Aging-Dependent Immune Mediated Control of Axonal Regeneration and Recovery After Injury

Abstract

I will talk about a novel aging-dependent mechanism that restricts axonal regeneration after injury. I will show that it involves the role of a specific subset of CD8 T cells in the control of the regenerative ability of sensory neurons. Next I will demonstrate that treatment with monoclonal antibodies that antagonise the recruitment of these immune cells can promote repair and recovery. Lastly, I will discuss the potential broader implications of this discovery beyond the peripheral immune system.