Year: 2023
Type: review
Abstract: The neurovascular unit (NVU) is composed of vascular cells, glial cells, and neurons. As a fundamental functional module in the central nervous system, the NVU maintains homeostasis in the microenvironment and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Disruption of the NVU and interactions among its components are involved in the pathophysiology of synucleinopathies, which are characterized by the pathological accumulation of α-synuclein. Neuroinflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies. This review aims to summarize the neuroinflammatory response of glial cells and vascular cells in the NVU. We also review neuroinflammation in the context of the cross-talk between glial cells and vascular cells, between glial cells and pericytes, and between microglia and astroglia. Last, we discuss how α-synuclein affects neuroinflammation and how neuroinflammation influences the aggregation and spread of α-synuclein and analyze different properties of α-synuclein in synucleinopathies.
Source: Science Advances
Institutions: Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, National University of Singapore, Karolinska Institutet, National Neuroscience Institute, Sunway University, Nanyang Technological University, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, Singapore General Hospital, Duke-NUS Medical School
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Award: G4627068617
OpenAlex ID: W4320896690