Chapter 25 - Roles of Macrophages and Astrocytes in Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Macrophages/microglia and astrocytes are two major resident cells within the human central nervous system, and play significant roles in pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). As immune cells, macrophage/microglia are involved in destruction of the myelin sheath, and lipid-laden macrophages are the hallmark of inflammatory demyelination. The astrocytes, as a main component of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), are significantly involved in preservation of the BBB, inflammatory demyelination, neuronal degeneration, and repair mechanisms of MS. Meticulous analysis of the existing knowledge of their roles in pathogenesis will guide us towards a better understanding of the fundamental pathogenic mechanisms of inflammatory demyelination and remyelination.