The role of cytokines in modulating learning and memory and brain plasticity

Bourgognon, J.-M. and Cavanagh, J. (2020) The role of cytokines in modulating learning and memory and brain plasticity. Brain and Neuroscience Advances, 4, pp. 1-13. (doi: 10.1177/2398212820979802) (PMID:33415308) (PMCID:PMC7750764)

Abstract

Cytokines are proteins secreted in the central nervous system by neurons, microglia, astrocytes and infiltrating peripheral immune cells under physiological and pathological conditions. Over the last 20 years, a growing number of reports have investigated the effects of these molecules on brain plasticity. In this review, we describe how the key cytokines interleukin 1β, interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor α were found to support long-term plasticity and learning and memory processes in physiological conditions. In contrast, during inflammation where cytokines levels are elevated such as in models of brain injury or infection, depression or neurodegeneration, the effects of cytokines are mostly detrimental to memory mechanisms, associated behaviours and homeostatic plasticity.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bourgognon, Dr Julie-Myrtille and Cavanagh, Professor Jonathan
• Authors: Bourgognon, J.-M., and Cavanagh, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Research Centre: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Immunobiology
• Journal Name: Brain and Neuroscience Advances
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 2398-2128
• ISSN (Online): 2398-2128
• Published Online: 18 December 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Brain and Neuroscience Advances 4: 1-13
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License