Mechanisms of immune system and inflammatory effects on CNS development and mental health

It is now well accepted that cells of the nervous and immune systems communicate through bidirectional signaling mediated by the release of cytokines, chemokines, extracellular vesicles, and contact-dependent mechanisms. These neuroimmune processes are thought to play a central role in shaping brain function. During the critical period of neurodevelopment, immune challenges can potentially be highly impactful, perturbing processes such as neuronal differentiation, synaptic pruning and circuit maturation. Such perturbations have been linked to long-term consequences for cognitive, emotional, and social behavior, and with increased risk for neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders.

Research over the past two decades has significantly advanced the understanding of mechanisms of how inflammatory processes affect the development of the central nervous system, from the role of specific cytokines during embryonic and early postnatal life to the involvement of the brain’s resident immune cells, such as microglia, as mediators of long-term neural and behavioral effects. However, fundamental mechanisms underlying the acute and long-term impact of neuroimmune activity on intracellular and intercellular signaling and brain circuitry remain to be defined. Despite notable strides, this is still an emerging research area, with significant gaps in our understanding of the complexity of biological processes that underly the development of pathology, such as the mechanisms of risk and resilience, sex differences, critical periods, genetic risk and hormonal and stress influences, among other factors.

In an effort to address these problems, we invite contributions interrogating the neurodevelopmental influence of neuroimmune mechanisms early in life, from the prenatal to early adolescence stages. In particular, how does the neuroimmune axis shape the structure and function of cells and circuits relevant to cognitive, affective and social domains? Research involving molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches in human-based models, as well as in-vitro and in-vivo animal based models, are welcome, along with advanced computational approaches. All modes of communication are welcome, including short communications, original articles, comprehensive reviews, mini-reviews and perspective articles.

This collection aims to advance mechanistic insights into early-life neuroimmune interactions, identify mechanisms underlying vulnerability and resilience to neurodevelopmental disorders and mental health diseases, with an overall goal to inform on preventive and therapeutic strategies.