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Review
. 2024 May 26;25(11):5803.
doi: 10.3390/ijms25115803.

Roles of Cytokines in Alzheimer's Disease

Zilin Chen  1 , Yekkuni L Balachandran  1 , Wai Po Chong  2   3 , Kannie W Y Chan  1   4   5   6   7
Affiliations
Review

Roles of Cytokines in Alzheimer's Disease

Zilin Chen et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

The neuroimmune system is a collection of immune cells, cytokines, and the glymphatic system that plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Of particular focus are cytokines, a group of immune signaling molecules that facilitate communication among immune cells and contribute to inflammation in AD. Extensive research has shown that the dysregulated secretion of certain cytokines (IL-1β, IL-17, IL-12, IL-23, IL-6, and TNF-α) promotes neuroinflammation and exacerbates neuronal damage in AD. However, anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-3, IL-33, and IL-35) are also secreted during AD onset and progression, thereby preventing neuroinflammation. This review summarizes the involvement of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in AD pathology and discusses their therapeutic potential.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; cytokine; neuroimmune system; pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Crucial components of the neuroimmune system. The neuroimmune system comprises several crucial components: immune cells, such as resident CNS cells (e.g., microglia and astrocytes) and infiltrating peripheral immune cells (e.g., CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells); the glymphatic system, which comprises the perivascular space, CSF, and interstitial fluid; and cytokines, such as IL-33, TNF-α, and IL-6.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Interaction of cytokines involved in AD pathology. Proinflammatory cytokines (red box) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (blue box) in AD. Arrows indicate the induced effects.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Correlation between cytokines and AD pathologies. Cytokines and their interaction between AD pathologies, such as neuronal death and neuronal inflammation, impaired microglia clearance, and Aβ deposition.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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