Neuroimmunology Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is neuroimmunology
it is the study of interactions between the nervous and immune system including their role in diseases and brain function
What is the role of the TLR9-NF-kb signalling pathway in neurons
It is essential for learning induced memory formation
What are key components of the blood brain barrier
Endothelial cells (tight junctions),astrocytes and pericytes
Function of the blood brain barrier
It protects the brain by regulating molecule transport and preventing pathogen entry
What is the neurovvascular unit
A system of endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes that maintain the brains microenvironment
what are microglia
resident immune cells of the brain that perform immune surveillance and synaptic pruning
How do microglia maintain homeostasis in the brain
They prune weak synapses through SIRPa-CD47 signalling
WHat are the 2 main functions of the microglia
Neuroprotection
neuroinflammation
What are thee main pathological features of alzeiheimers disease
Amyloid-b-plaques
tau tangles
chronic neuroinnflammation
What immune receptors and molecules are involved in Alzheimers disease
Trem2 (microglial phagocytosis receptor)
NLRP3(activates IL-1B production)
What is multiple sclerosis
A chronic inflammatory disease where t cells attack cns myelin
WHat immune cells are involved in MS pathogenesis
Th1 and Th17 cells
microglia
macrophages
What is glioblastoma
An aggresive brain tumour withh an immunosuppresive microenvironment
What immune cells contribute to glioblastoma progression
Microglia /macrophages that shift to an immunosupressive M2 phenotype
What is the role of TGF -b in glioblastoma
It maintains the tumour immunosuppresive enviroment by inhibiting immune responses
What are some future direction in neuroimmunology research
Immunotherapies for alzeheimers ,MS and gliobstoma as well as better understanding neuroimmune interactions
