Innate immunity and neuroinflammation

Mediators Inflamm. 2013:2013:342931. doi: 10.1155/2013/342931. Epub 2013 Jun 15.

Abstract

Inflammation of central nervous system (CNS) is usually associated with trauma and infection. Neuroinflammation occurs in close relation to trauma, infection, and neurodegenerative diseases. Low-level neuroinflammation is considered to have beneficial effects whereas chronic neuroinflammation can be harmful. Innate immune system consisting of pattern-recognition receptors, macrophages, and complement system plays a key role in CNS homeostasis following injury and infection. Here, we discuss how innate immune components can also contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / cytology
  • Astrocytes / pathology
  • Central Nervous System / pathology
  • Complement System Proteins / physiology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate / physiology*
  • Inflammation / immunology*
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Ligands
  • Microglia / physiology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / immunology*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Complement System Proteins