Human Immunity and Blood

Neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells are all phagocytes, which means they can engulf and destroy foreign particles.

T cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the adaptive immune response. They recognize and destroy infected cells, as well as cancer cells.

Targeted therapy drugs, designed to inhibit specific molecules involved in leukemia growth, revolutionized leukemia treatment by precisely targeting cancer cells.

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. They are constantly surveying the brain environment and can rapidly respond to changes, including infection, injury, or neurodegeneration. When activated, microglia release pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which can contribute to neuroinflammation.

The NF-κB pathway is a key signaling pathway involved in the regulation of inflammation and immune responses. In neuroimmunological disorders, activation of the NF-κB pathway can lead to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators, contributing to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage.

The complement system is a complex network of proteins that plays a role in the innate immune response. In neuroimmunological disorders, activation of the complement system can lead to the formation of membrane attack complexes, which can damage neuronal membranes and contribute to neuronal death. Additionally, complement activation can promote inflammation and tissue damage by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells that play a variety of roles in the central nervous system, including antigen presentation. Astrocytes can express MHC class II molecules, which are necessary for presenting antigens to T cells. This allows T cells to recognize and respond to foreign antigens in the brain, contributing to the immune response in neuroimmunological disorders.

Diapedesis is the process by which immune cells cross the blood-brain barrier. It involves the migration of immune cells through the tight junctions between endothelial cells of the BBB. Diapedesis is a critical step in the immune response to infection or injury in the central nervous system, allowing immune cells to enter the brain and target pathogens or damaged cells.

Gadolinium is a contrast agent commonly used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess blood-brain barrier integrity. Gadolinium is normally excluded from the brain by the BBB, but in cases of BBB leakage, it can enter the brain parenchyma and enhance the MRI signal. This allows clinicians to visualize areas of BBB disruption and monitor the progression of neuroimmunological disorders.

Selectins are cell adhesion molecules expressed on the surface of immune cells and endothelial cells. They play a crucial role in the initial attachment and rolling of leukocytes on the endothelium during immune responses.

Integrins are cell adhesion molecules that bind to specific ligands in the extracellular matrix, such as collagen, fibronectin, and laminin. They play a crucial role in cell attachment, spreading, and migration.