Functional immune cell-astrocyte interactions

Author(s)

Sanmarco, Liliana M. ^[1] ; Polonio, Carolina M. ^{[1, 2]} ; Wheeler, Michael A. ^{[3, 1]} ; Quintana, Francisco J. ^{[3, 1]}

Affiliation

^[1] Harvard Med Sch, Brigham andWomens Hosp, Ann Romney Ctr Neurol Dis, Boston, MA 02115 - USA

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Ciencias Biomed 4, Immunol Dept, Neuroimmune Interact Lab, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Broad Inst MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142 - USA

• Document type: Review article
• Source: JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE; v. 218, n. 9 SEP 6 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Astrocytes are abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that control multiple aspects of health and disease. Through their interactions with components of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), astrocytes not only regulate BBB function, they also sense molecules produced by peripheral immune cells, including cytokines. Here, we review the interactions between immune cells and astrocytes and their roles in health and neurological diseases, with a special focus on multiple sclerosis (MS). We highlight known pathways that participate in astrocyte crosstalk with microglia, NK cells, T cells, and other cell types; their contribution to the pathogenesis of neurological diseases; and their potential value as therapeutic targets. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/13731-0 - MicroRNAs, neurodevelopment and antiviral immune response: how they can be connected?
• Grantee: Carolina Manganeli Polonio
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate