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Interactions between lymphocytes, macrophages, and central nervous system cells

P O Couraud1

  • 1Laboratoire d'Immuno-Pharmacologie Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 0415, Université Paris VII, Institut Cochin de Génétique Moléculaire, France.

Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|September 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

The brain, once thought isolated, allows leukocyte entry during disease. This review explores the complex communication between immune cells and brain cells in neuropathology.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • The brain is traditionally viewed as an immunologically privileged site, restricting leukocyte traffic due to the blood-brain barrier.
  • The blood-brain barrier comprises specialized microvasculature and astrocytes, limiting blood-brain exchange.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multidirectional communication network between immune cells and central nervous system (CNS) cells.
  • To highlight cellular interactions during neuropathological conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies on leukocyte infiltration and CNS cell interactions.
  • Analysis of adhesion molecule expression and cytokine production.
  • Examination of communication pathways in neuropathological disorders.

Main Results:

  • Activated leukocytes can infiltrate the CNS, especially during neuropathological disorders like multiple sclerosis.
  • Leukocytes interact with various CNS cells, including endothelial cells, macroglia, and neurons.
  • A complex communication network involving adhesion molecules and cytokines is established.

Conclusions:

  • The brain is not entirely isolated and permits leukocyte traffic under specific conditions.
  • Neuropathological disorders involve intricate cellular communication networks between immune and CNS cells.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for addressing CNS diseases.

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