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Neuronal chemokines: versatile messengers in central nervous system cell interaction
A H de Haas1, H R J van Weering, E K de Jong
1Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands.
Molecular Neurobiology
|October 24, 2007
Summary
Chemokines, versatile messengers, regulate more than cell migration. Neuronal chemokines play key roles in central nervous system (CNS) cell interactions, impacting neuron-astrocyte and neuron-microglia communication.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chemokines are primarily known for inducing cell migration.
- Recent evidence highlights their broader roles in intercellular communication.
- In the central nervous system (CNS), chemokines are present in both health and disease, with known roles in leukocyte infiltration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on neuronal chemokine expression.
- To discuss the potential functions of neuronal chemokines in CNS cell interactions.
- To highlight the underappreciated role of neurons in chemokine signaling within the CNS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating neuronal chemokine expression.
- Analysis of existing data on chemokine and chemokine receptor expression in CNS cells.
- Synthesis of findings to propose functional roles for neuronal chemokines.
Main Results:
- While astrocyte and microglia chemokine expression is well-documented, neuronal chemokine expression is less studied.
- Expression of neuronal chemokines and their receptors is observed in the CNS under physiological and pathological conditions.
- This suggests a significant contribution of neuronal chemokines to CNS cell communication.
Conclusions:
- Neurons actively participate in chemokine signaling within the CNS.
- Neuronal chemokines are involved in neuron-astrocyte, neuron-microglia, and neuron-neuron interactions.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the multifaceted roles of neuronal chemokines in CNS function and dysfunction.
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