RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The brain and the immune systems represent the two primary adaptive systems within the body. Both are involved in a dynamic process of communication, vital for the preservation of mammalian homeostasis. This interplay involves two major pathways: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. SUMMARY: The establishment of infection can affect immunoneuroendocrine interactions, with functional consequences for immune organs, particularly the thymus. Interestingly, the physiology of this primary organ is not only under the control of the central nervous system (CNS) but also exhibits autocrine/paracrine regulatory circuitries mediated by hormones and neuropeptides that can be altered in situations of infectious stress or chronic inflammation. In particular, Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), impacts upon immunoneuroendocrine circuits disrupting thymus physiology. Here, we discuss the most relevant findings reported in relation to brain-thymic connections during T. cruzi infection, as well as their possible implications for the immunopathology of human Chagas disease. KEY MESSAGES: During T. cruzi infection, the CNS influences thymus physiology through an intricate network involving hormones, neuropeptides, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Despite some uncertainties in the mechanisms and the fact that the link between these abnormalities and chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy is still unknown, it is evident that the precise control exerted by the brain over the thymus is markedly disrupted throughout the course of T. cruzi infection.
Assuntos
Encéfalo , Doença de Chagas , Timo , Humanos , Doença de Chagas/imunologia , Doença de Chagas/fisiopatologia , Animais , Encéfalo/imunologia , Timo/imunologia , Timo/fisiologia , Trypanosoma cruzi/fisiologia , Trypanosoma cruzi/imunologia , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário/imunologia , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário/metabolismo , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário/fisiopatologia , Neuroimunomodulação/fisiologia , Neuroimunomodulação/imunologia , Sistema Hipófise-Suprarrenal/imunologia , Sistema Hipófise-Suprarrenal/fisiopatologia , Sistema Hipófise-Suprarrenal/metabolismoRESUMO
Neuroinflammation represents a critical immune response within the brain, playing a pivotal role in defense against injury and infection. However, when this response becomes chronic, it can contribute to the development of various neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. This bibliographic review delves into the role of vitamin D in modulating neuroinflammation and its implications for brain health, particularly in the context of neurological and psychiatric disorders. While vitamin D is traditionally associated with calcium homeostasis and bone health, it also exerts immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects within the central nervous system. Through comprehensive analysis of preclinical and clinical studies, we uncover how vitamin D, acting through its receptors in glial cells, may influence the production of proinflammatory cytokines and antioxidants, potentially mitigating the cascade of events leading to neuronal damage. Clinical research has identified vitamin D deficiency as a common thread in the increased risks of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and depression, among others. Furthermore, preclinical models suggest vitamin D's regulatory capacity over inflammatory mediators, its protective role against neuronal apoptosis, and its contribution to neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. These insights underscore the potential of vitamin D supplementation not only in slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases but also in improving the quality of life for patients suffering from psychiatric conditions. Future clinical studies are essential to validate these findings and further our understanding of vitamin D's capacity to prevent or alleviate symptoms, opening new avenues for therapeutic strategies against neuroinflammation-related pathologies. Neuroinflammation is a crucial immune response in the brain against injuries or infections, but its persistence can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and depression. Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) emerges as a regulator of neuroinflammation, present in brain cells such as astrocytes and microglia, modulating immune function. Vitamin D's mechanisms of action include cytokine modulation and regulation of nuclear and mitochondrial genes. It adjusts inflammatory mediators and antioxidants, resulting in neuroprotective effects. Additionally, vitamin D impacts neurotransmitter synthesis and brain plasticity. This positions vitamin D as a potential adjunct in treating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Lastly, its role in intestinal microbiota and serotonin synthesis contributes to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and depression. Thus, vitamin D presents a novel therapeutic approach for neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric diseases.
Assuntos
Encéfalo , Doenças Neuroinflamatórias , Vitamina D , Humanos , Vitamina D/metabolismo , Vitamina D/farmacologia , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Encéfalo/efeitos dos fármacos , Encéfalo/imunologia , Animais , Doenças Neuroinflamatórias/tratamento farmacológico , Doenças Neuroinflamatórias/metabolismo , Doenças Neuroinflamatórias/imunologia , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/tratamento farmacológico , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/metabolismo , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/imunologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a malignant hematologic disease caused by the transformation and uncontrolled proliferation of T-cell precursors. T-ALL is generally thought to originate in the thymus since lymphoblasts express phenotypic markers comparable to those described in thymocytes in distinct stages of development. Although around 50% of T-ALL patients present a thymic mass, T-ALL is characterized by peripheral blood and bone marrow involvement, and central nervous system (CNS) infiltration is one of the most severe complications of the disease. SUMMARY: The CNS invasion is related to the expression of specific adhesion molecules and receptors commonly expressed in developing T cells, such as L-selectin, CD44, integrins, and chemokine receptors. Furthermore, T-ALL blasts also express neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and cognate receptors that are usually present in the CNS and can affect both the brain and thymus, participating in the crosstalk between the organs. KEY MESSAGES: This review discusses how the thymus-brain connections, mediated by innervation and common molecules and receptors, can impact the development and migration of T-ALL blasts, including CNS infiltration.
