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Leukocyte-facilitated entry of intracellular pathogens into the central nervous system
1Department of Medicine, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center and the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (111/c), 921 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
Abstract:
Microbes use numerous strategies to invade the central nervous system. Leukocyte-facilitated entry is one such mechanism whereby intracellular pathogens establish infection by taking advantage of leukocyte trafficking to the central nervous system. Key components of this process include peripheral infection and activation of leukocytes, activation of cerebral endothelial cells with or without concomitant infection, and trafficking of infected leukocytes to and through the blood-brain or blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier.
Insights
Microbes invade the central nervous system using leukocyte-facilitated entry. Infected immune cells exploit normal trafficking routes across the blood-brain barrier to establish central nervous system infections.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microbes employ diverse strategies to breach the central nervous system (CNS) defenses.
- Leukocyte-facilitated entry represents a significant route for CNS invasion by intracellular pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of leukocyte-facilitated entry into the central nervous system.
- To identify key steps involved in pathogen invasion via immune cell trafficking.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the process of leukocyte trafficking to the CNS.
- It examines the activation of leukocytes and cerebral endothelial cells.
- Analysis of infected leukocyte migration across the blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers.
Main Results:
- Peripheral infection and subsequent leukocyte activation are critical.
- Cerebral endothelial cell activation, with or without concurrent infection, facilitates entry.
- Infected leukocytes successfully traffic to and penetrate CNS barriers.
Conclusions:
- Leukocyte-facilitated entry is a key strategy for microbes invading the CNS.
- Understanding this pathway is crucial for developing targeted therapies against neuroinfections.