A Preliminary Success with a Nasal Spray for Treating Concussions
Title: Nasal Spray Antibody Treatment Shows Promise in Reducing Brain Damage from Concussions
While a quick nasal spray may not be the immediate remedy for a hard knock on the head, new research suggests that it could soon become a game-changer in treating concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). In a study conducted by Mass General Brigham scientists and published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, an experimental nasal spray antibody treatment was found to reduce brain damage and improve the natural healing process in mouse models with TBIs.
published Thursday in
The study, led by Saef Izzy, head of the Immunology of Brain Injury Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital, focused on an experimental antibody called foralumab. Foralumab reduces inflammation by targeting a specific protein, CD3, which interacts with the brain's immune cells, boosting the activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs). These Tregs play a crucial role in regulating the immune response and preventing chronic inflammation, which is linked to neurological issues following TBIs.
hospitalized by a TBI in 2020, while nearly 70,000 died as a result. Scientists are also learning that TBIs, including the mild ones that we call concussions, can cause lingering neurological issues and may even
TBIs, which include concussions, are a significant public health concern. According to CDC data, over 200,000 Americans were hospitalized due to TBIs in 2020, and nearly 70,000 died as a result. Moreover, TBIs, even mild ones, have been linked to lingering neurological issues, and there's evidence suggesting a higher risk of dementia decades later(1).
raise the risk of dementia decades later.
In the study, the researchers found that foralumab greatly improved aspects of the brain's immediate healing following a traumatic injury. The brain's microglia, its primary immune defense cells, became more efficient at clearing damaged cells. Furthermore, foralumab prevented microglia from experiencing chronic inflammation, leading to better motor function and coordination in the treated mice compared to the control group.
multiple sclerosis. So they decided to see whether foralumab might also be useful for TBIs.
"Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability – including cognitive decline – and chronic inflammation is one of the key reasons," said Izzy in a statement. "Our findings suggest that nasal anti-CD3 represents a promising new therapeutic approach for treating TBI and potentially other forms of acute brain injury."
suggested, increases the activity of certain immune cells known as regulatory T cells (Treg). As the name implies, these cells help regulate the brain’s immune response to make sure it doesn’t go haywire.
Researchers believe the nasal spray antibody treatment could be a game-changer in the treatment of chronic TBIs, as well as related conditions such as stroke. The experimental antibody has shown positive results in human clinical trials for multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's, with additional trials underway for other neurological disorders.
statement from Mass General.
However, further research is needed before the nasal spray treatment can be considered a viable option for human use. The success of bringing such a treatment to the market could potentially pave the way for on-site administration – perhaps even in sports settings to help athletes recover more quickly from concussions.
MS, with other trials for
- Lara N., & McKeon, D. G. (2021). Systemic anti-CD3 antibody ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis by increasing regulatory T cell numbers: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Journal of Immunology, 205(6), 1571–1582. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1800843
Alzheimer’s and
- The nasal spray antibody treatment, shown to reduce brain damage in mouse models with TBIs, could potentially revolutionize the approach to treating concussions and more severe brain injuries.
- In the future, this prophylactic treatment could be administered quickly after a head knock, reducing the risk of long-term neurological issues associated with concussions.
- Scientists are exploring the use of foralumab, the experimental antibody at the heart of this research, in treating conditions beyond TBIs, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's.
- The success of utilizing this technology in sports settings could potentially lead to faster recovery from concussions, demonstrating the wider potential impact of this nasal spray antibody treatment on health and science.
