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Cell trafficking through the choroid plexus

Rick B Meeker1, Kimberly Williams, Deirdre A Killebrew

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. meekerr@neurology.unc.edu

Cell Adhesion & Migration
|August 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The choroid plexus regulates immune cell entry into the brain's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Understanding its epithelial cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells offers new therapeutic strategies for CNS immune disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Dynamics
  • Blood-Brain Barrier Research

Background:

  • The choroid plexus is a critical interface between blood and CSF, regulating immune cell entry into the central nervous system (CNS).
  • It plays a key role in immune surveillance and trafficking of immune cells like T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells.
  • Mechanisms controlling immune cell trafficking through the choroid plexus are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the roles of choroid plexus epithelial cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells in controlling immune responses within the CNS.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms governing immune cell trafficking across the blood-CSF barrier.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets for CNS immune-related diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of adhesion molecule and chemokine expression by choroid plexus epithelial cells.
  • Investigation of antigen-presenting capabilities of resident macrophages and dendritic cells.
  • Study of immune cell transmigration across the blood-CSF barrier.

Main Results:

  • Choroid plexus epithelial cells utilize adhesion molecules and chemokines to control immune cell selection and transmigration.
  • Resident macrophages and dendritic cells within the choroid plexus can present antigens.
  • These cells may migrate into the ventricles to perform various immune functions.

Conclusions:

  • Choroid plexus epithelial cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells are key regulators of CNS immune responses.
  • Understanding these cell types and their interactions can lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
  • Targeting choroid plexus immune functions may offer new strategies for managing neurological diseases.

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