About this Research Topic
Complex neuro-immuno-vascular interactions play a key role in the development of both neuroinflammation (an inflammatory response within the nervous tissue) and neurogenic inflammation (the process by which sensory nerves release neuropeptides to induce inflammation in different tissues). Both phenomena have substantial importance in the pathogenesis of several diseases.
Pathological processes of the central nervous system (CNS) are almost always characterized by neuroinflammation, evolution of which involves both cells of the immune system and resident cells of the brain and spinal cord. By expressing pattern recognition receptors, these cells can sense pathogens and damage signals and can react through activation of inflammasomes and release of cytokines, neuropeptides or other pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. All elements of the neurovascular unit, including glial cells, neurons and also pericytes and microvascular endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are actively regulating the inflammatory reaction. Nevertheless, BBB dysfunction is a common feature of neurological disorders, having a key impact on immune cell entry into the CNS.
Similar to the CNS, the peripheral nervous system communicates with the immune and vascular systems as well. During neurogenic inflammation, sensory neurons release transmitters which act on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, as well as cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems (mast cells, dendritic cells or T lymphocytes).
Therefore, we conceive that neuro-immuno-vascular interactions playing key functions both in the brain and the periphery might be targets for pharmacological modulation and have future therapeutic potential for the treatment of neurological and other diseases.
Based on this, this Research Topic is intended to become a collection of papers on novel advances in pharmacological targeting of neuro-immuno-vascular interfaces, focusing on neurodegeneration, stroke, aging, infectious diseases of the CNS, migraine, neuropathic and other types of pain, as well as peripheral inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, dermatitis and airway inflammation. On the molecular level, studies on the pharmacology of pattern recognition receptors, inflammasomes, inflammatory cytokines, capsaicin/vanilloid (transient receptor potential) receptors, neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors are welcome. Reviews and original studies, including both basic and translational research will be considered.
Pathological processes of the central nervous system (CNS) are almost always characterized by neuroinflammation, evolution of which involves both cells of the immune system and resident cells of the brain and spinal cord. By expressing pattern recognition receptors, these cells can sense pathogens and damage signals and can react through activation of inflammasomes and release of cytokines, neuropeptides or other pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. All elements of the neurovascular unit, including glial cells, neurons and also pericytes and microvascular endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are actively regulating the inflammatory reaction. Nevertheless, BBB dysfunction is a common feature of neurological disorders, having a key impact on immune cell entry into the CNS.
Similar to the CNS, the peripheral nervous system communicates with the immune and vascular systems as well. During neurogenic inflammation, sensory neurons release transmitters which act on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, as well as cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems (mast cells, dendritic cells or T lymphocytes).
Therefore, we conceive that neuro-immuno-vascular interactions playing key functions both in the brain and the periphery might be targets for pharmacological modulation and have future therapeutic potential for the treatment of neurological and other diseases.
Based on this, this Research Topic is intended to become a collection of papers on novel advances in pharmacological targeting of neuro-immuno-vascular interfaces, focusing on neurodegeneration, stroke, aging, infectious diseases of the CNS, migraine, neuropathic and other types of pain, as well as peripheral inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, dermatitis and airway inflammation. On the molecular level, studies on the pharmacology of pattern recognition receptors, inflammasomes, inflammatory cytokines, capsaicin/vanilloid (transient receptor potential) receptors, neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors are welcome. Reviews and original studies, including both basic and translational research will be considered.
Keywords: neuropeptide, pain, pattern recognition receptor (PRR), proinflammatory cytokine, vasodilation
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