Innate Immunity in the Pathogenesis of Selected Autoimmune Neurological Diseases

The human immune system consists of two main components: innate and adaptive immunity. To date, research on the pathogenesis of autoimmune neurological diseases has primarily focused on the role of adaptive immunity. However, growing evidence highlights the significant contribution of innate immune mechanisms in the development of neurological disorders. The aim of this article is to present the current state of knowledge regarding the involvement of innate immunity in the pathogenesis and treatment of selected autoimmune neurological diseases: multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), myasthenia gravis (MG), and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). A literature review was conducted, including both experimental and clinical data on the activity of innate immune effector cells-such as dendritic cells, macrophages, microglia, and natural killer (NK) cells-as well as plasma proteins, including the complement system. Relevant clinical and preclinical studies on targeted therapies affecting these components were also identified. All analyzed diseases demonstrate the involvement of innate immune elements in the initiation and maintenance of the inflammatory process. Furthermore, it has been shown that therapies targeting these components may offer clinical benefits.