Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Role of Immune System in Stroke/Brain Injury

Immune reactions have an important role in stroke and are associated in the primary and secondary progression of ischemic lesions, and are also in involved in repair, recovery, and overall outcome of stroke. Immune system actively participates in the acute pathogenesis of stroke. Thrombosis and hypoxia trigger an intravascular inflammatory cascade, which is further augmented by the innate immune response to cellular damage occurring in the parenchyma. This immune activation may cause secondary tissue injury. Further research is required to determine what role does immune system has in long-term outcomes after stroke, but elucidation of potential mechanisms may open promising avenues for the development of new therapeutics to improve neurological recovery after brain injury.