The Mechanism at Work (IMAGE)

Université de Genève

The Mechanism at Work

Caption

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes ("T cells") of the immune system attack the neuron by secreting a molecule called interferon gamma (IFN-?). IFN-? is sensed by the adjacent neuron through the corresponding receptor and as a result of that, the signaling protein STAT1 is activated in this neuron. This leads to neuronal secretion of the molecule CCL2 which activates and attracts so-called professional phagocytes („eating cells") in the vicinity. Recruited phagocytes subsequently damage neurons by engulfing their connection („synapses").

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Doron Merkler / UNIGE

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