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The adaptive immune system in diseases of the central nervous system
David C. Wraith, Lindsay B. Nicholson
David C. Wraith, Lindsay B. Nicholson
Published April 2, 2012
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2012;122(4):1172-1179. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI58648.
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Review

The adaptive immune system in diseases of the central nervous system

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Abstract

Tissues of the CNS, such as the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord, may be affected by a range of insults including genetic, autoimmune, infectious, or neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The immune system is involved in the pathogenesis of many of these, either by causing tissue damage or alternatively by responding to disease and contributing to repair. It is clearly vital that cells of the immune system patrol the CNS and protect against infection. However, in contrast to other tissues, damage caused by immune pathology in the CNS can be irreparable. The nervous and immune systems have, therefore, coevolved to permit effective immune surveillance while limiting immune pathology. Here we will consider aspects of adaptive immunity in the CNS and the retina, both in the context of protection from infection as well as cancer and autoimmunity, while focusing on immune responses that compromise health and lead to significant morbidity.

Authors

David C. Wraith, Lindsay B. Nicholson

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Figure 3

Comparison of the BBB and BCSFB.

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Comparison of the BBB and BCSFB.
Brain barriers are made up of the endot...
Brain barriers are made up of the endothelial BBB and the epithelial BCSFB. (A) The BBB has two protective layers, the endothelium with tight junctions and the glia limitans, made up of parenchymal basement membrane and astrocyte foot processes. (B) In contrast to the CNS parenchyma, microvessels in the choroid plexus are fenestrated, allowing free diffusion between the blood and CSF. The BCSFB is made up of the choroid epithelial cells with their unique tight junctions.

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