The interaction between brain inflammation and systemic infection

Felton, Leigh M. and Perry, V. Hugh (2007) The interaction between brain inflammation and systemic infection. In, Ader, Robert (ed.) Psychoneuroimmunology. 4 ed. Academic Press, pp. 429-448. (doi:10.1016/B978-012088576-3/50025-3).

Abstract

In this chapter we consider the biological mechanisms underlying central cytokine expression, discuss their physiological relevance in the context of systemic inflammation, and contemplate the recent evidence demonstrating that pro-inflammatory cytokines can exacerbate neuronal death and inflammation in rodent models of CNS disease. We also describe the bi-directional nature of communication between the CNS and peripheral immune system, placing particular emphasis on the acute phase response to brain injury, and the complex role of the liver. In order to provide a comprehensive review, we have focused on a number of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and lipophilic mediators of inflammation; and describe how their expression may exacerbate tissue injury in acute brain injury, multiple sclerosis (MS), and chronic neurodegenerative disease (prion diseases, Alzheimer's disease). We also describe the impact of repeated systemic infection on the immunological status of the mammalian CNS, and summarize evidence demonstrating that priming of microglia, and other glia, by prolonged or repeated exposure to pro-inflammatory mediators can impact on the progression, severity, and clinical expression of subsequent CNS disease.

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