Immune Metabolism in Functional Aspects of the Brain

Abstract

The brain interacts with the immune system in a highly regulated and restricted manner. Immune signals initiate pro- and anti-inflammatory activity in most body tissues in response to disease states and injury. An accumulation of inflammatory insults can disrupt immune metabolic homeostasis and give rise to pathology in sensitive areas. Here, we provide an overview of interactions between immune metabolism and the brain, with an emphasis on immune homeostatic regulation. We propose that an imbalance in immune activity can have a dose and time dependent effect on susceptible tissues. In the brain, this can contribute to neuronal injury and subsequent decline in function. We also discuss a specific pathology application involving the inflammation model of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). AD exemplifies the complexities of a disease etiology with multiple contributing factors, which has complicated the development of effective therapies. Patients could thus benefit from an individualized risk assessment and prevention approach that focuses on preservation of function and minimization of immune metabolic damage.