Are Immune Molecules Brain Builders?

Researchers set out to answer the question of how the developing brain forms its last synapses. They suprisingly found C1q which is an important gene invovled in the body's immune system. Researcher Ben Barnes said, " It stunned us." Until now scientists were under the impression that the brain worked free of immune cells. Now they found that they not only exist in the human brain but that they play a large and neccessary role. Researchers also found that immune proteins act differently on the surface of nerve cells than they do in the rest of the body. They guide signals between neurons and help control synapses sonnection strength or weakness. In the developing brain are many more synapses than neccessary. REsearchers found that this C1q is produced at the same time that these synapses are being weeded out, and that animals that lack C1q have extra connections in thier adult brains. Scientists also belive that over exposure to this molecule during development can be harmful and lead to disorders such as glaucoma and autism. When a mother is pregnant and sick her immune molecules are produced heavily. This could cause nuerological problems in the baby. Since synapse loss is a huge factor in Alzheimer's and autism, these new developments could prove huge for future research of these disorders and also in the future treatment of these two.
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=are-immune-system-molecules-build-brains



My Response:
I was really wowed by this article becuase it shows how little we actually know about the human brain. I think that it would be awesome if doctors could find improved ways to treat Alzheimer's and Autism. This opens new doors for brain researchers, doctors, and drug makers alike. This could prove to be great for a huge number of people and it could even help lead to prevention of these horrible diseases.