Intercellular communication between peripheral monocytes and central nervous system cells in stroke.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Ischemic stroke causes dynamic interactions between peripheral monocytes and central nervous system (CNS) cells.
• Monocytes infiltrate the brain, differentiating into macrophages that interact with resident CNS cells, influencing neuroinflammation and repair.
• The gut-immune-brain axis represents another critical communication interface affecting stroke outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding monocyte-CNS communication post-stroke.
• To explore the translational potential of targeting these communication pathways for stroke recovery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating monocyte infiltration and interaction in the CNS after stroke.
• Analysis of research on the gut-immune-brain axis in the context of stroke.
• Examination of emerging therapeutic strategies targeting immune cells and their communication.

Main Results:

• Monocyte-derived macrophages interact with microglia, astrocytes, endothelial cells, and neurons, with context-dependent detrimental or beneficial effects.
• Chemokines, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles mediate these crucial immune-CNS interactions.
• Emerging therapies, including stem cell-based and cell-free approaches, aim to modulate these pathways.

Conclusions:

• Modulating the immune-neural interface offers significant therapeutic potential for enhancing stroke recovery.
• Targeting monocyte subsets, their recruitment, and communication pathways are key strategies for future stroke interventions.