Anatomy & Physiology: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Influx and Efflux of Immune Cells in the Central Nervous System

Fujita M, Omura S, Sato F, Park AM and Tsunoda I

The influx and efflux of immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) have long remained to be unclear. In this regard, we have addressed this issue using animal models of CNS tumors and experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) that is relevant to multiple sclerosis (MS) in human. For immune cells to migrate into brain parenchyma, chemokines play central roles. In contrast, when immune cells exit the brain parenchyma, lymphatic system plays central roles. Most recently, the relationship between the CNS immunology and gut microbiome is being addressed using the same systems.