Divergent roles for tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the brain.
Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Prominent among such factors is the pleiotropic cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Under normal physiological conditions, TNF-alpha orchestrates a diverse array of functions involved in immune surveillance and defense, cellular homeostasis, and protection against certain neurological insults. However, paradoxical effects of this cytokine have been observed. TNF-alpha is elicited in the brain following injury (ischemia, trauma), infection (HIV, meningitis), neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), and chemically induced neurotoxicity. The multifarious identity for this cytokine appears to be influenced by several mechanisms. Among the most prominent are the regulation of TNFalpha-induced NF-kappaB activation by adapter proteins such as TRADD and TRAF, and second, the heterogeneity of microglia and their distribution pattern across brain regions. Here, we review the differential role of TNF-alpha in response to brain injury, with emphasis on neurodegeneration, and discuss the possible mechanisms for such diverse and region-specific effects.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC-NIOSH, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA.
Krishnan
K
Sriram
James P
JP
O'Callaghan
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000276:immunology; D007157:Immunologic Surveillance / Q000276:immunology; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000633:toxicity; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000633:toxicity
D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha