Santiago Ramón y Cajal's pioneering studies marked the beginning of a profound exploration of the complexities of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, spinal cord and retina. Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that the CNS is one of the most sophisticated systems in the human body, characterised by delicate interactions between neurons and glial cells, and by the considerable challenges posed by the low permeability of its protective barriers.

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

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Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience

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