Immune cells in the brain form bridges to nerve cells and protect against neurodegenerative diseases
When nerve cells in the brain die, diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s develop. To protect these cells, there are immune cells in the brain known as microglia. A study has now shown that microglia form tiny tubes, so-called -tunnelling nanotubes-, and thus connect directly to the nerve cells. The microglia can transport harmful proteins away as well as supply vital substances via the tubes. These findings are important for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
In diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, harmful protein clumps form in the neurones. ...
