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Improved 3D Hydrogel Cultures of Primary Glial Cells for In Vitro Modelling of Neuroinflammation
Published on: December 8, 2017
Perivascular spaces and the two steps to neuroinflammation
Trevor Owens1, Ingo Bechmann, Britta Engelhardt
1Medical Biotechnology Center, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark. towens@health.sdu.dk
Immune cells navigate the central nervous system (CNS) via specific blood vessels. This review details how CNS vasculature controls immune cell entry for homeostasis and neuroinflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Immune cells patrol the central nervous system (CNS) for immunosurveillance and in disease.
- The CNS vasculature possesses unique features that maintain homeostasis and regulate neuroinflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomical and functional aspects of CNS vasculature related to immune cell trafficking.
- To elucidate the mechanisms governing immune cell entry into the CNS parenchyma.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on CNS immunology and vascular biology.
- Analysis of the blood-brain barrier concept and its evolution.
- Examination of solute transport versus immune cell migration pathways.
Main Results:
- CNS capillaries regulate solute transport, while postcapillary venules mediate immune cell migration.
- Immune cell entry into CNS parenchyma involves transmigration across the vascular wall and progression through the glia limitans.
- Distinct regulatory mechanisms govern these two steps of immune cell infiltration.
Conclusions:
- The CNS vasculature employs specific anatomical and cellular mechanisms to control immune cell entry.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing therapies for inflammatory neurological diseases.
- Targeting specific steps in immune cell trafficking may offer therapeutic strategies for CNS disorders.
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