Title:The Role of the Oxysterol/EBI2 Pathway in the Immune and Central Nervous Systems
Volume: 17
Issue: 16
Author(s): Aleksandra Rutkowska, Kumlesh K. Dev and Andreas W. Sailer
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Astrocytes, autoimmunity, central nervous system, EBI2, immune system, neurodegeneration, oligodendrocytes.
Abstract: Oxysterols are pleiotropic messengers interacting with multiple receptor
systems. One of the cognate receptors for oxysterols is EBI2, a G protein-coupled receptor
highly expressed in the cells of the immune system. Here we discuss the receptor’s
role in the adapted immunity and inflammation as well as the receptor’s expression
and function in the CNS with the focus on astrocytes. We also discuss expression
and signalling of oxysterol-producing enzymes such as CH25H and CYP7B1 in the
CNS and the immune system. These steps will help to elucidate a possible role for this
pathway in the physiology of the central and peripheral nervous system and its possible
link to human disease.
