Dear Colleagues,

Pathological conditions of the nervous system in which neurons degenerate are collectively defined as neurodegenerative diseases. Different diseases are developed, essentially depending on the location of the neuronal population(s) involved. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis are among the most pressing neurodegenerative diseases, owing to their devastating consequences. Despite the different etiologies, a growing role is recognized in processes collectively referred to as neuroinflammation. During these processes, the neuron environment is affected, principally by non-neuronal neural cells, such as microglia and astrocytes, and also the blood–brain barrier, and immune cells entering the nervous system, which mediate damage and repair. In this respect, emerging evidence also indicates that trillions of microorganisms that inhabit the gut (gut microbiota) may influence neuroinflammatory responses. They represent the most relevant source of proteins, pathogen-related motives, and “foreign” DNAs, continuously interacting with the immune system.

This Special Issue will provide an up-to-date overview, gathering research or review manuscripts addressing inflammatory processes that mechanistically participate in inducing different neurodegenerative diseases, including molecular signaling pathways, mechanisms able to modulate immune cell trafficking, the role of microbiota, and also considering the role of environment and genetics as drivers. Studies on inflammatory biomarkers as tools for diagnosing/monitoring neurodegenerative diseases are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Fabrizio Michetti
Dr. Gabriele Di Sante
Dr. M. Elisabetta Clementi
Guest Editors

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• neuroinflammation
• neurodegeneration
• astrocytes
• microglia
• immune cells
• blood–brain barrier
• microbiota
• damage/danger-associated molecular patterns
• pattern recognition receptors