Pondering the Brain’s Immune System with Jonathan Kipnis

Professor Jonathan Kipnis of the Washington University School of Medicine talks about the brain’s immune system. He and is students and postdocs have provided evidence that cells of the immune system are critical for protecting neurons of the brain and spinal cord against traumatic injury, and that ‘protective autoimmunity’ can also be beneficial for the brain in animal models of multiple sclerosis and autism. Their discoveries have also revealed important roles for a type of T lymphocyte in learning and memory, anxiety, and social behaviors. Dr. Kipnis recently discovered that the brain has its own lymphatic system that functions as a drainage system through which molecular waste is removed. This lymphatic system may become clogged during aging which may contribute to the accumulation of toxic amyloid in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease. He discusses the implications of his research findings for the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders.