The interplay between the immune and central nervous systems in neuronal injury.
Once perceived as a region of limited immune activity, the CNS is now known to be an important site of immune interactions. Activated T cells can infiltrate the blood-brain barrier where they accumulate and proliferate in response to antigen restimulation. These leukocytes express proinflammatory cytokines that help in activating microglia and other immune cells. A profound inflammatory response ensues, which can lead to axonal injury and demyelination. In contrast, other T cells can be neuroprotective. CD4(+) Th2 cells secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines and can elicit the production of bioactive neurotrophins from CNS glia. In addition, neurons themselves can contribute to immune system regulation by being targets of neurotoxic T cells or by altering T-cell activity, including the generation of regulatory T cells. The interplay between components of the immune system and CNS contributes both to healthy brain function and to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Yong
V Wee
VW
Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1. vyong@ucalgary.ca
Marks
Steven
S
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000276:immunology*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology*; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D009474:Neurons / Q000276:immunology*