Role of dendritic cells in spinal cord injury

Abstract

BackgroundInflammation can worsen spinal cord injury (SCI), with dendritic cells (DCs) playing a crucial role in the inflammatory response. They mediate T lymphocyte differentiation, activate microglia, and release cytokines like NT‐3. Moreover, DCs can promote neural stem cell survival and guide them toward neuron differentiation, positively impacting SCI outcomes.ObjectiveThis review aims to summarize the role of DCs in SCI‐related inflammation and identify potential therapeutic targets for treating SCI.MethodsLiterature in PubMed and Web of Science was reviewed using critical terms related to DCs and SCI.ResultsThe study indicates that DCs can activate microglia and astrocytes, promote T‐cell differentiation, increase neurotrophin release at the injury site, and subsequently reduce secondary brain injury and enhance functional recovery in the spinal cord.ConclusionsThis review highlights the repair mechanisms of DCs and their potential therapeutic potential for SCI.