Differential expression of major histocompatibility complex class I in developmental glioneuronal lesions.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The expression of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) in the brain has received considerable interest not only because of its fundamental role in the immune system, but also for its non-immune functions in the context of activity-dependent brain development and plasticity.

METHODS:

In the present study we evaluated the expression and cellular pattern of MHC-I in focal glioneuronal lesions associated with intractable epilepsy. MHC-I expression was studied in epilepsy surgery cases with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD I, n = 6; FCD IIa, n = 6 and FCD IIb, n = 15), tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC, cortical tubers; n = 6) or ganglioglioma (GG; n = 15) using immunocytochemistry. Evaluation of T lymphocytes with granzyme-B+ granules and albumin immunoreactivity was also performed.

RESULTS:

All lesions were characterized by MHC-I expression in blood vessels. Expression in both endothelial and microglial cells as well as in neurons (dysmorphic/dysplastic neurons) was observed in FCD II, TSC and GG cases. We observed perivascular and parenchymal T lymphocytes (CD8+, T-cytotoxic) with granzyme-B+ granules in FCD IIb and TSC specimens. Albumin extravasation, with uptake in astrocytes, was observed in FCD IIb and GG cases.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings indicate a prominent upregulation of MHC-I as part of the immune response occurring in epileptogenic glioneuronal lesions. In particular, the induction of MHC-I in neuronal cells appears to be a feature of type II FCD, TSC and GG and may represent an important accompanying event of the immune response, associated with blood-brain barrier dysfunction, in these developmental lesions.

• Authors: Avanita S Prabowo, Anand M Iyer, Jasper J Anink, Wim G M Spliet, Peter C van Rijen, Eleonora Aronica
• Journal: Journal of neuroinflammation (J Neuroinflammation) Vol. 10 Pg. 12 (Jan 24 2013) ISSN: 1742-2094 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23347564 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Gene Expression Regulation (immunology)
• Genes, MHC Class I (immunology)
• Humans
• Major Histocompatibility Complex (immunology)
• Male
• Microglia (immunology, metabolism, pathology)
• Neurons (immunology, metabolism, pathology)
• Tuberous Sclerosis (immunology, metabolism, pathology)
• Young Adult