Molecular Targeting and Pharmacology of Neuroinflammation

Dear Colleagues, 

Glial cells are central orchestrators of neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS), integrating immune signaling with neuronal health. Microglia and astrocytes dynamically shift between protective and detrimental states, with prolonged pro-inflammatory M1-like microglial activation contributing to chronic inflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. Conversely, promoting M2-like microglial polarization and attenuating astrocyte hypertrophy can restore CNS homeostasis. Molecular pathways regulating these glial phenotypic transitions, including receptor-mediated signaling, transcriptional programs, cellular senescence and cytokine networks, are emerging as promising therapeutic targets. Advances in human genetics and transcriptomics now enable the identification of glial-specific modulators of CNS immunity, creating opportunities for precision neuropharmaceuticals. Translational challenges including a need for robust predictive models and biomarkers of neuroinflammation must be addressed. This Special Issue will highlight novel molecular mechanisms, pharmacological targets and neuropharmaceutical developments aimed at modulating glial function to combat neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative CNS diseases.

Dr. Lisa Lione
Guest Editor

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