Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells
09:35

Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells

Published on: May 19, 2020

10.8K

Infection drives meningeal engraftment by inflammatory monocytes that impairs CNS immunity

Rejane Rua1, Jane Y Lee1, Alexander B Silva1

  • 1Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Nature Immunology
|March 20, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Inflammatory monocytes infiltrate the brain meninges after viral infection, replacing resident macrophages. This engraftment causes long-term defects in immune function within the central nervous system (CNS) meningeal compartment.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • Tissue macrophages, including those in the central nervous system (CNS) meninges, are crucial immune sentinels.
  • The behavior and long-term effects of infiltrating monocytes after CNS inflammation are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the residency, properties, and functional impact of infiltrating monocytes in the CNS meninges following viral infection.

Main Methods:

  • Induction of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection in a mouse model.
  • Analysis of meningeal macrophage (MM) and infiltrating monocyte populations using advanced imaging and immunological techniques.
  • Assessment of functional changes in MMs post-engraftment.

Main Results:

  • Resident MMs were depleted after viral infection due to interactions with cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
  • Inflammatory monocytes infiltrated the meninges and persisted for months after viral clearance.
  • Engrafted MMs exhibited long-term, interferon-γ-dependent functional defects, including altered immune sensing.

Conclusions:

  • Peripheral monocytes can engraft the CNS meningeal niche after inflammatory challenges.
  • This engraftment leads to persistent, detrimental alterations in the immune function of the meningeal compartment.

More Related Videos

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model07:26

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

Published on: July 1, 2018

7.7K
An In vitro Co-infection Model to Study Plasmodium falciparum-HIV-1 Interactions in Human Primary Monocyte-derived Immune Cells07:39

An In vitro Co-infection Model to Study Plasmodium falciparum-HIV-1 Interactions in Human Primary Monocyte-derived Immune Cells

Published on: August 15, 2012

14.2K

Related Concept Videos

What is the Immune System?01:38

What is the Immune System?

Overview
127.5K
Cranial and Spinal Meninges01:19

Cranial and Spinal Meninges

The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
3.9K
Energy to Drive Translocation01:37

Energy to Drive Translocation

Mitochondrial protein import is powered by two distinct energy sources: ATP hydrolysis and electrochemical potential across the inner membrane. Newly synthesized precursors are bound by cytosolic chaperones of the Hsp70 family, which guide them to the import receptors on the mitochondrial surface. Utilizing the energy of ATP hydrolysis, Hsp70 chaperones transfer these precursors to the TOM receptors on the mitochondrial outer membrane.
Generally, polypeptides are unfolded by two distinct...
2.8K
Humoral Immune Responses01:36

Humoral Immune Responses

Overview
83.8K
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,...
16.5K
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine01:27

CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine

Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
1.2K