Interplay between immunity and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Clinical impact

Context

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating and rapidly fatal neurodegenerative disease. Despite decades
of research and many new insights into disease biology over the 150 years since the disease was first described,
causative pathogenic mechanisms in ALS remain poorly understood, especially in sporadic cases. Our understanding of the role of the immune system in ALS pathophysiology, however, is rapidly expanding.

Aim

The aim of this review is to summarize the recent advances regarding the immune system involvement in ALS, with particular attention to clinical translation. 

Results

We focus on the potential pathophysiologic mechanism of the immune system in ALS, discussing local and systemic factors (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and microbiota) that influence ALS onset and progression in animal models and people. We also explore the potential of Positron Emission Tomography to detect neuroinflammation in vivo, and discuss ongoing clinical trials of therapies targeting the immune system.

Conclusions

With validation in human patients, new evidence in this emerging field will serve to identify novel therapeutic targets and provide realistic hope for personalized treatment strategies.

Reference:

De Marchi F, Munitic I, Amedei A, Berry JD, Feldman EL, Aronica E, Nardo G, Van Weehaeghe D, Niccolai E, Prtenjaca N, Sakowski SA, Bendotti C, Mazzini L. Interplay between immunity and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Clinical impact. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Jun 19;127:958-978. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.027. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34153344.


Iscriviti alla Newsletter

* Richiesti

Scegli la newsletter

Consenso all’utilizzo dei datiAging Project userà le informazioni che fornisci al solo scopo di inviarti la newsletter richiesta.

Puoi annullare l'iscrizione in qualsiasi momento cliccando sul link che trovi nel footer dell'email. Per informazioni sulla Privacy Policy clicca qui.

Cliccando su "Acconsenti", accetti anche che le tue informazioni saiano trasferite a Mailchimp per l'elaborazione. Ulteriori informazioni sulle privacy di Mailchimp qui