Effects of astrocytes and microglia on neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury and related immunomodulatory strategies.

ABSTRACT

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic event which is still without adequate therapies. Neuroinflammation is the main pathogenesis of secondary damage post-SCI, leading to tissue loss and neurological dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that microglia and astrocytes are the major immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and play a crucial role in modulating neuroinflammatory responses. In this study, we mainly review the effects of neuroinflammation in SCI, focusing on the contributions of microglia and astrocytes and their cross-talk. Furthermore, we will also discuss therapeutic strategies on how to regulate their immunophenotype to suppress robust inflammation and facilitate injury prognosis.