The link between neuroinflammation and the neurovascular unit in synucleinopathies

摘要

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is composed of vascular cells, glial cells, and neurons. As a fundamental functional module in the central nervous system, the NVU maintains homeostasis in the microenvironment and the integ-rity of the blood-brain barrier. Disruption of the NVU and interactions among its components are involved in the pathophysiology of synucleinopathies, which are characterized by the pathological accumulation of & alpha;-synuclein. Neuroinflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies. This review aims to summarize the neuroinflamma-tory response of glial cells and vascular cells in the NVU. We also review neuroinflammation in the context of the cross-talk between glial cells and vascular cells, between glial cells and pericytes, and between microglia and astroglia. Last, we discuss how & alpha;-synuclein affects neuroinflammation and how neuroinflammation influences the aggregation and spread of & alpha;-synuclein and analyze different properties of & alpha;-synuclein in synucleinopathies.

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