Innate immune responses of glia and inflammatory cells in spinal cord injury

Lun Li, Cigdem Acioglu, Robert F. Heary, Stella Elkabes

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) initiates a robust innate immune response at the lesion site which fosters neuroinflammation. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are the principal mediators of neuroinflammation. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the best-characterized family of PRRs and they are activated in response to endogenous ligands released by damaged cells following injury. Activation of TLR2 and TLR4 promotes the protection, repair, and functional recovery following SCI. In contrast, antagonism of TLR9 protects injured axons, modulates astrocyte function at the glial scar, polarizes macrophages into a beneficial phenotype, and improves the functional outcomes of SCI. The role of other TLRs in SCI remains elusive and warrants further investigation. Elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying TLR signaling in SCI could provide insights into their mode of action in multiple CNS pathologies.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationCellular, Molecular, Physiological, and Behavioral Aspects of Spinal Cord Injury
PublisherElsevier
Pages153-164
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9780128224274
ISBN (Print)9780128224281
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine
  • General Neuroscience

Keywords

  • Astrogliosis
  • Neurodegeneration
  • Neuroinflammation
  • Neuroprotection
  • Pattern recognition receptors
  • Regeneration
  • Toll-like receptors

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