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Brain astrocytes and microglia express functional MR1 molecules that present microbial antigens to mucosal-associated

Raj Priya1, Randy R Brutkiewicz1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States.

Journal of Neuroimmunology
|October 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Brain cells, including astrocytes and microglia, can present microbial antigens through the MR1/MAIT cell pathway. This discovery opens new avenues for targeting neuroinflammatory disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Innate Immunity
  • Microbial Antigen Presentation

Background:

  • The role of brain-resident myeloid cells in antigen presentation via the MR1/MAIT cell axis is largely unexplored.
  • Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells are crucial in innate immunity against microbial infections.
  • The MR1 protein is essential for presenting microbial antigens to MAIT cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether brain astrocytes and microglia can present microbial antigens via the MR1/MAIT cell axis.
  • To determine the presence and function of MAIT cells within the central nervous system (CNS).

Main Methods:

  • Detection of MAIT cells in the normal mouse brain.
  • Assessment of MR1 expression on mouse astrocytes and microglia.
  • Stimulation of brain cells with *E. coli* and co-culture with MAIT cells.
  • Analysis of MR1 surface expression and MAIT cell activation.

Main Results:

  • MAIT cells were identified in the normal mouse brain.
  • Both astrocytes and microglia express MR1 on their surface.
  • Stimulation with *E. coli* upregulated MR1 expression on brain cells.
  • Antigen-dependent activation of MAIT cells was observed upon co-culture with stimulated astrocytes and microglia.

Conclusions:

  • Brain astrocytes and microglia possess the capacity to present microbial antigens through the MR1/MAIT cell pathway.
  • The MR1/MAIT cell axis represents a potential therapeutic target for neuroinflammatory diseases.
  • This axis may play a significant role in the CNS's response to microbial challenges.
Keywords:
Antigen presentationAstrocytesInnate immunityMAIT cellsMR1Microglia

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