title: Immune cascades in human intervertebral disc: the pros and cons.
abstract: The unique structural hallmark of the intervertebral disc has made its central composition, the nucleus pulposus (NP), excluded from the immunologic tolerance. Consequently, the intervertebral disc is identified as an immune-privileged organ. Traditionally, local detrimental immune activities caused by NP at the lesion sites of the disc are noted as a significant factor contributing to disc degeneration. However, given the beneficial activities of immune cells in other immune-privileged sites on basis of current evidence, the degenerate disc might need the assistance of a subpopulation of immune cells to restore its structure and lessen inflammation. In addition, the beneficial impact of immune cells can be seen in the absorption of the herniated NP, which is an important factor causes the mechanical compression of nerve roots. Consequently, a modulated immune network in degenerate disc is essential for the restoration of this immune-privileged organ. Until now, the understandings of immune response in disc degeneration still rest on the harmful aspect. Further studies are needed to explore its beneficial influence. Accordingly, there are no absolutely the pros and cons in terms of immune reactions caused by NP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle Western Road, Xi'an, PR China.
authors.forename: Zhen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Xu-Hong
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Zhi-Heng
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Dino
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Samartzis
authors.forename: Hai-Qiang
authors.initials: HQ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Zhuo-Jing
authors.initials: ZJ
authors.lastname: Luo
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D015398:Signal Transduction
keywords: Intervertebral disc degeneration; immune privilege; immune reaction; nucleus pulposus