What is the Origin of Neuroinflammation Pathways?

This term is a construct from neuroimmunology, combining 'neuro' (nerve/brain) and 'inflammation' (a biological response to harm) to describe the specific immune processes within the nervous system. The identification of specific 'pathways' allows for the targeted development of anti-inflammatory therapeutic interventions.

What is the Mechanism of Neuroinflammation Pathways?

The mechanism is typically triggered by pathogen-associated molecular patterns or damage-associated molecular patterns which activate pattern recognition receptors on microglia. This activation initiates the NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades, leading to the transcriptional up-regulation and release of inflammatory mediators like TNF-α and interleukins. Steroid hormones and their receptors play a direct and crucial modulatory role in regulating the activation state and functional output of these microglial cells.

Neuroinflammation Pathways

Meaning

Neuroinflammation Pathways describe the complex molecular and cellular signaling cascades within the central nervous system that initiate and perpetuate an inflammatory response, primarily mediated by activated glial cells such as microglia and astrocytes. While acute neuroinflammation is a necessary protective response to injury, chronic activation of these pathways leads to the sustained release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This persistent immune activity causes synaptic dysfunction and measurable neuronal damage, recognized as a critical factor in various neurodegenerative and mood disorders.