Neuroimmune Mechanisms of Cerebellar Development and Its Developmental Disorders: Bidirectional Link Between the Immune System and Nervous System

Abstract

Understanding the cross talk between the immune system and cerebellum development has noticeable implications for understanding and management of neurodevelopmental disorders. Our knowledge about cerebellar developmental maturation and remodeling is improving. Immune cells have different functions in a healthy state, but those functions are compromised during developmental stages in mammals. In this chapter, we highlight the evidence that indicates an important role of the immune system within the cerebellum and brain. We discuss the contribution of different immune responses in the development of the cerebellum and its associated disorders and highlight current understanding of the mechanisms and insights involved in these processes. Immune pathways that have a crucial role in cerebellar development are likely to become therapeutic targets for several neurodevelopmental disorders. Therefore, this information may suggest new therapeutic approaches to developmental disorders of the cerebellum through suppression or activation of selected immune pathways.