Neuroinflammation in Huntington's disease

J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2010 Aug;117(8):1001-8. doi: 10.1007/s00702-010-0430-7. Epub 2010 Jun 10.

Abstract

Huntington's disease (HD) is a monogenic neurodegenerative disease characterized by abnormal motor movements, personality changes and early death. In contrast to other neurodegenerative diseases, very little is known about the role of neuroinflammation in HD. While the current data clearly demonstrate the existence of inflammatory processes in HD pathophysiology, the question of whether neuroinflammation is purely reactive or might actively participate in disease pathogenesis is currently a matter of ongoing research and debate. This review will try to shed some light on the current state of research in this area and provide an outlook on potential future developments.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Complement System Proteins / metabolism
  • Encephalitis / complications*
  • Ferritins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Huntington Disease / complications*
  • Huntington Disease / immunology*
  • Kynurenine / metabolism
  • Microglia / physiology*

Substances

  • Kynurenine
  • Complement System Proteins
  • Ferritins
  • Calcium