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Protecting the brain from infection may start with a gut reaction

In mice, immune cells on the brain’s surface are first trained in the intestines to recognize invaders

illustration of plasma cells

Antibody-producing plasma cells (illustrated) have now been found in the protective barrier that surrounds the brain.

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By Aayushi Pratap

- More than 2 years ago

Some immune defenses of the brain may have their roots in the gut.

A new study in mice finds that immune cells are first trained in the gut to recognize and launch attacks on pathogens, and then migrate to the brain’s surface to protect it, researchers report online November 4 in Nature.