This Week in Neuroscience TWiN 48: Traumatic brain injury and retroviruses
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Feb 19, 2024 Dive into the fascinating world of traumatic brain injury and the surprising role of endogenous retroviruses. Discover how these retroviruses impact the brain's immune response and cellular repair. The discussion highlights the implications of neuroinflammation and the evolving functions of glial cells in recovery. Unravel the intricate relationship between retroviruses and brain health, exploring their evolutionary significance in mammals. It's a revealing exploration of how our biology interacts with viral history!
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Oligodendrocytes in TBI
- Oligodendrocytes, primarily known for axon myelination, play a surprising role in TBI.
- They are involved in the inflammatory response and potentially synaptic functions.
ERV Activation and Inflammation
- Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), ancient viral DNA in our genome, can be activated in TBI.
- This activation may trigger the innate immune system, contributing to neuroinflammation.
Sterile Inflammation in TBI
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes a sterile inflammatory response, meaning no external pathogens are involved.
- This inflammation contributes to long-term risks like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.