title: Understanding the Role of T Cells in CNS Homeostasis.
abstract: T cells within the central nervous system (CNS) have been generally considered pathogenic, especially in the context of neuroinflammatory disease. However, recent findings have revealed varied functions for T cells in the healthy CNS, as well as more complex roles for these cells in infection and injury than previously appreciated. Here we review evidence indicating important roles for different T cell subsets in the maintenance of CNS homeostasis. We examine the contribution of T cells in limiting inflammation and damage upon CNS injury, infection, and in neurodegeneration, and discuss the current understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. Insight into these processes will shed light on the adverse effects of T cell-depleting therapies and present inroads into new therapeutic approaches for treating diseases affecting the CNS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn(2)), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany. Electronic address: erik.ellwardt@unimedizin-mainz.de.
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ellwardt
authors.affiliation: Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
authors.forename: James T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.affiliation: Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Gutenberg Research College (GFK) Fellow, Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn(2)), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kipnis
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network (rmn(2)), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: Frauke
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zipp
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000276:immunology*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D020078:Neurogenic Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*