Immune cell could help in TBI treatment
A powerful and rare immune cell has been discovered in the meninges around the brain, according to an article posted on Science Daily. The immune cell suggests that cells may play a critical role in battling Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, meningitis and other neurological diseases, in addition to supporting healthy mental functioning.
“By harnessing the cells’ power, doctors may be able to develop new treatments for neurological diseases, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries – even migraines,” the article reads. “Further, School of Medicine researchers suspect the cells may be the missing link connecting the brain and the microbiota in our guts, a relationship already shown important in the development of Parkinson’s disease .”
The cells are known as “type 2 innate lymphocytes.” They have previously been found in the gut, lung and skin – the body’s barriers to disease.
“Their discovery in the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain, comes as a surprise. They were found as UVA researcher Jonathan Kipnis, PhD, explored the implications of his lab’s game-changing discovery last year that the brain and the immune system are directly connected via vessels long thought not to exist,” the article reads. “Curiously, the immune cells were found along the vessels discovered by Kipnis’ team. ‘They’re right on the lymphatics, which is really weird,’ noted researcher Sachin Gadani. ‘You have the lymphatics and they’re stacked right on top. They’re not inside of them — they’re around them.’”
Immune cells play several important roles within the body. Not only do they help guard against sicknesses and injuries, they also help to trigger allergic reactions.
“In exploring their role in protecting the brain, the Kipnis team has determined they are vital in the body’s response to spinal cord injuries. But it’s their role in the gut that makes Kipnis suspect they may be serving as a vital communicator between the brain’s immune response and our microbiomes,” the article reads. “That could be of great importance, because our intestinal flora is critical for maintaining our health and wellbeing.”
Researchers have said it’s almost certain that the cells are important in a variety of neurological conditions.
