The Theory of “Protective autoimmunity” - an integrated view of the brain’s maintenance by the immune system
Circulating T cells, recognizing the brain’s antigens, maintain life-long brain plasticity in health and diseaseThe central nervous system (CNS) is isolated and protected behind barriers [the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB)]. As such, it has long been regarded ...
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Circulating immune cells shape the mind
Protective autoimmunty, innate immunity and adult neurogenesisThe life-long capacity of designated areas in the brain to engage in cell renewal is an established phenomenon. Numerous studies have identified activities that up- or down- regulate ...
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Spinal cord injury
The 'healing macrophages' in spinal cord injuryIn contrast to the common dogma, according to which immune activation is part of the pathology, our group focuses on the essential roles of infiltrating macrophages in central nervous system (CNS) repair. Through a ...
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Neurodegenerative diseases
Protective autoimmunity – the missing link in chronic neurodegenerative diseases?Our results suggest that the brain parenchyma and the leukocytes residing in the borders of the CNS are engaged in a continuous dialogue. As part of this dialogue, the parenchyma ...
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The eye
Macrophages orchestrate neuroprotection and cell renewal in the visual systemThe need for neuroprotective agents to rescue retinal ganglion cells after ocular insult led us to suggest the use of therapeutic vaccination for protecting these cells under injurious ...
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The glial scar
A paradigm shift in understanding the glial scar and its cross-talk with immune cellsAs a result of any injury in the CNS, scar tissue is formed. This scar has received a negative reputation for its role in blocking regeneration; in fact, axons abort their extension when ...
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