The role of inflammation in neurodegeneration: novel insights into the role of the immune system in C9orf72 HRE-mediated ALS/FTD

Mol Neurodegener. 2022 Mar 18;17(1):22. doi: 10.1186/s13024-022-00525-z.

Abstract

Neuroinflammation is an important hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). An inflammatory reaction to neuronal injury is deemed vital for neuronal health and homeostasis. However, a continued activation of the inflammatory response can be detrimental to remaining neurons and aggravate the disease process. Apart from a disease modifying role, some evidence suggests that neuroinflammation may also contribute to the upstream cause of the disease. In this review, we will first focus on the role of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 gene (C9orf72) hexanucleotide repeat expansions (HRE)-mediated ALS/FTD (C9-ALS/FTD). Additionally, we will discuss evidence from ex vivo and in vivo studies and finally, we briefly summarize the trials and progress of anti-inflammatory therapies.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory therapies; Astrocytes; C9orf72 HRE-mediated ALS/FTD; In-vivo and ex-vivo models; Microglia; Neuroinflammation; Peripheral immune cells.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / pathology
  • C9orf72 Protein / genetics
  • DNA Repeat Expansion / genetics
  • Frontotemporal Dementia* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immune System
  • Inflammation / genetics

Substances

  • C9orf72 Protein
  • C9orf72 protein, human