Unraveling Neuroinflammatory Mechanisms in TBI: Implications for Post-Traumatic Syndromes

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a significant public health concern, affecting millions globally each year. The neuroinflammatory hypothesis posits that neuroinflammatory processes are pivotal in the adverse outcomes following TBI, which include increased mortality rates and a heightened risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. In the United States, over 40 million individuals aged 40 and above live with the long-term effects of TBI, often experiencing depression, cognitive impairments, and other neurobehavioral issues. Despite numerous clinical trials, effective biomarkers and treatments for TBI remain elusive. However, recent advancements in understanding the functional neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory mechanisms offer promising avenues for therapeutic interventions. These developments underscore the need for a deeper investigation into the neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory pathways involved in TBI, as current knowledge is still limited and fragmented.

This research topic aims to explore the novel functional mechanisms that arise following TBI, with the objective of elucidating their role in the pathological progression leading to post-traumatic syndromes. By focusing on these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover how they contribute to conditions such as depression, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative diseases. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that can be leveraged to intervene in these processes, thereby improving the long-term outcomes for individuals affected by TBI. Through this exploration, the research aims to advance the field of neuroinflammation and neuroimmune research, fostering the development of new treatments and interventions.

To gather further insights into the neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory mechanisms in TBI, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Mechanisms of innate immune and neuroimmune responses
- Adaptive immune and neuroimmune responses
- Dysfunction in meningeal lymphatics, glymphatic system, and lymphatics in TBI
- Gut-brain axis and neuroinflammatory processes
- Vascular-neuroimmune interactions
- Interactions between immune cells and brain cells
- The role of immunometabolism in TBI
- Neuroinflammatory biomarkers indicating TBI severity and outcomes
- Human immune mechanisms and their translational potential
- Functions and mechanisms of astrocytes and microglia