Neuroinflammation in now established as an important factor in the pathogenesis of many
neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). At various time
points, astrocytes and microglia are markedly activated, either producing neuroprotective or
pro-inflammatory molecules, which can decrease or increase the rate of primary motor
neuron degeneration respectively. Recent research has shown that this neuroinflammatory
component is affected by the peripheral immune system; T lymphocytes in particular are …