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Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Analysis of Lymphocyte Extravasation Using an In Vitro Model of the Human Blood-brain Barrier
Published on: April 5, 2017
The role of innate lymphocytes in regulating brain and cognitive function
Youwen Si1, Yuanyue Zhang1, Kristen Zuloaga2
1Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
Abstract:
Mounting evidence indicates complex interaction between the immune system and the nervous system, challenging the traditional view about the immune privilege of the brain. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and innate-like T cells are unique families of immune cells that functionally mirror traditional T cells but may function via antigen- and T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-independent mechanisms. Recent work indicates that various ILCs and innate-like T cell subsets are present in the brain barrier tissue, where they play important roles in regulating brain barrier integrity, brain homeostasis and cognitive function. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the intricate roles for innate and innate-like lymphocytes in regulating brain and cognitive function.
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