Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This work tries to recapitulate the influence that Major Histocompatibility Class I (MHC-I) Molecules have on the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) and how abnormalities in its expression can lead to cognitive deterioration. Initial research into brain function revealed that this organ did not express MHC-I molecules, could not be recognized by cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and, hence, was immunoprivileged. However, studies carried out during recent years not only demonstrated that neurons and other central nervous system (CNS) cells express MHC-I molecules, but that these molecules play essential roles in the establishment, function, and modeling of synapses in the CNS during the embryonic period, at birth and during adulthood, namely during inflammatory conditions. The accumulated body of evidence suggests that MHC-I molecules and the signaling pathways they regulate could provide clues on the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating brain homeostasis in health and disease, thus becoming potential biomarkers of cognitive decline and targets for innovative immunotherapies.
Author: Carvalho, Ricardo António Santos
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7114939694