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Current Immunology Reviews (Discontinued)

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1573-3955
ISSN (Online): 1875-631X

Astrocytes Exert and Control Immune Responses in the Brain

Author(s): Chiara Cordiglieri and Cinthia Farina

Volume 6, Issue 3, 2010

Page: [150 - 159] Pages: 10

DOI: 10.2174/157339510791823655

Price: $65

Abstract

Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and exert several important functions. Firstly, astrocytes strongly contribute to mechanical holding of the nervous tissue and to blood brain barrier generation and maintenance. Besides this structural role, astrocytes regulate neuron-glia communication by secreting neurotrophic factors and modulating neurotransmitter release and metabolism, control cerebral blood flow, keep CNS protected from pathogens while allowing passage of nutrients and maintaining tissue homeostasis. This review will focus on the ability of astrocytes in initiating and tuning cerebral immune responses, and will emphasize the importance of these astrocytic properties in both neuroinflammation and neuroprotection settings.

Keywords: Astrocytes, CNS, inflammation, immunity, neuroprotection


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