Immunity in neuromodulation: probing neural and immune pathways in brain disorders

Abstract

Immunity finely regulates brain function. It is directly involved in the pathological processes of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, post-stroke conditions, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and psychiatric disorders (mood disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, psychosis disorders and schizophrenia, and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD)). Neuromodulation is currently a leading therapeutic strategy for the treatment of these disorders, but little is yet known about its immune impact on neuronal function and its precise beneficial or harmful consequences. We review relevant clinical and preclinical studies and identify several specific immune modifications. These data not only provide insights into how neuromodulation acts to optimize immune-brain interactions, but also pave the way for a better understanding of these interactions in pathological processes.

Keywords: Alzheimer disease; Cytokines; Glial cells; Immunity; NDD; Neuromodulation; Parkinson disease; Post-stroke; Psychiatric disorders; Traumatic brain injury; Vascular unit.

Fig. 1

Flowchart of the selection process for studies included

Fig. 2

A Summary of neuronal and immune changes with rTMS in preclinical models. B. Summary of neuronal and immune changes with rTMS in clinical models

Fig. 3

A Summary of neuronal and immune changes with tDCS in preclinical models. B Summary of neuronal and immune changes with tDCS in clinical models

Fig. 4

A Summary of neuronal and immune changes with ECT in preclinical models. B Summary of neuronal and immune changes with ECT in clinical models

Fig. 5

Summary of neuronal and immune changes with FUS in preclinical models

Fig. 6

A Summary of neuronal and immune changes with DBS in preclinical models. B Summary of neuronal and immune changes with DBS in clinical models

Fig. 7

Summary of neuronal and immune changes with VNS in preclinical models