Abstract

Innate immunity was previously thought to be a nonspecific immunological programme that was engaged by peripheral organs to maintain homeostasis after stress and injury. Emerging evidence indicates that this highly organized response also takes place in the central nervous system. Through the recognition of neuronal fingerprints, the long-term induction of the innate immune response and its transition to an adaptive form might be central to the pathophysiology and aetiology of neurodegenerative disorders. Paradoxically, this response also protects neurons by favouring remyelination and trophic support afforded by glial cells.

Author affiliations

1. Centre for Research in Neurosciences, McGill University, The Montréal General Hospital Research Institute, Montréal, Québec, H3G 1A4, Canada.
2. Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, CHUL Research Center and Laval University, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Sainte-Foy, Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada.

Correspondence to: Serge Rivest² Email: Serge.Rivest@crchul.ulaval.ca