Acta Neuropathologica Communications (Oct 2018)

Modulation of astrocyte reactivity improves functional deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease

  • Kelly Ceyzériat,
  • Lucile Ben Haim,
  • Audrey Denizot,
  • Dylan Pommier,
  • Marco Matos,
  • Océane Guillemaud,
  • Marie-Ange Palomares,
  • Laurene Abjean,
  • Fanny Petit,
  • Pauline Gipchtein,
  • Marie-Claude Gaillard,
  • Martine Guillermier,
  • Sueva Bernier,
  • Mylène Gaudin,
  • Gwenaëlle Aurégan,
  • Charlène Joséphine,
  • Nathalie Déchamps,
  • Julien Veran,
  • Valentin Langlais,
  • Karine Cambon,
  • Alexis P Bemelmans,
  • Jan Baijer,
  • Gilles Bonvento,
  • Marc Dhenain,
  • Jean-François Deleuze,
  • Stéphane H R Oliet,
  • Emmanuel Brouillet,
  • Philippe Hantraye,
  • Maria-Angeles Carrillo-de Sauvage,
  • Robert Olaso,
  • Aude Panatier,
  • Carole Escartin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40478-018-0606-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 1
pp. 1 – 23

Abstract

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Abstract Astrocyte reactivity and neuroinflammation are hallmarks of CNS pathological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, the specific role of reactive astrocytes is still debated. This controversy may stem from the fact that most strategies used to modulate astrocyte reactivity and explore its contribution to disease outcomes have only limited specificity. Moreover, reactive astrocytes are now emerging as heterogeneous cells and all types of astrocyte reactivity may not be controlled efficiently by such strategies. Here, we used cell type-specific approaches in vivo and identified the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, as necessary and sufficient for the induction and maintenance of astrocyte reactivity. Modulation of this cascade by viral gene transfer in mouse astrocytes efficiently controlled several morphological and molecular features of reactivity. Inhibition of this pathway in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease improved three key pathological hallmarks by reducing amyloid deposition, improving spatial learning and restoring synaptic deficits. In conclusion, the JAK2-STAT3 cascade operates as a master regulator of astrocyte reactivity in vivo. Its inhibition offers new therapeutic opportunities for Alzheimer’s disease.

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