Abstract
The innate and adaptive immune systems are critical in defense against pathogens and ensuring homeostasis. The central nervous system (CNS) was initially considered to be impermeable to immune cells due to the blood-brain barrier. However, this has now been debunked, with modern research delineating immune cell trafficking within the CNS, ensuring constant immune surveillance. However, these defenses may be breached in infections, which trigger an inflammatory cascade causing tissue damage. In addition, autoimmune conditions and genetic mutations may also lead to sustained proinflammatory molecule release causing significant CNS damage. Ensuing brain injury from most immune triggers is varied but may be associated with common patterns by virtue of a shared immune driver. MRI plays an important role in identifying these conditions and further enables understanding of their pathophysiology as well as their spatial predilection in the brain. In this review, we discuss basic immunology, the major CNS barriers to infections as well as the current understanding of selected pediatric infections and inflammatory processes.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
