Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response
12:50

Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response

Published on: September 15, 2017

TLRs as therapeutic targets in CNS inflammation and infection

Joao Pedras-Vasconcelos1, Montserrat Puig, Daniela Verthelyi

  • 1Laboratory of Immunology, Division of Therapeutic Proteins, Office of Biotechnology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Review, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition)
|June 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The central nervous system (CNS) is not immune-inert, as its cells express innate immune receptors like toll-like receptors (TLRs). These TLRs are involved in CNS pathology and repair, with therapeutics targeting them under development.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • The central nervous system (CNS) is increasingly recognized for its active immune surveillance.
  • Cells such as microglia, astrocytes, and neurons express innate immune receptors, notably toll-like receptors (TLRs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the role of innate immune receptors, specifically TLRs, in CNS function and pathology.
  • To underscore the therapeutic potential of modulating TLR activity in CNS diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on innate immunity in the CNS.
  • Analysis of the known functions of TLRs in neurological contexts.

Main Results:

  • CNS cells actively express and utilize innate immune receptors, including TLRs.
  • TLRs recognize conserved microbial patterns, implicating them in CNS responses to pathogens.
  • These receptors play dual roles in surveying CNS tissue and facilitating repair processes.

Conclusions:

  • The CNS possesses a robust innate immune system involving TLRs.
  • Modulating TLR activity presents a promising therapeutic strategy for infectious and inflammatory CNS disorders.

Related Concept Videos

T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...