Regulatory mechanisms of infection in neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract:

Neurodegenerative diseases are generally characterized by loss of synapses and death of neurons, leading to decreased cognitive function, dementia and loss of motor function. Increasing epidemiological and experimental evidence indicates that chronic bacterial, viral and fungal infections may cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Multiple sclerosis. Chronic infections in the central nervous system could lead to a series of cellular disfunction such as protein misfolding and aggregation, increased oxidative stress, abnormal autophagy, neuronal apoptosis or necrosis. Pathogen infection may also trigger the release of inflammatory mediators and the activation of host immune responses. Furthermore, infection could lead to chronic nerve inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Here we review recent progress in the research of the regulatory roles and mechanisms of infections in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. A better understanding of the relationship between pathogenic infections and neurodegenerative diseases will promote the development of new drugs and therapies.