Antigen presentation by CD40 + MHC-II + astrocytes promotes CNS autoimmunity
Nature, Published online: 05 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10860-6 Astrocytes promote central nervous system (CNS) immunity through antigen presentation and activation of CD40 in astrocytes by CD40L expressed by CD4+ T cells in a model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
Astrocytes play a role in promoting central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity, particularly in multiple sclerosis and its mouse model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Researchers used advanced techniques to study the interactions between astrocytes and CD4+ T cells. They found that astrocytes expressing CD40 and MHC-II enhance pathogenic T helper 17 cell responses in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
CD40 activation in astrocytes leads to the accumulation of lipid droplets that provide acetyl-CoA, promoting NF-κB activation and antigen presentation. These studies highlight a new mechanism by which astrocytes contribute to CNS autoimmunity.
Written by urgent.news from Nature's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