Assuntos
Encéfalo , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células T Precursoras , Timo , Humanos , Timo/patologia , Encéfalo/patologia , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Encéfalo/imunologia , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células T Precursoras/patologia , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células T Precursoras/metabolismo , AnimaisRESUMO
A strong association between perinatal viral infections and neurodevelopmental disorders has been established. Both the direct contact of the virus with the developing brain and the strong maternal immune response originated by viral infections can impair proper neurodevelopment. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the highly-infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is currently responsible for a large global outbreak and is a major public health issue. While initial studies focused on the viral impact on the respiratory system, increasing evidence suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infects other organs and tissues including the mature brain. While studies continue to determine the neuropathology associated to COVID-19, the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection to the developing brain remain largely unexplored. The present review discusses evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection may have persistent effects on the course of pregnancy and on brain development. Studies have shown that several proinflammatory mediators which are increased in the SARS-CoV-2-associated cytokine storm, are also modified in other viral infections known to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. In this sense, further studies should assess the genuine effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and delivery along with an extended follow-up of the offspring, including neurocognitive, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological examination. It also remains to be determined whether and by which mechanisms SARS-CoV-2 intrauterine and early life infection could lead to an increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism (ASD) and schizophrenia (SZ), in the offspring.
Assuntos
Transtorno do Espectro Autista/epidemiologia , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Síndrome da Liberação de Citocina/epidemiologia , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/epidemiologia , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/epidemiologia , Efeitos Tardios da Exposição Pré-Natal/epidemiologia , Esquizofrenia/epidemiologia , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/imunologia , Encéfalo/embriologia , Encéfalo/imunologia , COVID-19/imunologia , Síndrome da Liberação de Citocina/imunologia , Feminino , Humanos , Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/imunologia , Gravidez , Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez/imunologia , Efeitos Tardios da Exposição Pré-Natal/imunologia , Fatores de Risco , SARS-CoV-2 , Esquizofrenia/imunologiaRESUMO
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a neurological complication derived from the Plasmodium falciparum infection in humans. The mechanisms involved in the disease progression are still not fully understood, but both the sequestration of infected red blood cells (iRBC) and leukocytes and an exacerbated host inflammatory immune response are significant factors. In this study, we investigated the effect of Monocyte Locomotion Inhibitory Factor (MLIF), an anti-inflammatory peptide, in a well-characterized murine model of CM. Our data showed that the administration of MLIF increased the survival and avoided the neurological signs of CM in Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) infected C57BL/6 mice. MLIF administration down-regulated systemic inflammatory mediators such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, CXCL2, and CCL2, as well as the in situ expression of TNF-α in the brain. In the same way, MLIF reduced the expression of CD31, CD36, CD54, and CD106 in the cerebral endothelium of infected animals and prevented the sequestration of iRBC and leucocytes in the brain microvasculature. Furthermore, MLIF inhibited the activation of astrocytes and microglia and preserved the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that the administration of MLIF increased survival and conferred neuroprotection by decreasing neuroinflammation in murine CM.
