Inflammasome - Australia News Beep

Innate immune activation and microglial transition during neurodegeneration. (A) During neurodegeneration, distressed neurons release DAMPs such as mtDNA, ROS, HMGB1, aberrant proteins, and pTau–bound RNA. These signals activate resident microglia and astrocytes, which then recruit peripheral immune cells. As shown in more detail in B, activated microglia upregulate PRRs, including TLRs, RAGE, and cGAS, enabling detection of neuron-derived DAMPs. Engagement of PRRs induces proinflammatory gene expression programs and activates inflammasome pathways that promote release of chemokines and cytokines into the CNS parenchyma. As microglia transition from homeostatic to reactive states in a TREM2-dependent manner, damage-associated microglia increase MHC-II expression to support antigen presentation and coordination of adaptive immune responses that attempt to limit neurodegeneration.

Read More

How the immune system may influence Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and related diseases

April 17, 2026

A sweeping review shows how the brain’s immune defenses can both fight and fuel neurodegeneration, revealing why timing,…

New EASD guideline combines clinical standards with lived experience

Read More

Metformin protects neurons after brain injury by restoring mitochondrial health

April 13, 2026

TBI remains a major cause of death and long-term neurological disability worldwide, yet effective treatments for secondary injury…

New approach doubles chemotherapy effectiveness by targeting cancer cell memory

Read More

New NIH grants fuel research in oral cancer treatment and pain relief

November 8, 2025

Researchers at the School of Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of The University…