Neuroimmunometabolism: A New Pathological Nexus Underlying Neurodegenerative Disorders

J Neurosci. 2022 Mar 9;42(10):1888-1907. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0998-21.2022. Epub 2022 Jan 13.

Abstract

Neuroimmunometabolism is an emerging field that examines the intersection of immunologic and metabolic cascades in the brain. Neuroinflammatory conditions often involve differential metabolic reprogramming in neuronal and glial cells through their immunometabolic sensors. The impact of such bioenergetic adaptation on general brain function is poorly understood, but this cross-talk becomes increasingly important in neurodegenerative disorders that exhibit reshaping of neuroimmunometabolic pathways. Here we summarize the intrinsic balance of neuroimmunometabolic substrates and sensors in the healthy brain and how their dysregulation can contribute to the pathophysiology of various neurodegenerative disorders. This review also proposes possible avenues for disease management through neuroimmunometabolic profiling and therapeutics to bridge translational gaps and guide future treatment strategies.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neuroimmunometabolism intersects with neuroinflammation and immunometabolic regulation of neurons and glial cells in the CNS. There is emerging evidence that neuroimmunometabolism plays an essential role in the manifestation of CNS degeneration. This review highlights how neuroimmunometabolic homeostasis is disrupted in various neurodegenerative conditions and could be a target for new therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: immunometabolic sensors; neurodegeneration; neuroimmunometabolism; neuroinflammation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / metabolism
  • Central Nervous System Diseases*
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / metabolism
  • Neurons / metabolism