next year.

OBJECTIVES: Quantitating gene expression is a potential method of developing biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Because of the known pathological role of B cell activating factor (BAFF) in SLE, we explored the association between BAFF gene expression and clinical activity in SLE. METHODS: A total of 275 patients with SLE completed this phase of a prospective observational study. At entry into the study, the BAFF gene expression levels were determined in peripheral blood RNA. Serum concentration of BAFF protein was also measured. We then determined clinical associations with SLE disease history, SLE activity on the same day and SLE activity over the course of the next year. RESULTS: Elevated BAFF gene expression was associated with a history of more leucopenia and serologically with more autoantibodies (anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, anti-Ro, anti-La and anti-RNP) and low complement. Patients with higher amounts of BAFF transcript had higher measured levels of clinical disease activity. Initial high levels of BAFF gene expression also predicted increased disease activity over the course of the next year. In contrast, serum concentration of BAFF protein was not strongly associated with same-day global disease activity or with future disease activity. CONCLUSIONS: BAFF gene expression level is associated with clinical and serological SLE activity on the same day and predictive of clinical activity over the next year. BAFF gene expression is a better measure and predictor of SLE disease activity than the serum BAFF protein level.

Rescue of gene-expression changes in an induced mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy by an antisense oligonucleotide that promotes inclusion of SMN2 exon 7.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by disruption of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, partly compensated for by the paralogous gene SMN2. Exon 7 inclusion is critical for full-length SMN protein production and occurs at a much lower frequency for SMN2 than for SMN1. Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated blockade of an intron 7 splicing silencer was previously shown to promote inclusion of SMN2 exon 7 in SMA mouse models and mediate phenotypic rescue. However, downstream molecular consequences of this ASO therapy have not been defined. Here we characterize the gene-expression changes that occur in an induced model of SMA and show substantial rescue of those changes in central nervous system tissue upon intracerebroventricular administration of an ASO that promotes inclusion of exon 7, with earlier administration promoting greater rescue. This study offers a robust reference set of preclinical pharmacodynamic gene expression effects for comparison of other investigational therapies for SMA.

Lymphotoxin-LIGHT pathway regulates the interferon signature in rheumatoid arthritis.

A subset of patients with autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus appear to be exposed continually to interferon (IFN) as evidenced by elevated expression of IFN induced genes in blood cells. In lupus, detection of endogenous chromatin complexes by the innate sensing machinery is the suspected driver for the IFN, but the actual mechanisms remain unknown in all of these diseases. We investigated in two randomized clinical trials the effects on RA patients of baminercept, a lymphotoxin-beta receptor-immunoglobulin fusion protein that blocks the lymphotoxin-αß/LIGHT axis. Administration of baminercept led to a reduced RNA IFN signature in the blood of patients with elevated baseline signatures. Both RA and SLE patients with a high IFN signature were lymphopenic and lymphocyte counts increased following baminercept treatment of RA patients. These data demonstrate a coupling between the lymphotoxin-LIGHT system and IFN production in rheumatoid arthritis. IFN induced retention of lymphocytes within lymphoid tissues is a likely component of the lymphopenia observed in many autoimmune diseases. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00664716.

ProbeSelect: selecting differentially expressed probes in transcriptional profile data.

SUMMARY: Transcriptional profiling still remains one of the most popular techniques for identifying relevant biomarkers in patient samples. However, heterogeneity in the population leads to poor statistical evidence for selection of most relevant biomarkers to pursue. In particular, human transcriptional differences can be subtle, making it difficult to tease out real differentially expressed biomarkers from the variability inherent in the population. To address this issue, we propose a simple statistical technique that identifies differentially expressed probes in heterogeneous populations as compared with controls. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The algorithm has been implemented in Java and available at www.sourceforge.net/projects/probeselect.

