Are there markers in blood that can determine the activation of Schwann cells?5 answersMarkers in blood that can indicate the activation of Schwann cells have been investigated. Studies have identified potential biomarkers for Schwann cell activation, such as neurofilament light (NfL) and Transmembrane protease serine 5 (TMPRSS5). Additionally, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been explored for its role in stimulating Schwann cells, with PRP-exos showing the ability to promote Schwann cell proliferation. Proteomic analysis has also revealed differentially expressed proteins in activated Schwann cells, including GPNMB and ENPP3, which may play a role in nerve injury repair. These findings suggest that specific proteins and exosomes in blood could serve as markers for Schwann cell activation, potentially aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving Schwann cell dysfunction.
Is there a relationship between Schwann cells and T-cell infiltration?5 answersSchwann cells have been shown to interact with T-cells in various contexts. Research indicates that Schwann cells can act as antigen-presenting cells, expressing MHC-II molecules and regulating T-cell responses. Additionally, Schwann cells have been found to produce prostaglandin E in response to tumor cells, leading to T-cell inhibition and polarization towards an exhausted phenotype. Furthermore, Schwann cells can secrete CXCL1 in response to HIV-1 gp120 exposure, attracting macrophages to peripheral nerves and contributing to pain-like behaviors. These findings highlight the intricate relationship between Schwann cells and T-cell infiltration, suggesting that Schwann cells play a crucial role in modulating immune responses in various pathological conditions.
Is there a relationship between cancer immunogenicity and Schwann cells?5 answersSchwann cells have been shown to play a significant role in cancer immunogenicity. They can be stimulated by tumor cells to produce prostaglandin E, which inhibits the proliferation of T cells and upregulates the expression of immune checkpoint molecules CD73 and PD-1 on T cells, leading to T cell exhaustion. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), tumor-associated nonmyelinating Schwann cells (TASc) have been found to contribute to the immunoresistant microenvironment of the tumor. TASc express the long noncoding RNA PVT1, which modulates tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase activity in TASc, promoting immune suppression in PDAC. Schwann cells in the tumor milieu attract immune regulators and enhance their ability to suppress effector T cells, potentially contributing to tumor invasiveness and metastasis. Additionally, Schwann cells have been implicated in promoting cancer cell invasion, modulating immune responses, and transmitting pain sensation in the context of cancer. Overall, these findings suggest a relationship between cancer immunogenicity and Schwann cells, highlighting their role in tumor development and immune resistance.
What is the role of the Schwann cells in neuroblastoma?4 answersSchwann cells (SCs) play a role in neuroblastoma by exhibiting plasticity and contributing to tumor development and therapeutic resistance. Single-cell transcriptomics analysis revealed the presence of a subpopulation of malignant cells resembling Schwann cell precursors (SCPs) within neuroblastoma tumors. These SCP-like cells connect the adrenergic and mesenchymal compartments of the tumor, suggesting a potential reservoir of malignant cells and intratumoral plasticity mechanisms. Additionally, stromal SCs found within peripheral neuroblastic tumors, such as ganglioneuromas, exhibit repair-specific functions and have a pro-differentiating effect on aggressive neuroblastoma cells. The secretome of stromal SCs contains factors, such as EGFL8, which induce neuronal differentiation of neuroblastoma cell lines. These findings suggest that SCs in neuroblastoma contribute to tumor heterogeneity, therapeutic resistance, and potentially offer therapeutic targets for promoting neuronal differentiation and overcoming the limitations of current treatments.
In which tissues are Schwann cells most abundant?5 answersSchwann cells are most abundant in the nerves of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They can be found in the peripheral nerve tissues, including the myelinating cells that form the myelin sheath and the non-myelinating Remak Schwann cells that interact with small diameter axons in Remak bundles. Schwann cells also populate nerve fiber bundles in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Inguinal adipose tissue has been identified as a source of Schwann cells, which have been isolated and shown to have similar phenotype and function to Schwann cells derived from sciatic nerves. Therefore, Schwann cells can be found in both nerve tissues and adipose tissue, making them abundant in these tissues.
What are the molecular interaction between schwann cell and axon leading to axonal regrowth after transection?5 answersSchwann cells play a crucial role in axonal regrowth after transection injury. They migrate into the nerve gap and interact with regenerating axons to guide their regeneration across the gap. Schwann cell migration starts later than axon regrowth, and migrating Schwann cells overtake regenerating axons within the nerve bridge. Schwann cells form cords within the nerve bridge, but these cords may not be wide enough to guide all the regenerating axons, resulting in axons growing along the outside of the nerve stumps. Schwann cells and axons have complex interactions mediated by molecules responsible for physical junctions and soluble mediators. Activation of Erk1/2 and c-Jun in Schwann cells induces repair programs and contributes to interaction with axons for regeneration. Schwann cell β1 integrin mediates the Cdc2-vimentin pathway and connects to adaptor molecules in the growth cone of regenerating axons through binding to extracellular matrix proteins. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of Schwann cell-axon interactions are critical for axonal regeneration and functional maintenance of axonal mitochondria.