Abstract

The CNS, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, is continuously monitored by resident microglia and blood-borne immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells and T cells to detect for damaging agents that would disrupt homeostasis and optimal functioning of these vital organs. Further, the CNS must balance between vigilantly detecting for potentially harmful factors and resolving any immunological responses that in themselves can create damage if left unabated. We discuss the physiological roles of the immune sentinels that patrol the CNS, the molecular markers that underlie their surveillance duties, and the consequences of interrupting their functions following injury and infection by viruses such as JC virus, human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus and West Nile virus.

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Publisher Full Text

Authors

Ousman SS, Kubes P

Institution

Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. sousman@ucalgary.ca

Source

Nature neuroscience 15:8 2012 Aug pg 1096-101

MeSH

Central Nervous System
Humans
Immunologic Surveillance
Neuroimmunomodulation

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22837040