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A Layperson's Guide to Our Vision
Ranjan here. My journey into neuroimmunology began with my daughter's battle with FIRES - a rare and devastating condition that opened my eyes to how profoundly the immune system can affect the brain. Over the past year, I've immersed myself in conversations with medical researchers, scientists, and innovators, trying to understand not just FIRES, but the entire emerging field of research at the intersection of neurology and immunology.
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What I've discovered has been remarkable. While FIRES represents perhaps the most dramatic example of how the immune system can impact the brain, it's just one piece of a much larger scientific frontier. The connections between our nervous and immune systems, once thought to be entirely separate, are reshaping our understanding of human health and disease.
As someone without a medical background, I found myself encountering complex terms and concepts that were completely new to me. Each conversation brought new terminology to learn and understand. That's why we've created this glossary - to help others navigate this emerging field more easily.
By making these concepts more accessible and understandable, we hope to help more people engage with and support this crucial area of research. This glossary is a v1. The Samaya Fund is dedicated to advancing our understanding of neuroimmunology, and the more people who understand its importance, the greater impact we can have together.
Core Terms
NORSE
New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus: A rare but severe condition where a person with no prior history of epilepsy suddenly develops continuous seizures that don't respond to typical anti-seizure medications. Often occurs in previously healthy individuals and can be particularly challenging to treat.
FIRES
Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome: A specific type of NORSE that develops in the wake of a fever or infection, typically seen in young people. It can quickly progress from a seemingly normal fever to continuous, difficult-to-treat seizures.
Autoimmune Epilepsy
A type of epilepsy where the body's own immune system attacks parts of the brain, leading to seizures. This understanding has led to new treatment approaches using medications that target the immune system rather than just treating the seizures.
Key Structures & Systems
Blood-Brain Barrier
A specialized wall of blood vessels that acts like a security system for the brain, controlling what substances can enter from the bloodstream. When this barrier is compromised, it can allow harmful substances to reach the brain, potentially causing inflammation and other problems.
Gut-Brain Axis
Gut-Brain Axis: The two-way communication system between your digestive system and your brain, which includes nerves, hormones, and immune system signals. This connection helps explain why stress can affect digestion and why gut health might influence mood and behavior.
Glymphatic System
The brain's recently discovered waste removal system that becomes most active during sleep. Think of it as the brain's cleaning crew, removing toxic proteins and waste products that could otherwise build up and cause problems.
Lymphatic System in the Brain
A network of vessels discovered in 2015 that connects the brain directly to the body's immune system. This discovery changed our understanding of how the brain and immune system communicate.
Meninges
The protective layers of tissue that surround the brain and spinal cord, which we now know contain important immune system components. These layers are more than just protection - they're active participants in brain health.
Cellular Components
Microglia
The brain's resident immune cells that act as first responders to infection and injury. These cells also help maintain healthy brain function by cleaning up debris and supporting nerve cell connections.
Astrocytes
Star-shaped brain cells that perform multiple crucial functions, from supporting neural connections to helping control inflammation. They're like the brain's support staff, helping everything run smoothly.
T Cells
Immune system cells that can recognize and help fight off specific threats to the body. We now know they can interact with the brain in ways we didn't previously understand.
Immune System Components
Cytokines
Small proteins released by immune cells that act as chemical messengers, allowing immune cells to communicate with each other and with other cells in the body. In conditions like FIRES, too many cytokines can cause harmful inflammation in the brain.
Cytokine Storm
A severe immune reaction where the body releases too many cytokines too quickly, potentially causing damage to organs including the brain. This can occur in conditions like FIRES and was also seen in severe COVID-19 cases.
Neuro-inflammation
Inflammation specifically occurring in the brain or spinal cord, which can be both helpful and harmful depending on the circumstances. While some inflammation is necessary for healing, too much can damage brain cells.
Research & Treatment
Molecular Imaging
Advanced techniques that allow scientists to watch immune cells moving and working in the living brain. This technology has transformed our understanding of how the brain and immune system interact.
Immuno-modulation
The practice of adjusting immune system activity - either boosting or suppressing it - to treat disease. This is becoming an increasingly important approach for treating brain conditions.
Immunotherapy
Treatments that work by modifying or using the body's own immune system to fight disease. This approach is becoming increasingly important in treating various brain conditions.
Biomarkers
Measurable indicators in the body that can help diagnose disease or track how well treatments are working. These might include specific proteins or antibodies found in blood or spinal fluid.
Brain-Computer Interface
Devices that create a direct communication pathway between the brain and external devices. Understanding how the immune system responds to these devices is crucial for their long-term safety and effectiveness.