Influenza A Infection Accelerates Disease-Associated Microglia Formation During Physiological Aging
Our brains have their own dedicated immune cells called microglia, which are crucial for maintaining brain health. However, as we age, these cells can sometimes shift into a “disease-associated” state, which is linked to cognitive decline and conditions like dementia. This research explores how common infections, specifically influenza A pneumonia, might influence this process. The findings indicate that experiencing influenza A pneumonia can speed up the accumulation of these disease-associated microglia in the brain, especially in middle-aged individuals. This suggests that a severe infection, even if it doesn’t directly invade the brain, can trigger changes in the brain’s immune environment, potentially contributing to an accelerated aging of the brain’s immune system. Interestingly, similar accumulations of these specialized immune cells were also observed in the white matter of human brains affected by dementia, highlighting the potential relevance of these findings to human health.
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