Neuro-Glia-Immune Communication: Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

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Background

Neuronal injury and loss remain untreatable consequences of damage to the central nervous system (CNS), which can occur in common neurological conditions like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as in optic neuropathies like ischemic optic neuropathy and glaucoma. A multitude of functions have been attributed to CNS glial cells and to cells forming the neurovascular unit, including endothelial cells, pericytes and the perivascular processes of astrocytes. The orchestrated action of neuronal and non-neuronal cells regulates the blood-brain-barrier function and reflects the dynamic crosstalk between the systemic milieu and the CNS parenchyma. With the increasing recognition of a pivotal role for immune molecules and inflammatory mediators in leading to or contributing to neurological disease, the investigation of molecular mediators of neuro-glia-immune communication may unravel robust biomarkers of neurodegeneration and potential therapeutic targets.

While investigative approaches towards treatment of neurological diseases commonly focus on understanding how to protect or replace injured neurons and stimulate their regeneration, there is increasing evidence that non-neuronal cells and the immune system play a fundamental role in determining neuronal fate in CNS disease. The goal of this Research Topic is to create an opportunity for researchers in various areas of Neurosciences to share novel findings and discuss existing knowledge about the role of non-neuronal cells and systemic clues as key mediators of neuronal fate. The collection of publications in this topic should present a variety of molecular, cellular, and imaging approaches to study glial and vascular function in the CNS.

We welcome contributions that target the role of glial cells, vascular cells and the immune system in CNS disease initiation, progression, and response to therapy. All areas of Neuroscience are appreciated, but preference will be given to studies highlighting the role of at least one type of non-neuronal cell in the CNS, such as astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, endothelial cells and pericytes, and/or to studies about the role of systemic inflammatory clues in CNS disorders. This includes basic and translational studies in healthy and diseased, developing, and adult CNS. Novel tools in molecular biology, imaging and combinatorial techniques are highly appreciated, as well as pharmacological and cell therapy-based approaches and glia-targeting therapies.

Keywords: Neuro-Glia-Immune, Astrocytes, Microglia, Oligodendrocytes, Endothelial Cells, Pericytes, Inflammation, Cytokines, Blood-Brain-Barrier

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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