Pathological potential of oligodendrocyte precursor cells: terra incognita

Adult oligodendrocyte precursor cells (aOPCs), transformed from fetal OPCs, are idiosyncratic neuroglia of the central nervous system (CNS) that are distinct in many ways from other glial cells. OPCs have been classically studied in the con-text of their remyelinating capacity. Recent studies, however, revealed that aOPCs not only contribute to post-lesional remyelination but also play diverse crucial roles in multiple neurological diseases. In this review we briefly present the physiology of aOPCs and summarize current knowledge of the beneficial and detrimental roles of aOPCs in different CNS diseases. We discuss unique features of aOPC death, reactivity, and changes during senescence, as well as aOPC interactions with other glial cells and pathological remodeling during disease. Finally, we outline future perspectives for the study of aOPCs in brain pathologies which may instigate the development of aOPC-targeting therapeutic strategies.

Automated summary

Adult oligodendrocyte precursor cells (aOPCs), derived from fetal OPCs, are unique neuroglia cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and have diverse roles in neurological diseases. This review presents the physiology of aOPCs and summarizes the beneficial and detrimental effects of aOPCs in different CNS diseases. The paper discusses aOPC death, reactivity, changes during senescence, interactions with other glial cells, and pathological remodeling during disease, and outlines future perspectives for studying aOPCs in brain pathologies for potential therapeutic strategies.