Abstract
The neuro-immune axis has emerged as a key aspect to understand the normal function of the Central Nervous System (CNS) as well as the pathophysiology of many brain disorders. As such, it may represent a promising source for novel therapeutic targets. Glial cells, and in particular the extensively studied microglia, play important roles in brain disorders. Astrocytes, in their reactive state, have been shown to positively and negatively modulate the progression of multiple CNS disorders. These seemingly opposing effects, might stem from their underlying heterogeneity, an aspect that has recently come to light. In this article we will discuss the link between reactive astrocytes and the neuro-immune axis with a perspective on their potential importance in brain tumors. Based on the gained knowledge from studies in other CNS disorders, reactive astrocytes are undoubtfully emerging as a key component of the neuro-immune axis, with ability to modulate both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system. Lastly, we will discuss how we can exploit our improved understanding of the basic biology of astrocytes to further enhance the efficacy of emerging immune-based therapies in primary brain tumors and brain metastasis.
Highlights
Specialty section: This article was submitted to Cancer Immunity and Immunotherapy, a section of the journal Frontiers in Immunology
The neuro-immune axis has emerged as a key aspect to understand the normal function of the Central Nervous System (CNS) as well as the pathophysiology of many brain disorders
Based on the gained knowledge from studies in other CNS disorders, reactive astrocytes are undoubtfully emerging as a key component of the neuro-immune axis, with ability to modulate both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system
Summary
Brain Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain. The neuro-immune axis has emerged as a key aspect to understand the normal function of the Central Nervous System (CNS) as well as the pathophysiology of many brain disorders. As such, it may represent a promising source for novel therapeutic targets. In particular the extensively studied microglia, play important roles in brain disorders Astrocytes, in their reactive state, have been shown to positively and negatively modulate the progression of multiple CNS disorders. In this article we will discuss the link between reactive astrocytes and the neuro-immune axis with a perspective on their potential importance in brain tumors.
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