Title:Role of Immune Cells in the Course of Central Nervous System Injury: Modulation with Natural Products
Volume: 22
Issue: 6
Author(s): Thea Magrone, Matteo Antonio Russo*Emilio Jirillo
Affiliation:
- MEBIC Consortium, San Raffaele Open University of Rome and IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana of Rome , Via di Val Cannuta, 247 - 00166 ROME,Italy
Keywords:
Central nervous system, microglia, macrophages, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, T regulatory cells.
Abstract: Immune cells actively participate to the central nervous system (CNS) injury either damaging or protecting
neural tissue with release of various mediators. Residential microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages play
a fundamental role within the injured CNS and, here, special emphasis will be placed on M1 and M2 macrophages
for their different functional activities. On the other hand, peripheral T regulatory (Treg) cells exert antiinflammatory
activities in the diseased host. In this respect, activation of Treg cells by nutraceuticals may represent
a novel approach to treat neuroinflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols will be described as substances
endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, taking into account that Treg cells act in the
later phase of CNS injury, favoring immune suppression, manipulation of host immune system with both substances
requires caution to avoid undesired side effects.
