The Role of Glia in Inflammatory Processes

Dear Colleagues,

Central nervous system (CNS) inflammation is a crucial process for brain homeostasis. Microglial cells and astrocytes are among the main players with pivotal functions in controlling inflammatory responses and promoting tissue repair. Although inflammation can be beneficial for the brain, exacerbated responses have been associated with the development of neurological conditions. Despite advances in the understanding of neuroinflammatory processes and the role of glial cells in the brain, much is still lacking in the comprehension of the specific pathways involved in this mechanism. Moreover, the development of better diagnostic tools and therapies is of significance to improve the quality of life of patients with neurological conditions.

The main purpose of this Special Issue of Brain Sciences is to provide high-quality research on the rapidly growing field of the function of glial cells in inflammatory processes.

Recent progress in the comprehension of the underlying mechanisms involved in CNS inflammation and the role of microglia and astrocytes will be of particular importance.

We also welcome contributions exploring specific signaling pathways involved in inflammatory responses such as oxidative and nitrosative stress and purinergic signaling. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, including those focusing on bioactive and natural compounds, and diagnostic tools are also of interest.

The scope of this Special Issue welcomes submissions of original research works, brief reports, case studies, clinical trials, perspectives, mini-reviews, reviews, short communications, and translational research articles. Data may be obtained from human subjects and in vitro and in vivo protocols using different organism models.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The role of glial cells in CNS inflammation;
• The signaling pathways involved in neuroinflammation;
• Neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders;
• Behavioral alterations;
• Oxidative and nitrosative stress;
• Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions;
• Cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques.

We aim to provide state-of-the-art research exploring the role of microglia and astrocytes in the underlying mechanisms involved in CNS inflammation.

Dr. Charles Elias Assmann
Dr. Margarete Dulce Bagatini
Guest Editors

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• neuroinflammation
• neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders
• microglia
• astrocytes
• purinergic signaling
• bioactive and natural compounds
• immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology
• oxidative and nitrosative stress
• neuroimaging
• neuroscience and behavior