The cellular response in neuroinflammation: The role of leukocytes, microglia and astrocytes in neuronal death and survival

Abstract

Neuroinflammation is a complex integration of the responses of all cells present within the CNS, including the neurons, macroglia, microglia and the infiltrating leukocytes. The initiating insult, environmental factors, genetic background and age/past experiences all combine to modulate the integrated response of this complex neuroinflammatory circuit. Here, we explore how these factors interact to lead to either neuroprotective versus neurotoxic inflammatory responses. We specifically focus on microglia and astrocytic regulation of autoreactive T cell responses.