Calcitonin gene-related peptide decreases IL-1beta, IL-6 as well as Ym1, Arg1, CD163 expression in a brain tissue context-dependent manner while ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Amelioration of signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, a multiple sclerosis model) that is induced by intrathecal delivery of CGRP neuropeptide, is accompanied by a context-dependent decrease in expression of markers associated to opposite inflammatory activity profiles in EAE, pro-inflammatory markers (IL-1 beta and IL-6) as well as anti-inflammatory markers (Ym1/Chil3, Arg1, CD163). It is hypothesized that, by this novel mechanism, CGRP promotes down-regulation of immune cell activation that facilitates the establishment of a beneficial environment in EAE provided also by other factors.192