Repertoire and function of meningeal immunity in healthy and diseased brain
Jonathan Kipnis | Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, USA | [email protected]
Immune cells and their derived molecules have major impact on brain function. We have shown that a proper T cell compartment is critical for higher brain function. Mice deficient in adaptive immunity have impaired cognitive function compared to that of wild-type mice. Importantly, replenishment of the T cell compartment in immune deficient mice restored proper cognition. Our recent works also demonstrates the effect of the immune system on social behavior. Despite the robust influence on brain function, T cells are not found within the brain parenchyma, a fact that only adds more mystery into these enigmatic interactions between T cells and the brain. Our results suggest that meningeal space, surrounding the brain, is the site where CNS-associated immune activity takes place. We have recently discovered a presence of meningeal lymphatic vessels that drain CNS molecules and immune cells to the deep cervical lymph nodes. This communication between the CNS and the peripheral immunity is playing a key role in several neurological and psychiatric disorders and, therefore, may serve as a novel therapeutic target that is worth in-depth mechanistic exploration.
Jonathan Kipnis | Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, USA | [email protected]
Immune cells and their derived molecules have major impact on brain function. We have shown that a proper T cell compartment is critical for higher brain function. Mice deficient in adaptive immunity have impaired cognitive function compared to that of wild-type mice. Importantly, replenishment of the T cell compartment in immune deficient mice restored proper cognition. Our recent works also demonstrates the effect of the immune system on social behavior. Despite the robust influence on brain function, T cells are not found within the brain parenchyma, a fact that only adds more mystery into these enigmatic interactions between T cells and the brain. Our results suggest that meningeal space, surrounding the brain, is the site where CNS-associated immune activity takes place. We have recently discovered a presence of meningeal lymphatic vessels that drain CNS molecules and immune cells to the deep cervical lymph nodes. This communication between the CNS and the peripheral immunity is playing a key role in several neurological and psychiatric disorders and, therefore, may serve as a novel therapeutic target that is worth in-depth mechanistic exploration.