Immune circuitry in the peripheral nervous system.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review is to describe the local immune circuitry in the peripheral nervous system and its dialogue with systemic immunity under pathological conditions. Specifically, interactions of the immune system with cellular and extracellular components within peripheral nerve and immune functions of tissue-resident endoneurial macrophages and Schwann cells will be discussed.


RESULTS
New insights into the elements involved in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated disorders of the peripheral nervous system provide a better understanding of the complex interplay of these cellular and molecular components in the immunology of the peripheral nervous system.


CONCLUSIONS
The application of innovative and cutting-edge technologies to the study of immunoinflammatory disorders of the peripheral nervous system provides a better understanding of underlying principles of the organization of the immune network present in the peripheral nerve and its dialogue with the systemic immune system. This may foster the development of specific and highly effective therapies for immune-mediated disorders of the peripheral nerve.
Kieseier
Bernd C
BC
Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Hartung
Hans-Peter
HP
Wiendl
Heinz
H
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000502:physiology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology*; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D018448:Models, Immunological; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000502:physiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology