The changing face of cytokines in the brain: perspectives from EAE.
There has been a significant increase in the number of cytokines known to exist, over the past few years. This has led to a re-examination of the established roles of cytokines, as the functions of newly identified members are characterized. In this review, we describe how the recent discovery and characterization of interleukin (IL) -23 has led to a re-evaluation of the role of interferon (IFN) gamma and IFNgamma-inducing factors in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Recent studies suggest that IFNgamma-secreting T cells, considered the hallmark of EAE, may not be the major detrimental effector cell, and may even have a regulatory function. The impact of this on current understanding of cytokine networks underlying CNS inflammation in EAE is discussed.
Wheeler
R D
RD
Montreal Neurological Institute, 3801 University Street, Montreal H3A 2B4, Canada. rachel.wheeler@mail.mcgill.ca
Owens
T
T
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000502:physiology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000502:physiology; D007378:Interleukins / Q000502:physiology
D016207:Cytokines; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D007378:Interleukins; D007371:Interferon-gamma