About this Research Topic
The conventional perception of the CNS as an immunoprivileged system has been widespread since Cajal's era. This notion was rooted in the belief that the CNS is shielded from the full array of immune responses to safeguard delicate neural tissues. However, recent studies have begun to challenge this perspective. There is an increasing recognition that inflammation plays a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases of the CNS, including Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Differential immune responses involving the adaptive versus the innate immune system are observed at various stages of neurodegenerative diseases and may not only drive disease processes but could serve as therapeutic targets.
This revelation transforms our understanding of the CNS and its vulnerabilities, emphasizing the intricate interplay between neural and immune systems. The exploration of communication channels between the CNS and peripheral tissues gains even more significance, as inflammation emerges as a pivotal player in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. The recognition of distinct immune responses throughout the progression of these diseases not only sheds light on the complex mechanisms at play but also offers potential avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions. In this context, the application of cellular therapies in clinical settings must be reevaluated in light of the immune dynamics involved, urging researchers to refine their strategies for more effective and personalized treatments in the realm of neurodegenerative diseases. This evolving landscape underscores the dynamic nature of neuroscience, necessitating a continuous reassessment of paradigms to address the ever-expanding complexities of the CNS.
This Research Topic endeavors to encompass a diverse array of contributions, including original research comprising observational and experimental studies, along with other valuable contributions such as perspectives, reviews, and mini reviews. While the central focus revolves around several key themes, it is essential to emphasize that the scope of this research initiative extends beyond these specific areas to encourage a broad exploration of topics related to the intricate interplay between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system.
Examples of key themes:
• The role of the immune system in CNS disease.
• Mechanism of actions of cells used in therapy (focusing on pluripotent cells such as mesenchymal cells, which do not raise ethical issues).
• Immunological biomarkers of cell therapy success.
• Developing novel methods to study the immune effect of cell therapy in the CNS.
• Cross talk between the immune system and the CNS.
• Immune recognition in the CNS
Keywords: Cajal, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, mesenchymal cells, central nervous system, immune system, cell therapy
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.