Human glial cell culture models of inflammation in the central nervous system.
Research into human central nervous system (CNS) disorders has traditionally focused on interconnecting neurons, thought to be the most important functional elements in the CNS. Consequently, animal models have developed as the central paradigm in CNS drug development. However, evidence is accumulating that suggests glial cells play a much more important role in health and disease in the CNS than has been previously acknowledged. Brain development, neurotransmission, inflammatory and neuroprotective pathways and blood-brain barrier functions rely on glial cells. It is also the case that human glial cell cultures adequately mimic in vivo glial cell behaviour, providing a novel and valuable tool for CNS drug discovery and development.
van Noort
Johannes M
JM
Business Unit Biomedical Research, TNO Quality of Life, P.O. Box 2215, 2301 CE Leiden, The Netherlands. jm.vannoort@pg.tno.nl
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D017628:Microglia / Q000378:metabolism