Assuntos
Anti-Inflamatórios/administração & dosagem , Malária Cerebral/prevenção & controle , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/administração & dosagem , Oligopeptídeos/administração & dosagem , Animais , Astrócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Astrócitos/imunologia , Encéfalo/efeitos dos fármacos , Encéfalo/imunologia , Encéfalo/patologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Regulação para Baixo/efeitos dos fármacos , Regulação para Baixo/imunologia , Feminino , Humanos , Mediadores da Inflamação/antagonistas & inibidores , Mediadores da Inflamação/metabolismo , Malária Cerebral/imunologia , Malária Cerebral/parasitologia , Malária Cerebral/patologia , Camundongos , Microglia/efeitos dos fármacos , Microglia/imunologia , Plasmodium berghei/imunologiaRESUMO
Neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases are a major public health problem worldwide, especially with the increase of life-expectancy observed during the last decades. For many of these diseases, we still lack a full understanding of their etiology and pathophysiology. Nonetheless their association with mitochondrial dysfunction highlights this organelle as an important player during CNS homeostasis and disease. Markers of Parkinson (PD) and Alzheimer (AD) diseases are able to induce innate immune pathways induced by alterations in mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis leading to neuroinflammation. Additionally, exacerbated type I IFN responses triggered by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), failures in mitophagy, ER-mitochondria communication and mtROS production promote neurodegeneration. On the other hand, regulation of mitochondrial dynamics is essential for CNS health maintenance and leading to the induction of IL-10 and reduction of TNF-α secretion, increased cell viability and diminished cell injury in addition to reduced oxidative stress. Thus, although previously solely seen as power suppliers to organelles and molecular processes, it is now well established that mitochondria have many other important roles, including during immune responses. Here, we discuss the importance of these mitochondrial dynamics during neuroinflammation, and how they correlate either with the amelioration or worsening of CNS disease.
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Encéfalo/metabolismo , Inflamação/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Dinâmica Mitocondrial , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/metabolismo , Neuroimunomodulação , Alarminas/metabolismo , Animais , Encéfalo/imunologia , Encéfalo/patologia , Citocinas/metabolismo , Humanos , Inflamação/imunologia , Inflamação/patologia , Mediadores da Inflamação/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/imunologia , Mitocôndrias/patologia , Degeneração Neural , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/imunologia , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/patologiaRESUMO
Aluminum (Al) is ubiquitously present in the environment and known to be a neurotoxin for humans. The trivalent free Al anion (Al3+) can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), accumulate in the brain, and elicit harmful effects to the central nervous system (CNS) cells. Thus, evidence has suggested that Al increases the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). Purinergic signaling has been shown to play a role in several neurological conditions as it can modulate the functioning of several cell types, such as microglial cells, the main resident immune cells of the CNS. However, Al effects on microglial cells and the role of the purinergic system remain elusive. Based on this background, this study is aimed at assessing the modulation of Al on purinergic system parameters of microglial cells. An in vitro study was performed using brain microglial cells exposed to Al chloride (AlCl3) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 96 h. The uptake of Al, metabolism of nucleotides (ATP, ADP, and AMP) and nucleoside (adenosine), and the gene expression and protein density of purinoceptors were investigated. The results showed that both Al and LPS increased the breakdown of adenosine, whereas they decreased nucleotide hydrolysis. Furthermore, the findings revealed that both Al and LPS triggered an increase in gene expression and protein density of P2X7R and A2AR receptors, whereas reduced the A1R receptor expression and density. Taken together, the results showed that Al and LPS altered the setup of the purinergic system of microglial cells. Thus, this study provides new insights into the involvement of the purinergic system in the mechanisms underlying Al toxicity in microglial cells.
Assuntos
Alumínio/efeitos adversos , Microglia/efeitos dos fármacos , Microglia/metabolismo , Receptores Purinérgicos/metabolismo , Animais , Biomarcadores , Encéfalo/efeitos dos fármacos , Encéfalo/imunologia , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular , Células Cultivadas , Imunofluorescência , Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Lipopolissacarídeos/imunologia , Camundongos , Microglia/imunologia , Receptores Purinérgicos/genéticaRESUMO
Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is an emerging pathogen that causes encephalomyelitis in horses and non-equid species. Several aspects of the immune response in the central nervous system (CNS), mainly regarding the role of inflammatory mediators during EHV-1 encephalitis, remain unknown. Moreover, understanding the mechanisms underlying extensive neuropathology induced by viruses would be helpful to establish therapeutic strategies. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate some aspects of the innate immune response during highly neurovirulent EHV-1 infection. C57BL/6 mice infected intranasally with A4/72 and A9/92 EHV-1 strains developed a fulminant neurological disease at 3 days post-inoculation with high viral titres in the brain. These mice developed severe encephalitis with infiltration of monocytes and CD8+ T cells to the brain. The inflammatory infiltrate followed the detection of the chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL2, CXCL9 and CXCL-10 in the brain. Notably, the levels of CCL3, CCL4, CCL5 and CXCL9 were higher in A4/72-infected mice, which presented higher numbers of inflammatory cells within the CNS. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins (ILs) IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12ß, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF), were also detected in the CNS, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) TLR2, TLR3 and TLR9 genes were also upregulated within the brain of EHV-1-infected mice. However, no expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-12α, which are important for controlling the replication of other herpesviruses, was detected in EHV-1-infected mice. The results show that the activated innate immune mechanisms could not prevent EHV-1 replication within the CNS, but most likely contributed to the extensive neuropathology. The mouse model of viral encephalitis proposed here will also be useful to study the mechanisms underlying extensive neuropathology.
