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Pro-cognitive properties of T cells

Nature Reviews Immunology volume 12, pages 663–669 (2012)Cite this article

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Abstract

Interactions between the central nervous system and the immune system have been studied primarily in the context of pathology, popularizing the view that interplay between these two systems is inherently detrimental. However, recent experimental data have demonstrated productive neuroimmune interactions that occur under normal physiological conditions. In this Essay, we outline our current understanding of contemporary neuroimmunology, describe a working model of T cell function in support of learning and memory, and offer ideas regarding the selective advantages of immune-mediated effects on brain function.

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Figure 1: A schematic representation of the Morris water maze.
Figure 2: T cell-competent and T cell-deficient meningeal spaces and their effects on learning behaviour.
Figure 3: Brain-derived molecular cues and their targets.
Figure 4: A model for the physiological recall of T cells to support learning behaviour versus a response to a pathogen.

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Acknowledgements

We thank S. Smith and N. Watson for editing the manuscript. We thank the members of the Kipnis laboratory for their valuable comments during multiple discussions of this work. N.C.D. is the recipient of a Hartwell Foundation postdoctoral fellowship. This work was primarily supported by a grant from the US National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health (award AG034113 to J.K.).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience, Jonathan Kipnis, Sachin Gadani and Noël C. Derecki are at the Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.,

    Jonathan Kipnis, Sachin Gadani & Noël C. Derecki

  2. Jonathan Kipnis and Sachin Gadani are also at the Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.,

    Jonathan Kipnis & Sachin Gadani

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Kipnis, J., Gadani, S. & Derecki, N. Pro-cognitive properties of T cells. Nat Rev Immunol 12, 663–669 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nri3280

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