The Role of Immune and Inflammatory Mechanisms in ALS
Author Information
Author(s): McCombe P.A, Henderson R.D
Primary Institution: The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Australia
Hypothesis
Does the immune response contribute to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as harmful or beneficial?
Conclusion
The immune response in ALS may be both harmful and protective, depending on the context and timing of the response.
Supporting Evidence
- Immune abnormalities have been found in the central nervous system and blood of ALS patients.
- Microglial activation occurs after tissue injury and is part of an innate immune response.
- Studies suggest that the immune response can be both protective and harmful in ALS.
- Different subtypes of ALS may have different immune responses and disease progression.
Takeaway
ALS is a disease where the immune system can sometimes help and sometimes hurt, and scientists are trying to figure out how to make it help more.
Methodology
The review discusses various studies on immune abnormalities in ALS, including human pathology, animal models, and immune responses in blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
Potential Biases
The variability in immune responses among individuals may confound the interpretation of results.
Limitations
The studies reviewed are primarily based on end-stage disease and may not reflect early immune changes.
Participant Demographics
The review discusses findings from both male and female patients, noting gender differences in disease presentation and progression.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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