Anti-Caspr-conjugated gold nanoparticles emergence as a novel approach in the treatment of EAE animal model

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of central nervous system which is increasing worldwide. Although immunosuppressive agents are used for the treatment of MS disease, nevertheless the lack of non-toxic and efficient therapeutic method is perceptible. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the effect of Contactin-associated protein (Caspr) antibody-, poly ethylene glycol (PEG)- and exosome combined gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in comparison to Glatiramer acetate as a selective treatment of MS disease in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. EAE was induced in female C57BL/6 mice and 25-day treatment with anti-Caspr-, PEG- and exosome combined GNPs was evaluated. Histopathological examination of spinal cord, regulatory T cells as well as inflammatory pathway including IFN-ɣ and IL-17 and mir-326 were investigated. The results showed the severity of MS symptoms was significantly decreased in all treated groups. Histological examination of the spinal cord indicated the reduced demyelination and immune cell infiltration. Besides, regulatory T cells were significantly increased following all treatments. Remarkably, the cytokine levels of IFN-ɣ and IL-17 as well as mir-326 is altered in treated groups. Taken together, the obtained findings demonstrate that the administration of anti-Caspr-, PEG- and exosome combined GNPs can be considered a potential treatment in MS disease.