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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
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Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo
Published on: March 26, 2019
Cribriform plate microenvironment assembles a suppressive myeloid network during EAE-induced neuroinflammation.
Collin Laaker1, Martin Hsu2, Andy Madrid1
1Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, United States.
Elife
|July 8, 2026
Summary
During neuroinflammation, myeloid cells accumulate at the cribriform plate, creating an immunosuppressive environment. These cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells, show unique signatures promoting tolerance and reducing inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics
Background:
- Myeloid cells (CD11c+CD11b+) accumulate at the mouse cribriform plate during neuroinflammation.
- The cribriform plate is a critical site for cerebrospinal fluid and antigen outflow.
- Podoplanin-expressing cells expand at this site, forming a unique drainage microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize myeloid cells populating the cribriform plate and olfactory bulb meninges during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (a model of neuroinflammation).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
- Employed immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to analyze myeloid cells.
Main Results:
- Macrophages and dendritic cells in this region exhibit distinct expressional signatures.
- These signatures are associated with immune tolerance and cell death.
- A reduced inflammatory profile was observed in these myeloid cells.
Conclusions:
- Myeloid cell retention at the cribriform plate and olfactory bulb meninges promotes a local immunosuppressive environment.
- This suggests a role for these cells in regulating immune responses within the central nervous system's outflow pathways.
