Glial Cells in Viral and Bacterial Infections

Abstract

The Central nervous system consists of neurons and glial cells. Neurons constitute about half the volume of the CNS and glial cells make up the rest. They are also known as supporting cells of the nervous system. The three types of CNS supporting cells are Astrocytes, Oligodendrocytes and microglia. The supporting cells of Peripheral Nervous System are known as Schwann cells. The main functions of glial cells are to surround neurons, to supply nutrients and oxygen to neurons, to insulate one neuron from another and to destroy and remove the carcasses of dead neuron. Infection of the central nervous system represents a particular challenge to host defense due to its minimal immune surveillance and lack of typical lymphatic drainage (Carson and Sutcliffe, 1999). CNS resident cells must therefore be capable of mounting a quick and effective response to control an infection until cells of the peripheral adaptive immune system can be recruited.

Keywords: Glial cells, viral infection, bacterial infection, immune system, glial cells

Cite this Article

Shilpi Priya. Glial Cells in Viral and Bacterial Infections. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Immunology. 2020; 10(3): 13–21p.