Table 1.
Cell type
|
Role during remyelination
|
|
Roles during demyelination
|
Microglial cell: M2 phenotype | Promotes repair and efficient removal of debris to enhance remyelination by expressing the TREM-2 receptor on the cell surface | Microglial cell: M1 phenotype | Produces pro-inflammatory cytokines, further activating demyelination by recruiting phagocytes to the area as well as generating reactive oxygen species |
Oligodendrocyte progenitor cell | Precursor cell type found in the central nervous system that have the potential to differentiate into oligodendrocytes | ||
Oligodendrocyte | Cell type in the central nervous system that produces myelin | ||
Astrocytes | Generate a protein network to localize inflammation and sparing tissue | Can form glial scars, impeding OPC entry. Secretes TNF-α, which further promotes phagocytosis and demyelination |
OPC: Oligodendrocyte precursor cell; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha.