Neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating motor neuron disorder. Traditionally regarded as a 'neuron only' disease, recent evidence suggested that other cells contribute critically to the pathogenesis. This review provides a short synopsis of the role neuroinflammation and microglial cells play in the disease and its animal models. A better understanding of neuroinflammation in motor neuron degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease progression promises to improve the rational design of greatly needed therapies.
Weydt
Patrick
P
Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6465, USA.
Möller
Thomas
T
D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology*; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D017628:Microglia / Q000276:immunology*; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000276:immunology*