The clinical strategy and physiological process of actively regulating and mitigating the self-perpetuating sequence of events involving immune activation and subsequent inflammatory signaling within the central and peripheral nervous systems. Uncontrolled neuro-inflammation is a major driver of neurodegenerative conditions, cognitive decline, and mood disorders, often linked to hormonal dysregulation. Achieving cascade control is essential for neuroprotection and maintaining optimal brain health across the lifespan. This involves modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses within the neural tissue.
Origin
This is a term from contemporary neuroimmunology and translational medicine, reflecting the growing understanding of the brain’s immune system, particularly the role of microglia. The term “cascade” emphasizes the self-amplifying, sequential nature of the inflammatory process. Control refers to the therapeutic intervention designed to interrupt this destructive cycle.
Mechanism
Control is achieved by modulating the activity of glial cells, which are the brain’s resident immune cells, and interrupting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Hormones, such as certain sex steroids and glucocorticoids, can exert a significant modulatory effect on this cascade by binding to receptors on immune cells. The mechanism involves shifting the cellular environment from a pro-inflammatory state to a resolution-oriented, anti-inflammatory state, protecting neuronal integrity.
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