Dopamine signals may guide migration of immune cells to infection sites
Dopamine may play a role in activating immune cells to migrate in the early stages of infection.... Read More...
immune cells
How a protein in your brain could protect against Alzheimer’s disease
White blood cells in the brain are regulated by the CD33 protein. CD33 decreases the likelihood that a person will develop Alzheimer's disease.... Read More...
The gut may be involved in the development of multiple sclerosis
Increased levels of Smad7 in T-cells is linked to multiple sclerosis-like symptoms in mice. In the intestines, the T-cells were more frequently activated and migrated to the central nervous system, where they triggered inflammation. Similar activation was seen in human patients with multiple sclerosis. The findings provide further evidence that multiple sclerosis may start in the intestines and spread via the CNS.... Read More...
Scientists should have sex and gender on the brain
Incorporating sex (the biological attributes distinguishing males, females, or intersex individuals) and gender (psychological, social, and cultural factors which affect how a human identifies in society) could help improve scientific research, reduce bias and create new opportunities for innovation.... Read More...
Immune cells rewire and repair the brain while we sleep
Microglia play a critical role in reorganizing neural connections, fighting infections, and repairing damage to neurons while we sleep.... Read More...
First evidence of immune response targeting brain cells in autism
Examining postmortem brains of ASD patients, researchers discover an accumulation of immune cells surrounding blood vessels in the brain. They also found blebs accumulating around blood vessels that contained astrocyte debris. The findings suggest autism may be an autoimmune disorder.... Read More...
Gut immunity more developed before birth than previously thought
The fetal gut has far better developed immune capabilities than previously thought. The findings could help develop new maternal vaccines and provide early insight into potential autoimmune disorders, which may occur later in life.... Read More...
Alzheimer’s disease risk gene APOE4 impairs function of brain immune cells
APOE4 increases the inflammatory response of human microglia while reducing cellular migration. The gene also impairs the metabolic activity of the immune cells. The findings show APOE4 has a profound impact on the basic functions of microglia.... Read More...
Creation of new brain cells plays an underappreciated role in Alzheimer’s disease
Microglia may play a significant role in disrupting neurogenesis in those with Alzheimer's disease. When mice were given drugs which caused microglial cells to die, neurogenesis returned to normal.... Read More...
Fingerprint of Multiple Sclerosis Immune Cells Identified
T helper cells in the blood of patients with multiple sclerosis infiltrate the central nervous system, causing inflammation and neural damage. ... Read More...
Study pinpoints cell types affected in brains of multiple sclerosis patients
Projection neurons have been implicated in the progression of multiple sclerosis. A new study reports projection neurons are damaged by immune cells. This damage could contribute to both atrophy and cognitive changes associated with the disease.... Read More...
Immune cells invade aging brains, disrupt new nerve cell formation
Intrusive T cells have been discovered in the brain's neurogenic niches of older mice and humans. Findings suggest the T cells impair neurogenesis.... Read More...