The adaptive immune system in diseases of the central nervous system
David C. Wraith, Lindsay B. Nicholson
David C. Wraith, Lindsay B. Nicholson
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The adaptive immune system in diseases of the central nervous system

Abstract

Tissues of the CNS, such as the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord, may be affected by a range of insults including genetic, autoimmune, infectious, or neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The immune system is involved in the pathogenesis of many of these, either by causing tissue damage or alternatively by responding to disease and contributing to repair. It is clearly vital that cells of the immune system patrol the CNS and protect against infection. However, in contrast to other tissues, damage caused by immune pathology in the CNS can be irreparable. The nervous and immune systems have, therefore, coevolved to permit effective immune surveillance while limiting immune pathology. Here we will consider aspects of adaptive immunity in the CNS and the retina, both in the context of protection from infection as well as cancer and autoimmunity, while focusing on immune responses that compromise health and lead to significant morbidity.

Authors

David C. Wraith, Lindsay B. Nicholson

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Figure 1

Physical barriers protecting the brain.

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Physical barriers protecting the brain. The brain is the most highly pro...
The brain is the most highly protected organ in the body. It is protected from physical insult by the skull and associated tissues. The BBB provides protection from pathogens in the blood and from the cells and antibodies of the immune system. The BBB is more effective than other vascular-tissue barriers because the endothelial cells form tight junctions of high electrical resistance that limit transcellular movement of molecules. The glia limitans, formed from parenchymal basement membrane and astrocytic foot processes, forms a further barrier between blood and neuronal tissue.