RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A 20-Year Journey from Axonal Injury to Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Prospect of Immunotherapy for Combating Alzheimer’s Disease
JF The Journal of Immunology
JO J. Immunol.
FD American Association of Immunologists
SP 243
OP 250
DO 10.4049/jimmunol.1900844
VO 204
IS 2
A1 Schwartz, Michal
A1 Peralta Ramos, Javier M.
A1 Ben-Yehuda, Hila
YR 2020
UL http://www.jimmunol.org/content/204/2/243.abstract
AB The understanding of the dialogue between the brain and the immune system has undergone dramatic changes over the last two decades, with immense impact on the perception of neurodegenerative diseases, mental dysfunction, and many other brain pathologic conditions. Accumulated results have suggested that optimal function of the brain is dependent on support from the immune system, provided that this immune response is tightly controlled. Moreover, in contrast to the previous prevailing dogma, it is now widely accepted that circulating immune cells are needed for coping with brain pathologies and that their optimal effect is dependent on their type, location, and activity. In this perspective, we describe our own scientific journey, reviewing the milestones in attaining this understanding of the brain–immune axis integrated with numerous related studies by others. We then explain their significance in demonstrating the possibility of harnessing the immune system in a well-controlled manner for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.