Reactive astrocytes in prion diseases: Friend or foe?

This article discusses the role of reactive astrocytes in prion diseases. Astrocytes are important for brain function and maintaining the blood-brain barrier. In prion diseases, reactive astrocytes can have both protective and detrimental effects. They can produce a protein called Mfge8 that helps clear cellular debris, but they can also harm neurons and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. The degree of astrocyte activation is correlated with the severity and progression of the disease. Understanding the mechanisms behind astrocyte reactivity could potentially lead to therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative processes in prion diseases. [Extracted from the article]