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Published on: April 13, 2017
Microglia in antiviral immunity of the brain and spinal cord
Carleigh A O'Brien1, F Chris Bennett2, Mariko L Bennett3
1Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States.
Abstract:
Viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are a significant cause of neurological impairment and mortality worldwide. As tissue resident macrophages, microglia are critical initial responders to CNS viral infection. Microglia seem to coordinate brain-wide antiviral responses of both brain resident cells and infiltrating immune cells. This review discusses how microglia may promote this antiviral response at a molecular level, from potential mechanisms of virus recognition to downstream cytokine responses and interaction with antiviral T cells. Recent advancements in genetic tools to specifically target microglia in vivo promise to further our understanding about the precise mechanistic role of microglia in CNS infection.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, are key responders to viral infections in the central nervous system (CNS). This review explores how they coordinate brain-wide antiviral defenses and interact with T cells.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Virology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) pose a significant global health threat, leading to neurological impairment and death.
- Microglia, as resident macrophages of the brain, are the primary immune cells involved in the initial response to CNS viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms by which microglia orchestrate brain-wide antiviral responses.
- To explore microglia's role in coordinating both resident brain cells and infiltrating immune cells during viral CNS infections.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current literature on microglia's function in CNS viral infections.
- It examines molecular pathways from virus recognition to cytokine signaling and T cell interactions.
- Recent advances in genetic tools for microglia targeting are highlighted.
Main Results:
- Microglia are crucial for initiating and coordinating antiviral immunity within the CNS.
- They recognize viral pathogens and trigger downstream inflammatory and immune signaling cascades.
- Microglia interact with T cells to shape adaptive antiviral immunity in the brain.
Conclusions:
- Microglia play a pivotal role in the host defense against viral infections in the CNS.
- Understanding microglia's molecular functions is essential for developing new therapeutic strategies.
- Targeted genetic approaches will enhance our knowledge of microglia's specific contributions to CNS antiviral immunity.
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