Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

A Cell Culture Model for Studying the Role of Neuron-Glia Interactions in Ischemia
Published on: November 14, 2020
Ischemic neurons recruit natural killer cells that accelerate brain infarction
1Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Neurorepair and Regeneration, Tianjin and Ministry of Education and Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
Abstract:
Brain ischemia and reperfusion activate the immune system. The abrupt development of brain ischemic lesions suggests that innate immune cells may shape the outcome of stroke. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that can be swiftly mobilized during the earliest phases of immune responses, but their role during stroke remains unknown. Herein, we found that NK cells infiltrated the ischemic lesions of the human brain. In a mouse model of cerebral ischemia, ischemic neuron-derived fractalkine recruited NK cells, which subsequently determined the size of brain lesions in a T and B cell-independent manner. NK cell-mediated exacerbation of brain infarction occurred rapidly after ischemia via the disruption of NK cell tolerance, augmenting local inflammation and neuronal hyperactivity. Therefore, NK cells catalyzed neuronal death in the ischemic brain.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
Cytotoxic Edema: Pathophysiology
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...

