Title:Therapeutics Targeting Nogo-A Hold Promise for Stroke Restoration
Volume: 12
Issue: 2
Author(s): Prateek Kumar and Lawrence D.F. Moon
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Neurorestoration, stroke, cerebral ischemia, Nogo, antibodies, plasticity.
Abstract: Neurorestorative therapies for stroke aim to reverse disability by reparative mechanisms (rather than to
thrombolyse or to neuroprotect). A substantial and persuasive body of pre-clinical evidence has come from the evaluation
of antibodies against Nogo-A (a myelin-associated inhibitor of plasticity) in rat models of stroke. Particularly impressive
is the benefit of this therapy in models of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) when given to elderly
animals after a one week delay, in adult rats with co-morbidities, and in adult rats when treatment is delayed by up to 9
weeks after stroke (although antibodies against Nogo-A did not reverse disability in mice after proximal MCAO with
reperfusion). We predict that antibodies against Nogo-A will improve outcome further when combined with suitable
additional rehabilitation, and also that antibodies against Nogo-A will improve outcome in animal models of
haemmorhagic stroke that affect the same brain regions as ischemic stroke caused by MCAO. Antibodies against Nogo-A
have been shown to be safe in Phase I clinical trials for acute spinal cord injury, and this may eventually facilitate a trial in
stroke.
