CD4+ T cells mediate cytotoxicity in neurodegenerative diseases.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 19104142.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1172/JCI38096 and PMC identifier 2613473.
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Abstract
Neuroinflammation, characterized by activated microglia and infiltrating T cells, is a prominent pathological feature in neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether this inflammation contributes to neuronal injury or is a late consequence of neuronal injury is unclear. In this issue of the JCI, Brochard et al. report that CD4+ T cells are cytotoxic in a mouse model of Parkinson disease (PD) (see the related article beginning on page 182). Specifically, invading T lymphocytes contributed to neuronal cell death via the Fas/FasL pathway. The results implicate the adaptive immune system in the pathogenesis of Parkinson neurodegeneration and provide a meaningful rationale for immune-based therapies for PD.
Medical subject headings
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Parkinsonian Disorders
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets