Interaction between Schwann cells and other cells during repair of peripheral nerve injury

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is common and, unlike damage to the central nervous system injured nerves can effectively regenerate depending on the location and severity of injury. Peripheral myelinating glia, Schwann cells (SCs), interact with various cells in and around the injury site and are important for debris elimination, repair, and nerve regeneration. Following PNI, Wallerian degeneration of the distal stump is rapidly initiated by degeneration of damaged axons followed by morphologic changes in SCs and the recruitment of circulating macrophages. Interaction with fibroblasts from the injured nerve microenvironment also plays a role in nerve repair. The replication and migration of injury-induced dedifferentiated SCs are also important in repairing the nerve. In particular, SC migration stimulates axonal regeneration and subsequent myelination of regenerated nerve fibers. This mobility increases SC interactions with other cells in the nerve and the exogenous environment, which influence SC behavior post-injury. Following PNI, SCs directly and indirectly interact with other SCs, fibroblasts, and macrophages. In addition, the inter- and intracellular mechanisms that underlie morphological and functional changes in SCs following PNI still require further research to explain known phenomena and less understood cell-specific roles in the repair of the injured peripheral nerve. This review provides a basic assessment of SC function post-PNI, as well as a more comprehensive evaluation of the literature concerning the SC interactions with macrophages and fibroblasts that can influence SC behavior and, ultimately, repair of the injured nerve.

Macrophage-specific RhoA knockout delays Wallerian degeneration after peripheral nerve injury in mice

“…Joshi’s study indicates even motor and sensory neurons respond differently to RhoA inactivation [ 55 ].These evidences remind us to play attention to realize that the role of RhoA might be different in various cells. In peripheral nerve, besides neurons, other cells such as Schwann cells and macrophages also play important roles in nerve regeneration [ 56 , 57 ]. For instance, the Schwann cells in the injured nerve undergo demyelination, dedifferentiation, proliferation, migration, and then form Büngner bands which conduct axonal regeneration.…”

Satellite Glial Cells in Pain Research: A Targeted Viewpoint of Potential and Future Directions

“…The clinical implication of fenofibrate to yield beneficial neuroprotective effects has already been discussed for diabetic retinopathy (71) and brain trauma (69,72). Considering the complexity of the changes that occur after peripheral nerve injury and the involvement of several cell types, it has been suggested to investigate interactions between SCs, fibroblasts, and macrophages in addition to sensory nerves and SGCs (73). This would facilitate a better understanding of cell-specific roles in repair phenomena following peripheral nerve injury.…”

A Review on the Role of Endogenous Neurotrophins and Schwann Cells in Axonal Regeneration

“…1 Summarised representation of post-injury events observed in neurons compared to a healthy neuron. A healthy neuron marks the presence of Nissl's body, intact myelin and axon with nucleus occupying a central position in the cell body (created with BioRender.com) Qu et al 2021). SCs are present as myelinating and nonmyelinating cells (Remak cells) in peripheral nerve fibres.…”