Neuroimmune regulation of microglial activity involved in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases

J Neuroimmunol. 2014 Sep 15;274(1-2):1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.07.012. Epub 2014 Jul 23.

Abstract

Neuroinflammation constitutes a fundamental process involved in the progression of several neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. Microglial cells play a central role in neuroinflammation, promoting neuroprotective or neurotoxic microenvironments, thus controlling neuronal fate. Acquisition of different microglial functions is regulated by intercellular interactions with neurons, astrocytes, the blood-brain barrier, and T-cells infiltrating the central nervous system. In this study, an overview of the regulation of microglial function mediated by different intercellular communications is summarised and discussed. Afterward, we focus in T-cell-mediated regulation of neuroinflammation involved in neurodegenerative disorders.

Keywords: Blood–brain barrier; Microglia; Neo-antigens; Neurodegenerative disorders; Neuroinflammation; T-cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology
  • Microglia / immunology*
  • Neuritis / immunology*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / immunology*
  • Neuroimmunomodulation / immunology*