Role of microglia in CNS autoimmunity

Clin Dev Immunol. 2013:2013:208093. doi: 10.1155/2013/208093. Epub 2013 Jun 12.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in the Western world. The disease is characterized histologically by the infiltration of encephalitogenic TH1/TH17-polarized CD4(+) T cells, B cells, and a plethora of myeloid cells, resulting in severe demyelination ultimately leading to a degeneration of neuronal structures. These pathological processes are substantially modulated by microglia, the resident immune competent cells of the CNS. In this overview, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the highly diverse and complex function of microglia during CNS autoimmunity in either promoting tissue injury or tissue repair. Hence, understanding microglia involvement in MS offers new exciting paths for therapeutic intervention.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Central Nervous System / immunology*
  • Central Nervous System / pathology
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Microglia / immunology*
  • Microglia / pathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Myeloid Cells / immunology*
  • Myeloid Cells / pathology
  • Neurons / immunology*
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Signal Transduction
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins / genetics
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins / immunology
  • Th1-Th2 Balance

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins