title: An update on Schwann cell biology--immunomodulation, neural regulation and other surprises.
abstract: Schwann cells are primarily discussed in the context of their ability to form myelin. However there are many subtypes of these neural crest derived cells including satellite cells of the dorsal root ganglia and autonomic ganglia, the perisynaptic Schwann cells of the neuromuscular junction and the non-myelin forming Schwann cells which ensheathe the unmyelinated fibres of the peripheral nervous system which are about 80% of peripheral nerves. This review discusses the many functions of these Schwann cell subsets including their seminal role in axonal ensheathment, perineuronal organisation, maintenance of normal neural function, synapse formation, response to damage and repair and an increasingly recognised active role in pain syndromes.
authors: Neuroinflammation Group, Brain Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050 NSW, Australia. Electronic address: patricia.armati@sydney.edu.au.
authors: Patricia J
authors: PJ
authors: Armati
authors: Emily K
authors: EK
authors: Mathey
mesh_terms: D000320:Adrenergic Fibers / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000294:innervation; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000502:physiology; D009411:Nerve Endings / Q000502:physiology; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Bone marrow niche; Haematopoietic stem cells; Pain; Peripheral nervous system; Perisynaptic Schwann cell; Satellite cell; Schwann cell; Sympathetic fibres