Fig. 1.

Infectious agents affect the immune system function, which leads long-term inflammation, incremented signaling of proinflammatory cytokines, and lack of normal functions of various cell types, such Th1, Th17, regulatory T cells, and NTCs. Autoimmune processes including molecular mimicry and activation of auto-reactive cells can also occur during acute infection Infectious agents with neural invasion potential can cause inflammatory and ischemic damage of the central nervous system, leading to nerve damage, demyelination, and consequent dysfunctions. Infections may also cause structural damage to the mitochondria, reducing energy generation, altering metabolism, and reducing antioxidant function [49].