Infiltration by monocytes of the central nervous system and its role in multiple sclerosis:reflections on therapeutic strategies
Guangyong Zhang
Qing Yao
Chubing Long
Pengcheng Yi
Jiali Song
Luojia Wu
Wei Wan
Xiuqin Rao
Yue Lin
Gen Wei
Jun Ying
Fuzhou Hua
Abstract：Mononuclear macrophage infiltration in the central nervous system is a prominent feature of neuroinflammation. Recent studies on the pathogenesis and progression of multiple sclerosis have highlighted the multiple roles of mononuclear macrophages in the neuroinflammatory process. Monocytes play a significant role in neuroinflammation, and managing neuroinflammation by manipulating peripheral monocytes stands out as an effective strategy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, leading to improved patient outcomes. This review outlines the steps involved in the entry of myeloid monocytes into the central nervous system that are targets for effective intervention: the activation of bone marrow hematopoiesis, migration of monocytes in the blood, and penetration of the blood-brain barrier by monocytes. Finally, we summarize the different monocyte subpopulations and their effects on the central nervous system based on phenotypic differences. As activated microglia resemble monocyte-derived macrophages, it is important to accurately identify the role of monocyte-derived macrophages in disease. Depending on the roles played by monocyte-derived macrophages at different stages of the disease, several of these processes can be interrupted to limit neuroinflammation and improve patient prognosis. Here, we discuss possible strategies to target monocytes in neurological diseases, focusing on three key aspects of monocyte infiltration into the central nervous system, to provide new ideas for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Keywords：blood-brain barriermacrophagesmonocytesmultiple sclerosisneuroinflammationreviewtherapy
Publication Date：2025-03-27
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：15( 779-793 )