eBook: Advanced Tools Transforming Neurology Research - 8

cells with the assistance of various cytokines and
growth factors, offering a physiologically relevant
platform to study intricate cellular and molecular
interactions in controlled environments.13
The occurrence of neuroinflammation
Neuroinflammation is an immune response activated
by microglia and astrocytes in the CNS,
it plays crucial roles in the development of neurodegenerative
diseases
such
as
Parkinson's,
Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and major depression,
including autophagy dysfunction, CNS lymphatic
drainage dysfunction, and traumatic brain injury.1,2
It is commonly believed that protein aggregation
in the central nervous system can induce neuroinflammation.
However, there is growing evidence
that inflammation occurs even earlier than protein
aggregation. Neuroinflammation in the CNS or peripheral
immune cells may be more likely to induce
protein deposition and exacerbate disease in some
populations.14,15
The immune system plays a crucial role in defending
against and removing invading pathogenic
microorganisms, maintaining tissue homeostasis,
and recovering from injury.16
Normally, immune
response plays a neuroprotective role. However,
if normal ablative mechanisms fail to clear the
inflammatory stimulus, the resulting persistent
chronic inflammation in the CNS may trigger
the release of neurotoxic factors, promoting disease
progression.14
Therefore, understanding the
molecules and signaling pathways involved in
the CNS is vital for in-depth investigation of the
mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of neurodegenerative
diseases.
Key components of
neuroinflammatory response
The following will explore the intricate web of CNS
processes and components that constitute neuroinflammatory
responses and contribute to the
development of neurological disorders.17,18
Cytokines and chemokines Cytokines and
chemokines are signaling molecules that play a
pivotal role in orchestrating the immune response
during neuroinflammation. Among these, TNF-α,
IL-1β, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are well-established
drug targets. Elevated levels of these pro-inflammatory
cytokines are observed in neuroinflammatory
conditions.6,7,19,20
Microglia and macrophage markers Microglia
and macrophages are the primary immune cells
in the CNS. The activation of these cells is a hallmark
of neuroinflammation.21
Researchers use
antibodies against markers such as CD11b, CD68,
and Iba1 to label and study these cells in tissue
sections and culture systems.22,23
These antibodies
are essential for comprehending the dynamics of
microglial and macrophage activation and their
contribution to neuroinflammation.
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) Toll-like receptors (TLRs)
are a family of pattern recognition receptors that
recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns
(PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns
(DAMPs). TLRs play a crucial role in the induction of
innate immunity, and their modulators are potential
drug targets.10
Anti-inflammatory cytokines While pro-inflammatory
cytokines drive neuroinflammation, anti-inflammatory
cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-β
counterbalance this response. Anti-inflammatory
cytokines exert their anti-inflammatory effects by
8

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eBook: Advanced Tools Transforming Neurology Research

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