Assuntos
Encéfalo/imunologia , Encefalite Viral/imunologia , Infecções por Herpesviridae/imunologia , Herpesvirus Equídeo 1/imunologia , Herpesvirus Equídeo 1/patogenicidade , Animais , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Encéfalo/virologia , Quimiocinas/genética , Quimiocinas/metabolismo , Citocinas/genética , Citocinas/metabolismo , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Encefalite Viral/virologia , Infecções por Herpesviridae/virologia , Imunidade Inata , Leucócitos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Receptores Toll-Like/genética , Regulação para Cima , Carga ViralRESUMO
COVID-19, a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) betacoronavirus, affects children in a different way than it does in adults, with milder symptoms. However, several cases of neurological symptoms with neuroinflammatory syndromes, such as the multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), following mild cases, have been reported. As with other viral infections, such as rubella, influenza, and cytomegalovirus, SARS-CoV-2 induces a surge of proinflammatory cytokines that affect microglial function, which can be harmful to brain development. Along with the viral induction of neuroinflammation, other noninfectious conditions may interact to produce additional inflammation, such as the nutritional imbalance of fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Additionally, transient thyrotoxicosis induced by SARS-CoV-2 with secondary autoimmune hypothyroidism has been reported, which could go undetected during pregnancy. Together, those factors may pose additional risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection impacting mechanisms of neural development such as synaptic pruning and neural circuitry formation. The present review discusses those conditions in the perspective of the understanding of risk factors that should be considered and the possible emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders in COVID-19-infected children.
Assuntos
Encéfalo/crescimento & desenvolvimento , COVID-19/imunologia , Inflamação/imunologia , Microglia/imunologia , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/imunologia , Encéfalo/imunologia , Encéfalo/fisiopatologia , COVID-19/fisiopatologia , Dieta , Gorduras Insaturadas na Dieta , Ácidos Graxos Insaturados , Transtornos do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal/imunologia , Transtornos do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal/fisiopatologia , Humanos , Inflamação/fisiopatologia , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/fisiopatologia , Plasticidade Neuronal , Fatores de Risco , SARS-CoV-2 , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Síndrome de Resposta Inflamatória SistêmicaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The term sepsis is used to designate a systemic condition of infection and inflammation associated with hemodynamic changes that result in organic dysfunction. Gestational sepsis can impair the development of the central nervous system and may promote permanent behavior alterations in the offspring. The aim of our work was to evaluate the effects of maternal sepsis on inflammatory cytokine levels and synaptic proteins in the hippocampus, neocortex, frontal cortex, and cerebellum of neonatal, young, and adult mice. Additionally, we analyzed the motor development, behavioral features, and cognitive impairments in neonatal, young and adult offspring. METHODS: Pregnant mice at the 14th embryonic day (E14) were intratracheally instilled with saline 0.9% solution (control group) or Klebsiella spp. (3 × 108 CFU) (sepsis group) and started on meropenem after 5 h. The offspring was sacrificed at postnatal day (P) 2, P8, P30, and P60 and samples of liver, lung, and brain were collected for TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 measurements by ELISA. Synaptophysin, PSD95, and ß-tubulin levels were analyzed by Western blot. Motor tests were performed at all analyzed ages and behavioral assessments were performed in offspring at P30 and P60. RESULTS: Gestational sepsis induces a systemic pro-inflammatory response in neonates at P2 and P8 characterized by an increase in cytokine levels. Maternal sepsis induced systemic downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while in the hippocampus, neocortex, frontal cortex, and cerebellum an inflammatory response was detected. These changes in the brain immunity were accompanied by a reduction of synaptophysin and PSD95 levels in the hippocampus, neocortex, frontal cortex, and cerebellum, in all ages. Behavioral tests demonstrated motor impairment in neonates, and depressive-like behavior, fear-conditioned memory, and learning impairments in animals at P30 and P60, while spatial memory abilities were affected only at P60, indicating that gestational sepsis not only induces an inflammatory response in neonatal mouse brains, but also affects neurodevelopment, and leads to a plethora of behavioral alterations and cognitive impairments in the offspring. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that maternal sepsis may be causatively related to the development of depression, learning, and memory impairments in the litter.