Mechanisms of Immune Regulation in the Central Nervous System

University Of Arkansas Medical Sciences Campus, Little Rock AR

Investigators

Abstract

9982871 Drew Major histocompatibilities (MHC) class I molecules bind virus and tumor derived peptides intracellularly and transport these peptides to the cell surface. Cells must express the MHC class I molecules in order to be identified and killed by immune cells termed T-cells. MHC class I molecules are constituitively found on almost all cells, except cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Within the CNS, inflammatory stimuli induce MHC class I surface expression on glia, but not neurons. This may protect neurons from destruction by the immune system. Recent studies have suggested that neurons regulate MHC class I expression in both neurons and glia. The current study is designed to determine the mechanisms underlying neuronal regulation of MHC class I expression on neurons and glia through cell-cell contact and soluble mediators. The studies will be achieved by applying standard immunocytochemical and molecular biology techniques to purified and mixed neuronal-glial cultures of rat embryonic hippocampal neurons, postnatal cerebella granule cell neurons, and postnatal astrocytes. These studies will provide important information concerning the mechanisms by which neurons avoid immuno-surveillance, potentially resulting in persistent viral infections. In addition, the studies will provide new insights into the unique role that neurons play regulating immune function in the CNS.