Anatomy & immune functions of brain clearance

Jonathan Kipnis, PhD BJC Investigator, Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Pathology and Immunology Professor of Neurology, Neuroscience and Neurosurgery Director, Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center WashU Medicine in St. Louis

Recent evidence has challenged many dogmas in neuroimmunology. Brain-derived ‘waste’ from deep within the brain is mobilized via the glymphatic system towards an immunologically active brain borders, where meningeal lymphatic vessels are appropriately positioned to drain the waste and antigens from the brain to the periphery. The presentation of brain-derived self-peptides at the brain’s borders is critical in allowing active immunosurveillance while limiting aberrant immune reactivity and for clearing the brain of toxic compounds. Taking into consideration these novel concepts, we develop new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including lymphatic based modifications, such as genetic, pharmacological and surgical approaches.