Publication Date
1-1-2022
Journal
Frontiers in Immunology
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Progranulin (PGRN) is a secreted glycoprotein, the expression of which is linked to several neurodegenerative diseases. Although its specific function is still unclear, several studies have linked it with lysosomal functions and immune system regulation. Here, we have explored the role of PGRN in peripheral and central immune system homeostasis by investigating the consequences of PGRN deficiency on adaptive and innate immune cell populations.
METHODS: First, we used gene co-expression network analysis of published data to test the hypothesis that
RESULTS: Male PGRN KO mice exhibited a lower abundance of microglial cells with higher MHC-II expression, increased CD44 expression on monocytes in the brain, and more CNS-associated CD8
DISCUSSION: Our data suggest that PGRN and GPNMB jointly regulate the peripheral and the central immune system in a sex-specific manner; thus, understanding their associated mechanisms could pave the way for developing new neuroprotective strategies to modulate central and peripheral inflammation to lower risk for neurodegenerative diseases and possibly delay or halt progression.
Keywords
Male, Female, Animals, Mice, Progranulins, Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins, Granulins, CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Mice, Knockout, Immune System