A CSF Disease-Associated Macrophage Signature defines Progressive Multiple Sclerosis [Frozen]

We combined retrospective flow cytometry of CSF cells from RRMS (n = 169), PMS (n = 56), and non-inflammatory controls (n = 74) with prospective CSF single-cell transcriptomics of 35 individuals (11 controls, 12 RRMS, and 12 PMS) and with confirmatory CSF ELISA. Available CSF single cell data from age-matched and Alzheimer’s disease served as additional controls. Results: Proportions of CD14+ monocytes in CSF are increased in PMS and correlated with clinical surrogate markers of progression.

Transcriptionally, these monocytes resembled border-associated macrophages (BAM)-like cells with a chronically activated antigen-presenting phenotype. Additionally, these monocytes shared some features with disease-associated microglia/macrophages (DAM), previously identified in neurodegeneration. Induction of DAM-associated molecules, including transcribed and soluble TREM2, was unique to SPMS and supported its differential diagnosis.

Interpretation: We thus identified MS stage-specific CSF signatures and shared cellular features of degeneration detectable in CSF of PMS patients.