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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 5

Adaptive immune responses in the CNS.

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Adaptive immune responses in the CNS.
Immune responses in the CNS may be...
Immune responses in the CNS may be helpful or harmful. Constant immune surveillance is required to control infections in the CNS, to control transient infections, or to maintain latent infections. Depletion of immune cells may lead to virus reactivation, while cross-reacting antibodies, which arise as a result of infection, autoimmune disease, or cancer, may cause movement disorders. Chronic inflammation arises when the adaptive immune response fails to eradicate an infection or alternatively responds to a CNS antigen, leading to autoimmune disease.

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