Immunity in the brain and surrounding tissues

Immune reactions in the brain, the most complex organ that directly or indirectly regulates almost every part of the body and its actions, need to be tightly regulated. Recent findings in the field of neuroimmunology have enhanced our understanding of immune cells not only inside the brain but also in adjacent tissues. Multiple types of immune cells exist and are active in neighboring border tissues, even in the steady state. In addition, advances in technology have allowed researchers to characterize a broad range of cell types, including stromal cells that support immune reactions. This review presents a short overview of the roles of the immune system in the brain during health and disease, with focus on adaptive immunity and anatomical sites of action. We also discuss potential roles of stromal cells.

Automated summary

Immune reactions in the brain are tightly regulated, and recent research has shown the presence of immune cells not only within the brain but also in neighboring tissues. Multiple types of immune cells are active even in the steady state. Technological advances have allowed for the characterization of various cell types, including stromal cells. This review provides an overview of the immune system's roles in the brain during health and disease, focusing on adaptive immunity and anatomical sites of action. The potential roles of stromal cells are also discussed.