Functional characterization of the dural sinuses as a neuroimmune interface

Despite the established dogma of central nervous system (CNS) immune privilege, neuroimmune interactions play an active role in diverse neurological disorders. However, the precise mechanisms underlying CNS immune surveillance remain elusive; particularly, the anatomical sites where peripheral adaptive immunity can sample CNS-derived antigens and the cellular and molecular mediators orchestrating this surveillance. Here, we demonstrate that CNS-derived antigens in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulate around the dural sinuses, are captured by local antigen-presenting cells, and are presented to patrolling T cells. This surveillance is enabled by endothelial and mural cells forming the sinus stromal niche. T cell recognition of CSF-derived antigens at this site promoted tissue resident phenotypes and effector functions within the dural meninges. These findings highlight the critical role of dural sinuses as a neuroimmune interface, where brain antigens are surveyed under steady-state conditions, and shed light on age-related dysfunction and neuro-inflammatory attack in animal models of multiple sclerosis.

Automated summary

The CNS-derived antigens in the cerebrospinal fluid accumulate around the dural sinuses and are captured by local antigen-presenting cells to be presented to T cells, promoting tissue resident phenotypes and effector functions within the dural meninges. The dural sinuses play a critical role as a neuroimmune interface, facilitating the surveillance of brain antigens under steady-state conditions.