Inﬂammation in neurodegenerative diseases – an update

Immunology, 2014 · DOI: 10.1111/imm.12233 · Published: February 1, 2014

Simple Explanation

Neurodegenerative diseases, which cause brain cell dysfunction and loss, are major contributors to cognitive and motor problems. A key factor in these diseases is the ongoing activation of the immune system, particularly microglia, which can lead to both damage and repair in the brain. Understanding how the immune system affects brain damage and regeneration is crucial for creating effective treatments to improve the lives of those affected by these conditions.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
Chronic activation of innate immune responses, especially by microglia, is a common link among various neurodegenerative diseases, potentially leading to neurotoxic pathways and progressive degeneration.
2
The adaptive immune response plays dual roles in neurodegenerative diseases, contributing to tissue damage but also aiding in resolving inflammation, neuroprotection, and repair.
3
Immune responses in the CNS are influenced by aging and prior environmental exposures, creating a 'primed' environment that increases susceptibility to damage and may explain the higher prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly.

Research Summary

Neurodegeneration, the progressive dysfunction and loss of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), is the major cause of cognitive and motor dysfunction. The growing awareness that the immune system is inextricably involved in mediating damage as well as regeneration and repair in neurodegenerative disorders, has prompted novel approaches to modulate the immune system, although it remains whether these approaches can be used in humans. A better understanding of how immune responses are involved in neuronal damage and regeneration, as reviewed here, will be essential to develop effective therapies to improve quality of life, and mitigate the personal, economic and social impact of these diseases.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Development

A deeper understanding of immune regulation in the CNS can lead to novel therapies targeting reparative processes to control chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disorders.

Personalized Medicine

Considering factors like aging and environmental exposures when developing treatments can help tailor interventions to individual patients.

Prevention Strategies

Identifying and managing viral and bacterial infections, dietary factors, and toxic environmental compounds may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Study Limitations

1
The translation of findings from animal models to humans remains a challenge due to human-specific factors like aging and environmental exposures.
2
The exact mechanisms of antibody-mediated neuronal damage in diseases like MS and NMO are not fully clarified.
3
The specific factors in humans that lead to the 'priming' of immune responses in the CNS with aging are still unclear.

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