Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
09:37
Imaging the Human Immunological Synapse
Published on: December 26, 2019
Synapse elimination during development and disease: immune molecules take centre stage
Dorothy P Schafer1, Beth Stevens
1Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Children's Hospital Boston, and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, 1 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Biochemical Society Transactions
|March 20, 2010
Summary
The immune system
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Synapse elimination is crucial for nervous system development.
- Early synapse loss characterizes neurodegenerative diseases.
- Immune molecules are implicated in normal synapse elimination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore if developmental synapse elimination mechanisms contribute to neurodegeneration.
- To review neuroimmune proteins involved in synapse elimination and dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neuroimmune proteins and synapse elimination.
- Analysis of the role of the immune system in neurodegeneration.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests immune system molecules, like the complement cascade, are involved in synapse elimination.
- These mechanisms may be shared between development and neurodegenerative disease.
Conclusions:
- Neuroimmune pathways are critical in both normal synapse development and disease-related synapse loss.
- Understanding these pathways may reveal therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
01:21EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research
Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are excellent models for disease research because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into most cell types. Somatic cells from a patient are isolated and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These iPSCs are later differentiated into the desired cell type, which mirrors the diseased cell of the patient. In this way, disease models have been created for investigating diseases such as Down syndrome, type I diabetes,...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:26Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview