The understanding of the dialogue between the brain and the immune system has undergone dramatic changes over the last two decades, with immense impact on the perception of neurodegenerative diseases, mental dysfunction, and many other brain pathologic conditions. Accumulated results have suggested that optimal function of the brain is dependent on support from the immune system, provided that this immune response is tightly controlled. Moreover, in contrast to the previous prevailing dogma, it is now widely accepted that circulating immune cells are needed for coping with brain pathologies and that their optimal effect is dependent on their type, location, and activity. In this perspective, we describe our own scientific journey, reviewing the milestones in attaining this understanding of the brain–immune axis integrated with numerous related studies by others. We then explain their significance in demonstrating the possibility of harnessing the immune system in a well-controlled manner for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

中文翻译：

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从轴索损伤到神经退行性疾病的 20 年历程以及免疫疗法对抗阿尔茨海默病的前景

在过去的二十年里，对大脑和免疫系统之间对话的理解发生了巨大的变化，对神经退行性疾病、精神功能障碍和许多其他大脑病理状况的感知产生了巨大影响。累积的结果表明，大脑的最佳功能取决于免疫系统的支持，前提是这种免疫反应受到严格控制。此外，与之前流行的教条相反，现在人们普遍认为，需要循环免疫细胞来应对脑部病变，并且它们的最佳效果取决于它们的类型、位置和活动。从这个角度，我们描述了我们自己的科学之旅，回顾与其他人的众多相关研究相结合的对大脑 - 免疫轴的理解的里程碑。然后我们解释了它们在证明以良好控制的方式利用免疫系统治疗神经退行性疾病的可能性方面的重要性。