Schwann cell-dependent regulation of peripheral nerve injury and repair

Abstract

Schwann cells play significant roles in multiple aspects of peripheral nerve structures and functions in both health and disease. Recent studies have uncovered how Schwann cells respond to peripheral nerve injury. Schwann cells trans-differentiate to distinct phenotypes after nerve injury and contribute to myelin debris clearance, attract macrophages into the lesions, protect injured neurons, promote axonal regrowth, and finally remyelinate and reform nodes of Ranvier along the regenerated axons. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the Schwann cell repair phenotype will provide important clues to establish specific treatment strategies to protect peripheral nerves from injury and facilitate functional recovery.