Folia Medica (Sep 2020)

Stroke and the immune system: A review of the new strategies

  • Valentin Todorov,
  • Maria Dimitrova

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3897/folmed.62.e49451
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 62, no. 3
pp. 431 – 437

Abstract

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The immunology of stroke can be approached in several ways. By viewing stroke from an immunological standpoint, we are trying to achieve new insights in its pathogenesis and reach new therapeutic options. To review and summarize the findings from publications on immunology of stroke. Infections are a well-known risk factor for stroke. This is due to activated immune cells interacting with throm-bocytes and releasing coagulation factors, which affect the formation of the thrombus. Aseptic inflammation in the ischemic lesion leads to cellular invasion of the area and triggers a pro-inflammatory response, which has an impact on further destruction of ischemic brain tissue. Another aspect of stroke is systemic immune suppression, which is a predisposing factor towards a systemic bacterial infection. Infection itself is also an independent risk factor for negative clinical outcomes and increased mortality. The immunological approach to the topic of ischemic stroke holds significant value for future research.

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