Immune Functions of Glia and Neurons in the Central Nervous System

The central nervous system (CNS) is now known to actively communicate with the immune system. While studies on glial cells, especially microglia, have highlighted the importance of this cell type in innate immune responses of the CNS, the immune functions of other cell types, especially neurons are largely elusive. However, recent findings suggest that neurons also actively participate in immune responses by controlling glial cells and infiltrated T cells. The aim of this review is to address the immune function of both glial cells and neurons, and the roles they play in regulating inflammatory processes and maintaining homeostasis of the CNS.