Identification and characterization of mefloquine efficacy against JC virus in vitro.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare but frequently fatal disease caused by the uncontrolled replication of JC virus (JCV), a polyomavirus, in the brains of some immunocompromised individuals. Currently, no effective antiviral treatment for this disease has been identified. As a first step in the identification of such therapy, we screened the Spectrum collection of 2,000 approved drugs and biologically active molecules for their anti-JCV activities in an in vitro infection assay. We identified a number of different drugs and compounds that had significant anti-JCV activities at micromolar concentrations and lacked cellular toxicity. Of the compounds with anti-JCV activities, only mefloquine, an antimalarial agent, has been reported to show sufficiently high penetration into the central nervous system such that it would be predicted to achieve efficacious concentrations in the brain. Additional in vitro experiments demonstrated that mefloquine inhibits the viral infection rates of three different JCV isolates, JCV(Mad1), JCV(Mad4), and JCV(M1/SVEDelta), and does so in three different cell types, transformed human glial (SVG-A) cells, primary human fetal glial cells, and primary human astrocytes. Using quantitative PCR to quantify the number of viral copies in cultured cells, we have also shown that mefloquine inhibits viral DNA replication. Finally, we demonstrated that mefloquine does not block viral cell entry; rather, it inhibits viral replication in cells after viral entry. Although no suitable animal model of PML or JCV infection is available for the testing of mefloquine in vivo, our in vitro results, combined with biodistribution data published in the literature, suggest that mefloquine could be an effective therapy for PML.

TWEAK, via its receptor Fn14, is a novel regulator of mesenchymal progenitor cells and skeletal muscle regeneration.

Inflammation participates in tissue repair through multiple mechanisms including directly regulating the cell fate of resident progenitor cells critical for successful regeneration. Upon surveying target cell types of the TNF ligand TWEAK, we observed that TWEAK binds to all progenitor cells of the mesenchymal lineage and induces NF-kappaB activation and the expression of pro-survival, pro-proliferative and homing receptor genes in the mesenchymal stem cells, suggesting that this pro-inflammatory cytokine may play an important role in controlling progenitor cell biology. We explored this potential using both the established C2C12 cell line and primary mouse muscle myoblasts, and demonstrated that TWEAK promoted their proliferation and inhibited their terminal differentiation. By generating mice deficient in the TWEAK receptor Fn14, we further showed that Fn14-deficient primary myoblasts displayed significantly reduced proliferative capacity and altered myotube formation. Following cardiotoxin injection, a known trigger for satellite cell-driven skeletal muscle regeneration, Fn14-deficient mice exhibited reduced inflammatory response and delayed muscle fiber regeneration compared with wild-type mice. These results indicate that the TWEAK/Fn14 pathway is a novel regulator of skeletal muscle precursor cells and illustrate an important mechanism by which inflammatory cytokines influence tissue regeneration and repair. Coupled with our recent demonstration that TWEAK potentiates liver progenitor cell proliferation, the expression of Fn14 on all mesenchymal lineage progenitor cells supports a broad involvement of this pathway in other tissue injury and disease settings.

Lymphotoxin-beta receptor signaling is required for the homeostatic control of HEV differentiation and function.

The lymphotoxin axis is important for the maintenance of several specialized lymphoid microenvironments in secondary lymphoid tissue. Lymphoid-tissue architecture is highly plastic and requires continual homeostatic signaling to maintain its basal functional state. The cellularity of lymph nodes in adult mice was reduced by systemic blockade of lymphotoxin-beta receptor (LTbeta R) signaling with a soluble decoy receptor both in resting and reactive settings. This reduction in cellularity resulted from greatly impaired lymphocyte entry into lymph nodes due to decreased levels of peripheral lymph node addressing (PNAd) and MAdCAM on high endothelial venules (HEV). LTbeta R signaling was required to maintain normal levels of RNA expression of MAdCAM, and also of PNAd by regulating the expression of key enzymes and scaffold proteins required for its assembly. Thus, the homeostatic maintenance of functional HEV status in adult mice relies largely on LTbeta R signaling.

TAJ/TROY, an orphan TNF receptor family member, binds Nogo-66 receptor 1 and regulates axonal regeneration.

Myelin-associated inhibitory factors (MAIFs) are inhibitors of CNS axonal regeneration following injury. The Nogo receptor complex, composed of the Nogo-66 receptor 1 (NgR1), neurotrophin p75 receptor (p75), and LINGO-1, represses axon regeneration upon binding to these myelin components. The limited expression of p75 to certain types of neurons and its temporal expression during development prompted speculation that other receptors are involved in the NgR1 complex. Here, we show that an orphan receptor in the TNF family called TAJ, broadly expressed in postnatal and adult neurons, binds to NgR1 and can replace p75 in the p75/NgR1/LINGO-1 complex to activate RhoA in the presence of myelin inhibitors. In vitro exogenously added TAJ reversed neurite outgrowth caused by MAIFs. Neurons from Taj-deficient mice were more resistant to the suppressive action of the myelin inhibitors. Given the limited expression of p75, the discovery of TAJ function is an important step for understanding the regulation of axonal regeneration.